Overview & Reviews

Although it wasn't around for very long, the Hyundai Veracruz could be a worthwhile choice for a crossover SUV. As with other Hyundai models, the Veracruz boasted plenty of features for a price that was typically less than the competition. On top of this, the Veracruz also provided an impressively luxurious cabin and a quiet ride that was comparable to many luxury-branded crossover SUVs.

On the downside, it came up short in terms of interior space compared to some other large crossovers, and didn't offer much in terms of design flair. Hyundai also didn't sell very many of them, so finding a used model that fits your desires might be hard. But overall, the Veracruz is worth a look for shoppers interested in a feature-packed midsize or large crossover.

Most Recent Hyundai Veracruz
The seven-seat Hyundai Veracruz was produced from 2007 through 2012. Under the hood was a 260-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 paired to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional.

Originally, Hyundai offered the Veracruz in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Standard feature highlights for the base GLS trim initially included 17-inch wheels, heated side mirrors, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio. The SE was pretty similar. Major options for these trims included a sunroof, Bluetooth, heated front seats and a power driver seat. On the SE you could also get a power liftgate, leather upholstery and a premium audio system.

The Veracruz Limited came with most of the lower trims' options as standard. It also had dual-zone climate control and a power front passenger seat. Options included a navigation system and a surround-sound audio system.

Feature content largely remained the same throughout its run, although a navigation system and power liftgate became available for 2008. The following year the SE trim was dropped in favor of two optional packages available on the GLS. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system was offered for 2009 and '10 only.

When the Veracruz was introduced, it drew comparisons to luxury models rather than more pedestrian-badged competitors. The comparisons were not far-fetched. In our reviews, we found the Veracruz luxurious, well-built and very quiet on the road. Top crash test scores were another draw. On the downside, total interior cargo space and third-row rear seat room weren't quite as spacious as some competitors like the GMC Acadia. The Veracruz also looked pretty plain, which could be a turnoff for some buyers.

User Reviews:

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  I love my Veracruz - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By inlove89 - May 22 - 7:36 pm

  The minute I saw this CUV I knew I would have to own one. I bought the GLS because my husband has a santa fe limited and I dont use half the things in his car. I love it, its drive is so smooth and its pretty much soundproof. My daughter just turned 16 and with all the airbags and safety features I dont feel like im going to die when she is driving it. I never thought that Hyundai would make such a beautiful vehicle with so much space, the third row is great for toting around my daughters friends and the gas MPG is amazing for a car of this size. I would reccamend this car to anyone. People always ask me about it and want to take a look at it, and im always happy to show them.

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  Fantastic value and solid brand quality - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Steve - May 9 - 2:56 pm

  Nevermind the MotorTrend review where it beats the Lexus, or the various quality awards from JD Power, etc. This car is sleek and unbelievably refined and classy inside, and in the GLS FWD trim, an insane bargain at under 25k. The various traction and brake and ESC controls, 5 stars for safety and the tons of airbags make me feel its a great choice for our family. The driving is still sort of truck like, with acceleration and body roll pretty average, and the cabins not as quiet as the reviews say it is, but overall still very impressive. Havent had it long enough to have firsthand experience with its reliability, but Im surprised at the lack of initial issues - none at all.

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  Great Leap of Faith so far - 2010 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Optimistic - May 4 - 9:36 am

  So far I absolutely love my Veracruz!I took a leap of faith on this purchase. I was always biased against Hyundai until they came with the Genesis sedan. My last 3 vehicles have been Merc. M Class, VW Passat, and Infiniti G35. I was tired of premium fuel, quirky problems, and high repair costs. I knew I wanted crossover with power, bang for buck, and reliability. Co-worker of mine has a Veracruz and once I saw the interior I went to test drive vs. Pilot, Highlander LTD, and Traverse. Once i test drove i loved it above all. The ride is smooth as silk, the interior is class leading for the price, it is very, very quiet, and i like it much better than my previous vehicles in regard to comfort.

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  Love it. - 2009 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Max - March 29 - 9:23 am

  Just purchased this vehicle. It seems to be extremely well built, rides like a dream, has classy interior, great looking. My wife absolutely loves the vehicle. Replaced a 2007 Santa Fe Limited with this unit. Hyundai has really made huge inroads into the Luxury SUV field.

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  Great Value - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Bill - March 19 - 3:40 pm

  My wife and I have been driving this SUV for a month. It is a great value for the amount of items included. We bought the Limited FWD version for $26,000.00. You cant buy a HONDA CRV for this amount with a 4 cylinder. Only one problem so far, the seat memory switch had to be changed. Dealer is great to work with. The Infinity stereo is OK not great, but overall still very pleased with the quality of the vehicle. Third row seating is great. Gas mileage so far is about 18 MPG (city driving) not to bad considering. Love the safety features. Honda, Lexus/Toyota can learn something from Hyundai. The are overpriced and over rated.

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  I love my Veracruz! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Kelloggs99 - March 15 - 8:43 pm

  I freaking love this car! First, it looks great--the exterior is very stylish (the front end could use some perking up), and I love the chrome accents. The interior is very nicely appointed with the wood trim. Fit and finish is excellent. The Veracruz easily competes with any luxury SUV. The seats are very comfortable, there is plenty of leg room, visibility is great, and the ride is amazing. Very quiet, smooth yet sporty, and responsive.

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  If BANG for the buck is Important to you - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Maegus - January 10 - 12:40 pm

  you should put aside earlier Hyundai conceptions of build quality- they put out a hellofa product today and run 10- 15% cheaper than a comparibly equipped Toyota or Honda without sacrificng anything. I dont get other people blasting the Veracruzs fuel economy=> what the hell are you people comparing this to?? Comparing it to other Crossovers/SUVs and I think the fuel milage is damn GOOD- I can average about 22mpg in mixed driving, my previous Jeep liberty never got over 19-20(98%in 2WD)...and this is a beauty over the crappy Liberty and about 20% larger with AWD. Just look at the BLAND interior of a Honda Pilot vs. the VCs Limited. I managed to get my Limited for $100 under invoice price.

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  VERACRUZ Limited - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Shelby24 - December 25 - 11:20 pm

  Have just purchased my first Hyundai and am I immpressed with the Veracruze!! Test drove the Mercedes M class, Lexus RX, Honda Pilot, and VW before visiting the local Hyundai dealer...I felt like I was in a 40k+ SUV during the test drive, gorgeous leather, smooth (and extremely quiet) engine, phenomenal handling, and above average interior materials. With all the std safety features, warranty, third row seat,and added little features I feel like I purchased a great SUV, but also a great value.

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  Deadly Defect !!!! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Deadly defect - December 22 - 10:30 pm

  With 826 miles on the vehicle I was coming up to a stop sign, heard a pop in the steering column and lost all steering on the vehicle. You could spin the steering wheel completely around. Coasted to a stop, had it towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer. They found it was an assembly line defect in putting the steering column together. They were very sorry it happened, but insured me they had never seen this before. They acted like my radio knob had fallen off. If I had been going down the highway at 60 mph I wouldnt be writing this now. If you have a Veracruz I would recommend you have your steering column checked. If it happened once it can happen again!

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  EXCELLENT CROSSOVER - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By SH - December 5 - 10:33 pm

  We love this car. We debated a lot on which crossover to purchase, and finally decided that the VC was the best deal. We couldnt get any other car with all the features we wanted for this price. The dealership even added the Parrot bluetooth system, which is really convenient. Fuel economy is probably its greatest weakness, averaging about 20mpg, but still is comparable to its competitors. Other cool features, the rear view mirrors tilt down when youre in reverse so you can see how close you are to the curb (can turn this feature off as well). Seats are pretty comfy, even the third row where weve had a few adult passengers have a comfortable ride. We love the power liftgate.