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:

• 

  questionable interior - 2011 Hyundai Veracruz
  By schaef1 - July 14 - 4:51 pm

  I have loved the excellent layout of the Vera Cruz. However, the car is only 7 months old and the sterring wheel started peeling. It was replaced at no charge. Now both of the front leather seats are showing wear and once again, it is supposed to be replaced at no cost, however, whats to stop this from happening again. The mileage is fair and the ride is a little choppy at 30-35 miles. Otherwise, its a great car but I am concerned about the quality of the interior. The dealer finally admitted that he has seen the seats in other Vera Cruzs do this in the past. Why hasnt Hyundai fixed this? Would I recomend this car, the jury is still out?

• 

  Sues Car - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Ted Melonas - January 1 - 12:56 pm

  We owned a 03 Nissan Murano. The Veracruz has more room, better ride, and is less noisy. May not have the name, but I think the Veracruz is better

• 

  This is no Lexas!!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Veracruz
  By safetyboy - December 19 - 10:40 am

  We bought a black limited. I have regreted the purchase ever since. It is a big, heavy, underpowered and overpriced vehicle. Cant believe I traded my Toyota Sequia for this. It does not even have enough cup holders.

• 

  Veracruz 2012 Limited - 2012 Hyundai Veracruz
  By wakaz - November 18 - 8:05 am

  good solid ride, nice interior, versitile, so so gas milage

• 

  Great SUV - 2009 Hyundai Veracruz
  By Chris - August 9 - 11:56 am

  Weve had this Veracruz for about 6 months now and really love the ride and feel. The Best Hyundai Ive ever owned. The only complaints I have that are common with Hyundai is a few rattle and squeaks. Gas mileage just plain stinks in the city, we average about 15 with 80% city 20% hwy. I did take a long road trip and we got about 23 with a little stop and go traffic. Overall we are very happy with our purchase.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  VERACRUZ LIMITED AWD - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By alphamale1 - May 3 - 1:00 am

  Nice vehicle. The wife has a bad back and the lumbar support is helpful. Too bad the MPG city is not better.

• 

  Great vehicle - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By foz682 - April 28 - 3:51 am

  Ive only had it for a few weeks now, but so far so good. Im getting around 19MPG with mixed driving. It has lots of little features that make life easier, such as the proximity key, power tailgate, cool box in console, placement of interior lights is grea,t very comfortable and powerful. The one this that does bother me just a little is that the rear dvd player renders your rearview mirror useless, it totally blocks the rear window when in use.

• 

  Tremendous Value - 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
  By srr3306 - February 20 - 4:36 pm

  I traded an Infiniti FX for this car. As a result, I use that as a basis to compare. Cruz has all the luxury features, is quieter, built a little better (so far), has a better ride, and the audio with the the DVD package is the best I have ever heard from a factory. Fuel economy is about the same (disappointing since it is FWD with a six speed, weighs about the same and is a bit slower.) At least it likes regular. Handling is the only negative, but the FX is a unfair comparison. Compared to Highlanders and Pilots, it is fine.