2008 Hyundai Veracruz Review | Buyer Guide
An alternative to Pilot and Highlander
I didn’t get a chance to drive this SUV for very long, but I came away impressed. If you’re shopping for a Honda Pilot or a Toyota Pilot, you ought to check out the Veracruz as well.
Although it is priced like a Pilot or Highlander, it seems more like a Lexus. First of all, it is styled more distinctively than the Honda or Toyota. It has ample room inside with seating for seven. And with the rear seats folded down, there’s 86.8 cu-ft of cargo.
Its 3.8-liter, V-6 engine delivers plenty of power when climbing hills and it’s teamed to a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox with a manual shift mode. But the thing I noticed first when I drove the Veracruz was its quietness. Engine noise and road rumble are very subdued. The ride and handling are above par too.
If you crave Lexus-like luxury, it’s available in the Veracruz. My top-of-the-line Limited model came with a 315-watt Infinity sound system, power tailgate, power adjustable foot pedals and a keyless entry and start system. A navigation unit and a rear-seat entertainment system can be ordered as well.
The Veracruz comes with the expected safety equipment, including electronic stability control, and carries a five-star NHTSA crash-test rating. It’s priced between $27,595 and $36,445.
