Strengths

Smooth ride; refined, quiet interior; safety features; very generous standard-features list

 

Changes

Several features formerly optional on the Veracruz are now standard on it for 2010. Among those are a power driver's seat, backup warning system, roof rack rails, fog lamps, automatic headlamps, and leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel. Every all-wheel-drive Veracruz now includes heated front seats.

Important new options on the Veracruz include an LG navigation system and Infinity Logic 7 premium audio system. Also, six new colors join the lineup: Black Noir Pearl, Blue Titanium Mist, Carbon Steal Mist, Driftwood Metallic, Sahara Bronze and Ultra Silver.

 

Value

Hyundai targeted the Lexus RX when originally developing the Veracruz, and it shows; the Hyundai crossover offers a higher standard of smoothness, refinement and noise suppression than most shoppers will anticipate. The Veracruz also stands out for its long features list; looking purely at features for the money, the Veracruz is a better deal than most other crossovers. And now with a premium audio system and navigation system available, it's truly competitive with the feature sets of entry luxury vehicles.

Safety-wise, the Veracruz is also a standout, with top scores in all U.S. crash tests.

 

Overview

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz has a very simple lineup; there are just two models, GLS and Limited, and both of those come with a choice of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

A 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 and 6-speed automatic transmission are standard across the entire lineup. The combination is very smooth and responsive, and the transmission includes a manual mode for those who want to select the gears themselves. Fuel economy ratings are 16 mpg city, 23 highway with front-wheel drive and 1 mpg lower in the city with all-wheel drive.

The so-called Torque Controlled Coupling All Wheel Drive system that's offered on the Veracruz is designed for snowy and slick road conditions, rather than off-roading. The system sends more power to the rear wheels only when it's needed, so the effect on mileage is minimal; it also includes an AWD Lock mode for tough mud, sand or deep snow.

The Veracruz also features 7-passenger seating -- the third-row seat stows away into the floor when it's not needed, leaving a flat, low loading floor comparable to those in minivans. And at the far back, there's an additional storage well. Meanwhile the second-row seats fold forward flat, for easy access to the second row or long cargo items, and third-row occupants get their own vents and climate controls.

Safety content is generous in the Veracruz; it features electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, along with front side airbags and side-curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seating.

Base GLS models of the Veracruz have an attractive price, and they're very well-equipped; the GLS includes air conditioning, heated power side mirrors with puddle lamps, a power driver's seat, roof rack rails, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, automatic headlamps, cruise control and a trip computer. A Premium Package adds a new LG navigation system, 705-watt Infinity Logic 7 premium audio, memory seats and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a power tailgate and a sunroof. At the top of the range, the Limited gets most of those Premium Package extras, plus 18-inch alloys, a windshield wiper deicer, chrome door handles and a 115-volt power outlet, among many extras. The navigation system and premium audio are packaged together as options on the Limited.