5-4-2007 2007 Hyundai Veracruz by Dave Stall

2007 Hyundai Veracruz SE comes close to a Lexus experience I have mixed emotions when it comes to the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz, which isn't a bad thing. But I wondered why Hyundai was going after the high-end crossover vehicle and targeting Lexus RX350 as an example of its goals. I got this Hyundai Veracruz from North County Hyundai but was also in on the launch of the Veracruz last month. That's when I had the opportunity to drive the Veracruz out to Julian. I drove both a Lexus RX350 and then the Veracruz. How did they match up? Did Hyundai hit the bull's eye? The answers to those questions are at the end of this review. The Veracruz is Hyundai's first attempt at the luxury crossover category. The Veracruz is larger than the Santa Fe and its entire interior has been upgraded. Plus, when you compare a Lexus RX350 straight across to a Hyundai Veracruz SE, you'll be surprised to find that the Hyundai has more features and costs a lot less than the Lexus. Then there's the warranty issue, which Lexus cannot touch. Lexus gives customers a 48-month/50,000-mile basic warranty and 72-month/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Hyundai gives a 60-month/60,000-mile basic warranty and 120-month/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Quite a few items come standard on the Veracruz SE. There's the 3.8-liter V6 that gets 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the open road. That's backed by an electronically controlled, six-speed automatic transmission that will allow you to also shift manually. Add to that electronic stability control with traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system and seven-passenger seating. I made it to the back seat and found it pretty comfortable, but getting in and out is best suited to the younger generation. That's nothing negative about the Veracruz, I'm just getting older and find it harder to make it back to that third row of seating. I did like that you can fold the third row of seating flat into the floor, which gives you a flat surface to load items. Thanks to tie downs and carpet, your gear should stay in one place until you get where you're going. Of course, you get A/C but on the Veracruz, the second row passengers can control their own A/C. You also get a great base sound system that incorporates AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 and can be controlled at the leather-wrapped steering wheel. On this model, the good folks at North County Hyundai upgraded the sound system to an Infinity System that adds an external amp and a subwoofer. You also get creature comforts such as an inside rearview mirror that dims automatically and Homelink (which allows you to operate a garage door, gate or security lights from the driver seat), power windows and door locks, keyless entry, cruise control, front fog lights, rear spoiler, roof rack with rails, power driver seat, 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin tires- all at no extra cost. Step back to look at the Veracruz and you'll find it very pleasing to the eye. Sliding behind the wheel, notice the well laid out instrumentation panel. To the right, you'll find climate controls and audio controls, all done with the driver in mind. You get a center console with lots of storage areas as well as a good-sized glove box, center console and blue lighting on the gauges. There's also a trip computer, all for under $30,000. My test vehicle had a Premium Package added, which includes the leather interior, power tilt sunroof, heated front seats, the Infinity sound system, backup warning system and carpeted floor mats, which pushed the price to $32,170. Compared to the Lexus RX350, which doesn't have as many features as the Hyundai Veracruz, you really get your dollar's worth. Plus there's a better warranty. Let's not forget the Veracruz's safety features, which include front airbags, front side impact air bags, side curtain air bags, active head restraint and crumple zones surrounding occupants. So did the Hyundai Veracruz beat the Lexus RX350 in the road test to Julian? I wouldn't say it beat the Lexus, but it got close enough to make me think twice before I bought a Lexus. So if you're in the market for a crossover vehicle, then you will need to put the Veracruz on your list. Don't forget to stop by North County Hyundai at 5285 Car Country Drive in Car Country Carlsbad to check out the new owners. You will be pleasantly surprised. Next week, I'll review a motorhome from 10,000 RV.