Hyundai vehicles continue to impress us because of their solid safety features, high standard of quality, exceptional warranty, and competitive pricing. The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz SUV is one of the models that is both impressive and offers great value for the dollar. Last fall, it was named the Best Value SUV by the Northwest Automotive Press Association after that group's annual Northwest SUV of the Year competition.
Available in three models, our tested unit was a 2008 Veracruz SE AWD that had a base price of $30,300 and had but one option-carpeted floor mats for $125. The base GLS model starts at $26,900.
The Hyundai sport ute has a 5-Star frontal crash safety rating (driver and passenger), a 5-Star side crash (front and rear seats) rating, and a 4-Star rollover rating. Five stars is the government's highest rating for safety.
The seven-passenger, all-wheel-drive (AWD) Veracruz offers an advanced front-airbag system, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, front side-impact airbags, and active front head restraints among many safety elements.
Included on our test unit was Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System and ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist. We put these systems to the test traversing a Washington state mountain pass in January during conditions that included compacted snow and ice on the roadway.
The Veracruz reacted extremely well on those roads, with the ESC system performing as it should when encountering snow and ice. Braking performance was equally functional and reliable in the winter weather. In conjunction with the AWD system, the Verazruz truly provided a personal comfort zone, knowing that it was performing as needed in severe road conditions.
In addition to the systems noted, the Veracruz also offers as standard equipment a tire-pressure monitoring system, front fog lamps, rear spoiler with LED lights, steering wheel controls, power doors and windows, Autodim power exterior mirrors, a climate control system with separate rear controls, keyless entry system, a multi-adjust power driver's seat, cruise control, roof-rack side rails, and plenty more.
All models of the Veracruz are powered by a 3.8-liter DOHC V-6 engine that offers pleasurable power and performance. The 24-valve power plant provides 260 HP at 6,000 RPM and 257 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 RPM, and it features a dual exhaust system.
While the engine performs well, the six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic shift control is a delightful system that offers smooth operation and a diversity of shifting options along with a power-assisted steering system. Again, the entire powertrain performed well in cold weather and difficult road conditions.
The unibody Veracruz features front and rear stabilizer bars. An independent front suspension is enhanced with McPherson struts, while the rear has a multilink system with gas shock absorbers. The Veracruz SE model offers five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with P245/60R 18-inch all-season tires (the base model has 17-inch tires).
With a 110.4-inch wheel base, the Veracruz is a very usable seven-passenger vehicle with plenty of interior space and passenger comfort. Head, leg, shoulder, and hip room is well-designed for driver and passengers, and the cargo space is plentiful (cargo volume behind the front seats is 86.8 cubic feet, 40.0 behind the second row seating with third row folded down).
EPA fuel economy estimates on our tested unit were 15 MPG/city and 22 MPG/highway. Our vehicle had a XM satellite radio system that was part of an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system that provided exceptional sound characteristics.
Best Value SUV? Indeed, this unit is a superb value for the dollar. Plentiful creature comforts and standard equipment packaged in sophisticated styling make this SUV an attractive buy.