Hyundai is an emerging leader in the automobile industry. They may have started later than their more established Asian manufacturers but nowadays it seems that they are head to head with Toyota and Honda in terms of technological advances and automobile application.
Let us take for example the 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, an affordable midsize SUV that ranks 17 out of 23 based on 50 published reports, test drives and specification assessment. The goal of this article is to provide a review on the Hyundai Veracruz.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Midsize SUV | Base Price: $28,345.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.6 gallons (78 liters) | MPG: 17 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 190.6 in. (484 cm) | Width: 76.6 in. (194.5 cm) |
| Height: 71.1 in. (180.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 110.4 in. (280 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4266 lbs (1935 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.1 in. (20.5 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.4 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 3.8 liters |
| Horsepower: 260 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 257 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Electronic Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: NA | Max Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs) |
| Option:VeraCruz Limited | MSRP: $34,395; MPG: 17 city / 22 hwy |
Price & Trim
The Hyundai Veracruz starts at around $28,000 and is available in two trims GLS and Limited. The GLS is less expensive than the Limited version. Both are available in all wheel Drive and Front Wheel Drive.
Exterior & Interior
The Veracruz ranks 7 out of 10 in terms of exterior design, with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. The low score is more a testament to its competition rather than any exterior design flaws in the Veracruz, but some reviewers also dislike the fact that the 2011 Tucson looks like a bigger Lexus RX350. However, proponents disagree and state that the 2011 Veracruz remains true to the overall Hyundai “Fluidic Sculpture Design.”
The interior design receives a 7.6 rating, with 0 being the lowest and 10 being the highest. The 2011 Veracruz provides realistic seating for seven people. The third row may not be as comfortable as the first two rows but is good enough. The design and material are spectacular, with a lot of soft material that looks high grade. The low score is again probably a testament to the competition rather than any deficiency on Hyundai’s part.
Safety
The Veracruz receives a perfect 10 out of 10 in terms of safety. Standard safety features is where the Veracruz leaves its competition behind. Unfortunately the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the federal government has yet evaluated the 2011 Veracruz but most reviewers agree that there is no flaw in the Veracruz’s safety features
Reliability
The reliability score is not what the company wanted because is based on three years trending and data. Hyundai is actually very proud of the 2011 Veracruz’s reliability and covers the same with several very competitive warranties
People agree that the 2011 Veracruz is a family oriented midsize SUV and its specifications are geared more towards safety and comfort rather than driving experience.
Pros
- Value for money for a midsized SUV
- Excellent fuel economy
- An opulent interior coupled
- Huge cabin sized that seats 7 passengers
- Covered by several competitive warranties
Cons
- Lack of feel in the steering wheel which most reviewers call dull and numb
- Looks like the RX 350
The Competition
If price is not an issue then consumers can look at the more expensive GMC Acadia or the Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy) which offer better comfort and better overall performance. If you have a fixed budget then better look at the Toyota Highlander (MSRP $28,090; 20 city / 25 hwy) which is priced lower and offers better fuel economy and the Honda Pilot (MSRP $28,320; 17 city / 23 hwy) with its more child friendly second row. Both offer better driver experience but they cannot match the standard features that come with the 2011 Tucson.
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“It’s undeniably handsome, if a bit anonymous, but the Veracruz has an interior that’s built almost to Lexus standards for feel and look. ”Car Connection
“Veracruz’s suspension tuning favors ride quality over sharp handling response. Body lean is apparent even during moderate cornering, and the steering lacks road feel.”Consumer Guide
“This seven-passenger SUV has a smooth 3.8-liter V6 engine. The ride is comfortable, but suspension noise is evident. Handling is secure but not particularly agile. The interior is very quiet and well-finished. Controls are simple.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Great value; upscale interior; nice balance of ride and handling; good crash test scores; long warranty.”Edmunds
