Review of the 2007 Hyundai Veracruz Essex Junction VT

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Introduction

Hyundai Veracruz - 2007 Review: This is not a Lexus. We say this for two reasons. First, Hyundai has done a credible job of making its Veracruz crossover look like that company's RX 350 inside and out, at least at first glance, so we figure a little clarification is in order. Second, while the Veracruz does a credible job of offering up a near-luxury alternative to vehicles like the more workaday Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander, we're not sure it matches the Lexus in terms of overall refinement. Still, we can safely say that if you're seeking prime rib on a hamburger budget, it's definitely worth a look.

What We Drove
For 2008, Hyundai repackaged the Limited model to include more standard features than our 2007 test car. With adjustable pedals, seat memory, power tilt and telescope steering wheel and keyless ignition now standard equipment, the starting price of a 2008 Limited is $34,745 including the $695 destination charge; this is $1,780 higher than the 2007. To equip a 2008 to the same level as our tester, add the $1,500 rear seat entertainment system, $205 roof rails and $125 floor mats, bringing the total to $36,575, only $50 higher than our 2007. Also for 2008, a $1,750 navigation system is available.

Performance
With 260 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque routed through a smooth and quick six-speed automatic, the Veracruz has little trouble accelerating to a comfortable cruising speed, but only got a so-so 17.2 mpg during its time with us. The engine is notably quiet, but sound quality counts as much as sound quantity sometimes, and the Veracruz lacks the auditory refinement of the Lexus V-6 in the RX 350 thanks to an uncomfortable groan as it approaches redline. The transmission downshifts quickly for passing, and avoids hunting in uphill grades. The manual mode is handy if you want to hold a certain gear, but its slow shifts aren't much fun.

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