2007 Hyundai Veracruz

Sport-utility vehicles are nothing new for Hyundai. Ever since the 2001 model year, the South Korean automaker has offered a modestly sized Santa Fe SUV. In 2005, a compact Tucson SUV joined the Hyundai group.


Now, for 2007, in addition to redesigning its Santa Fe, Hyundai has joined the ranks of companies producing a midsize model. All three vehicles are built with unibody construction and considered "crossover" models, which blend the capabilities and virtues of an SUV with those of a sedan or wagon, promising more car-like driving qualities. Fitted with three rows of seats, the Veracruz went on sale in March, in three trim levels: GLS, midrange SE, and top-of-the-line Limited.

Performance

Adding the seven-passenger Veracruz gives Hyundai a competitor to the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and newly redesigned Subaru Tribeca. Additional rivals include the Nissan Murano and the more costly Lexus RX 350.


Under the Veracruz hood, Hyundai's 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 257 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Shiftronic six-speed adaptive automatic transmission incorporates pre-set shift patterns for specific driving conditions.


Running on regular-grade gasoline, the Veracruz gets a fuel-economy rating from the Environmental Protection Agency of 18 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. Structurally a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Veracruz may instead be equipped with all-wheel drive.