With all the attention lauded on Hyundai’s Consumer Reports top-rated and

A great looking luxury crossover, the Veracruz has shaken up the premium segment. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

North American Car of the Year  winning Genesis luxury sedan, it’s understandable that the Korean brand’s brilliant Veracruz luxury crossover has been overlooked in the press lately. After all, it’s not every day that an economy brand, seemingly focused on price, totally changes its stripes to fight it out in the premium segment, and then lands a knockout punch making the top-tier Japanese and Germans look a little sheepish in the process. But for those already familiar with the Veracruz, it was almost expected.

I say almost only because no one outside of Hyundai’s inner circle could have known how brilliantly the Genesis would deliver in driving dynamics. To that end the 2009 Veracruz I recently tested felt a little firmer and sharper in the corners than the 2008 model I last drove, although Hyundai’s local representation knows of no upgrades or modifications to the suspension. I’m willing to bet that the Korean company played around with spring and damping rates, however, as the latest Veracruz feels a lot more European than comes to memory. While I’ve only got a hunch about the suspension, I know for a fact that Hyundai added a USB connection and auxiliary plug-in to enhance the audio system. These will be welcomed by audio buffs and most teens along for the ride, but new standard backup warning sensors will be appreciated by all who drive this rather large crossover. The only change that could be seen as a negative for those who care, is that the Veracruz’s illuminated scuff plates are no longer standard on every door, with only the top-line Limited model getting the glitzy treatment.

Fortunately, Hyundai furnished me with such a version, and it’s truly rich. Put it beside anything in the premium class and the Veracruz won’t leave you feeling like you opted on price, even though you may have. Supple leathers, attractive wood grains, modern aluminum trim and superb fit and finish left me initially wondering, after I first tested it over a year ago, if Hyundai was going to surprise me with the announcement of another premium brand to go up against Toyota’s Lexus or Nissan’s Infiniti. Now we know, of course, that there

Style and substance for superb value... it's Hyundai's new business model and it's working. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

is no top-tier premium brand in Hyundai’s short-term future , at least, leaving the stylized “H” to grace the grille, on the Veracruz at  least, and the rest of  the premium industry to witness the radical transformation of an economy brand to premium-like status, no doubt as dumbfounded as the rest of us are.

Chrysler tried this tact with the introduction of its Pacifica, a vehicle that, while no longer available, remains one of the best interior executions its ever attempted. But unlike the Veracruz, which seats seven in relative comfort, the Pacifica went for a 2+2+2 layout, with the rearmost seats only suitable for the height challenged. Veracruz is much more practical, and despite the best efforts by Chrysler, a much better executed crossover.

The heart of any car is its engine and drivetrain, and to that end Hyundai has equipped the Veracruz with its best V6, a smooth, refined 3.8-litre 24-valve, DOHC V6 sporting ample performance thanks to 260-horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque and a slick-shifting six-speed automatic with manual mode. It’s one of those transmissions that hardly even makes its presence known, unless you kick down on the throttle for more power,

What a gorgeous cabin, with upscale quality and features to rival the long-time luxury players. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

at which point it quickly albeit smoothly digs down another gear or two and delivers surprisingly athletic performance, for such a sizeable ute.

It’s large, for sure, but then again I wouldn’t go so far as to call it full-size. Larger than Lexus’ RX 350, it’s more than eight inches shorter than Buick’s Enclave, making it more manageable than the latter and more accommodating than the former, a nice balance that translates into easier maneuverability amid tight city streets or parking lots and a nice, controlled ride on the highway thanks to its extended wheelbase and wide stance.

While the Veracruz can be purchased in GL trim for $36,995, and comes well equipped with high-grade cloth seats and all the power accessories expected in the luxury class, plus a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof with one-touch opening capability, automatic temperature control with air filtration and rear controls and ventilation ducts for the second and third rows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, steering

A third row that actually seats real people. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

wheel-mounted audio and cruise control redundant buttons, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, 60/40 split fold-down second row seatbacks, 50/50 split gold-into-the-floor third row seatbacks, and a USB port and auxiliary plug for the six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.

The Veracruz can be upgraded to GLS trim that adds all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloys with 245/60R all-season tires over the standard 17-inch aluminum rims wrapped in 245/65R rubber, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a cooled storage box in the centre console, and most importantly for most looking for luxury, leather seats. My tester was the Limited, which combines everything available with the GLS with a handy power tailgate, LED taillights, chrome door handles, the illuminated scuff plates on all four doors I mentioned earlier, power adjustable foot pedals, memory system that adjusts to preferred settings of the power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, exterior mirrors and driver's seat position, 605-watt 10-speaker Infinity AM/FM/XM/6-disc I/D CDC/MP3 audio system upgrade, rear seat DVD entertainment system with a

External device integration and even a place to stow your iPhone. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

roof-mounted 8-inch LCD screen, two wireless headsets, a remote and a centre rear console video jack for games, etc, 115-volt inverter in the cargo area, HomeLink integrated transceiver, and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat.

No one gets shortchanged on safety features, with dual front, front side-impact and front-to-rear side-curtain airbags, four-wheel ABS-enhanced discs with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), an Ignition Immobilization System, the aforementioned Rear Parking Assist, and anti-theft system, and active front head restraints. Yes, a pretty full palette of extras for its still reasonable $47,295 window sticker, before discount.

Yes, it’s a lot of crossover for the money, especially if you compare it against anything with a premium badge. And it compares well against luxury biased competitors, delivering a level of upscale refinement that will truly surprise you and baffle your friends and neighbours.

Specifications (2009 Hyundai Veracruz):

• Price Range (MSRP): $36,995 – $47,995
• Price as Tested: $47,995
  
• Price as Tested: $1,610
• Type: 5-door CUV
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 260-hp, 257 lb-ft of torque, 3.8L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
• Transmission: 6-spd auto w/ manual mode
• Brakes: disc / disc, ABS, EBD
• Curb Weight (base): 2,010 kg (4,431 lbs)
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,840 / 1,807 / 1,945 (excluding mirrors) / 2,805 mm (190.6 / 76.6/ 71.1 / 110.4 in)
• Track: 1,670 (65.7 in)
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Interior Volume: 4,264 L (150.6 cu-ft)
• Cargo Volume (behind 3rd row/2nd row/1st row): 184 / 1,132 / 2,458 L (6.5 / 40.0 / 86.8 cu-ft)
• Towing Capacity: 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs)
• Turning Radius: 5.6 m (36.7 ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.9 / 9 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 60 / 100,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors (7-occupant, car-based CUV): Acura MDX, Audi Q7 3.6, BMW X5 3.0, Buick Enclave, Chrysler Pacifica, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz GL 350, Saturn Outlook, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.hyundaicanada.com

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint