2009 Hyundai Veracruz Review

June 17, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350.
Washington Post

The curved roofline limits the Veracruz’s rear head room a bit
MyRide.com

Dual chrome exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and available 18-inch wheels don't impart a sporty appearance as much as they defend against blandness.
Kelley Blue Book

In their firsthand experience, TheCarConnection.com’s editors find that the Veracruz’s curvy silhouette, with its more aggressively arched roofline, sacrifices space at the back of the vehicle and behind the third-row seat.

When it comes to making comparisons to Lexus, reviewers can't resist. The Washington Post actually considers the Hyundai the more attractive of the two. “It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350. Inside and out, it simply looks better,” beams the Post reviewer, who continues: “Inside, it also feels better—more spacious, less cramped than the RX350.”

Although the 2009 Veracruz is priced against more affordable models such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, Hyundai reportedly benchmarked the Lexus RX 350 when designing and engineering the Veracruz. It shows in the Veracruz’s styling, as it has the same streamlined shape and similar design details.

When comparing the Veracruz to the Lexus, not all comments are favorable. According to Kelley Blue Book, “Dual chrome exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and available 18-inch wheels don't impart a sporty appearance as much as they defend against blandness.” Still looking at its exterior, KBB adds, “Side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and puddle lights are a nice touch.”

More kudos are bestowed on the Veracruz, with Popular Mechanics singling out the overhead mood lighting and illuminated doorsill plates. MyRide.com applauds the interior design as inviting and warm, as well as sees plenty of hints of the Lexus, but notices that the dash’s flattop reflects glare in daylight. Truck Trend appreciates the stylish looks and logical function, saying, “Each portion of it is dedicated to its respective function: HVAC, audio, etc. The knobs and buttons are easy to understand and do what you want them to in an intuitive way.”

Conclusion

The interior styling of the 2009 Hyundai Veracruz might fool you, at first, into thinking you’re in a more expensive vehicle.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350.Washington PostThe curved roofline limits the Veracruz’s rear head room a bitMyRide.comDual chrome exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and available 18-inch wheels don't impart a sporty appearance as much as they defend against blandness.Kelley Blue Book In their firsthand experience, TheCarConnection.com’s editors find that the Veracruz’s curvy silhouette, with its more aggressively arched roofline, sacrifices space at the back of the vehicle and behind the third-row seat. When it comes to making comparisons to Lexus, reviewers can't resist. The Washington Post actually considers the Hyundai the more attractive of the two. “It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350. Inside and out, it simply looks better,” beams the Post reviewer, who continues: “Inside, it also feels better—more spacious, less cramped than the RX350.” Although the 2009 Veracruz is priced against more affordable models such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, Hyundai reportedly benchmarked the Lexus RX 350 when designing and engineering the Veracruz. It shows in the Veracruz’s styling, as it has the same streamlined shape and similar design details. When comparing the Veracruz to the Lexus, not all comments are favorable. According to Kelley Blue Book, “Dual chrome exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and available 18-inch wheels don't impart a sporty appearance as much as they defend against blandness.” Still looking at its exterior, KBB adds, “Side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and puddle lights are a nice touch.” More kudos are bestowed on the Veracruz, with Popular Mechanics singling out the overhead mood lighting and illuminated doorsill plates. MyRide.com applauds the interior design as inviting and warm, as well as sees plenty of hints of the Lexus, but notices that the dash’s flattop reflects glare in daylight. Truck Trend appreciates the stylish looks and logical function, saying, “Each portion of it is dedicated to its respective function: HVAC, audio, etc. The knobs and buttons are easy to understand and do what you want them to in an intuitive way.” ConclusionThe interior styling of the 2009 Hyundai Veracruz might fool you, at first, into thinking you’re in a more expensive vehicle. 2009 HYUNDAI VERACRUZ STYLING | [8 out of 10] Washington Post: “It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350.” MyRide.com: "The curved roofline limits the Veracruz’s rear head room a bit” Kelley Blue Book: “Dual chrome exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and available 18-inch ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Hyundai Veracruz is closer in appearance to the Ford Edge than the Mazda CX-9. Both the Mazda and the Ford feel sportier than the comfortable, feature-oriented Veracruz. Compared to the new Honda Pilot, the Veracruz comes across as more comfortable, with safer styling than the Honda's faux-rugged look and a sleeker appearance than the new Toyota Highlander.

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See the Hyundai Veracruz in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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