2009 Hyundai Veracruz Features Review

In terms of features, not much has changed for 2009, but Hyundai gives the Veracruz USB/iPod auxiliary inputs in the vehicle’s audio system. Trim packages are also modified to include a GLS with Preferred and Premium Packages, and a new black-leather interior and monochromatic exterior is offered on the Limited. Like most Hyundai models, however, the Veracruz already offers a host of features.

“No more melted chocolate bars for the kiddies,” Popular Mechanics notes, “and the perforated leather seats keep mommies and daddies cool, too." Kelley Blue Book points out the optional power liftgate as one of the Veracruz’s most appreciated features, along with the Proximity Key remote-sensing feature (standard on the Limited) that automatically locks and unlocks the vehicle as you walk toward or away from the vehicle,

Autoblog hones in on the cooling box, which uses ducting from the air conditioning system. The Washington Post beams about the wealth of standard equipment on the Veracruz, saying that it “has more standard equipment—including some that is usually optional, such as third-row seating—than the RX350.”

The extensive list of standard features on the $28,600 base-priced GLS is impressive, but all the reviews we scoured are of high-end Limited models. Popular Mechanics gives a nod to the lower-priced models, saying that most of the model’s “goodness” is included on there, too, so “you can skip some features and still have one of the best seven-passenger crossovers on the market.”

Features on the Limited include rain-sensing wipers (standard on this edition), an available 605-watt audio system, backseat DVD entertainment, and a 115-volt AC power outlet. An LG-brand nav system is now available.

As impressive as the features lists on the GLS and Limited are, seating and cargo space prove controversial. Nearly all the reviews point out the lack of cargo space when the third-row seat is in use—an issue with many three-row, mid-size SUVs. “Traveling with a car full of people and their luggage may be rather tight, as cargo room behind the third-row seat is under seven cubic feet,” says Kelley Blue Book, which it states is significantly less than either the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.

Kelley Blue Book also remarks, “The third-row seat is about as accommodating as others in the category—best for kids, doable for adults,” but Autoblog has a different perspective, commenting, “rear door openings are large and access to the third row is fairly easy.” MyRide.com compliments the wide bolstering and, including the padded armrests alongside, declares that the seats “made for a downright comfy spot even as the miles piled on.” The same reviewer observes plenty of foot- and headroom in the second-row seat but criticizes it as flat and low and points out that the sloped roofline and wheel well hurt access to the third row, which echo the comments in several other reviews.