Comfortable, spacious and affordable
Victoria, BC - Hyundai sees big and delivers big. For this Korean manufacturer, the Veracruz represents a nice evolution toward the production of luxury vehicles. The lines are well executed and the performance is ideally tuned. In addition, the versatility of the comfortable interior shows that Hyundai is seriously capable of matching the industry's best. I recently spent a full day behind the wheel of the Veracruz and, as I quickly found out, this new crossover is all about "bang for buck".
The luxury SUV market
With the Veracruz, Hyundai executives clearly targeted a new segment, namely that of luxury utility vehicles such as the Lexus RX, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Nissan Murano and others. But let's make things clear: the Veracruz is not a truck but a versatile vehicle that can seat up to eight thanks to a functional third-row bench. Hyundai stretched the car-based platform of the Azera and Santa Fe and modified it to create a spacious crossover. As was the case with its latest offerings, the company added a touch of quality that is above average in the category.
Stylish
That's the word used by Hyundai's North American design studio director to describe the Veracruz. I agree. The designers chose to smoothen the lines so as not to create a truck-like massive body as well as to enhance the pure style of the vehicle. The front rounded shapes help the Veracruz appear less substantial. According to the director, luxury crossover buyers prefer sophisticated, more flowing lines.
Also, the wheel arches are smaller than rivals while the plastic mouldings emphasize the sleek and flowing design. Personally, I think that Korean designers have a gift for taking the best the industry has to offer and then combining these elements together. From the rear three-quarter angle, the Veracruz resembles the Lexus RX350, while from the back, it looks slightly similar to Subaru's Tribeca. The front grille is distinctive and unlike any other Hyundai product. With the arrival of the Veracruz and the upcoming Genesis, Hyundai's lineup will grow definitely more upscale and exclusive. Traditional luxury brands will have to keep a watchful eye.
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| Pleasant lines, pleasant drive. |
The luxury SUV market
With the Veracruz, Hyundai executives clearly targeted a new segment, namely that of luxury utility vehicles such as the Lexus RX, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Nissan Murano and others. But let's make things clear: the Veracruz is not a truck but a versatile vehicle that can seat up to eight thanks to a functional third-row bench. Hyundai stretched the car-based platform of the Azera and Santa Fe and modified it to create a spacious crossover. As was the case with its latest offerings, the company added a touch of quality that is above average in the category.
Stylish
That's the word used by Hyundai's North American design studio director to describe the Veracruz. I agree. The designers chose to smoothen the lines so as not to create a truck-like massive body as well as to enhance the pure style of the vehicle. The front rounded shapes help the Veracruz appear less substantial. According to the director, luxury crossover buyers prefer sophisticated, more flowing lines.
Also, the wheel arches are smaller than rivals while the plastic mouldings emphasize the sleek and flowing design. Personally, I think that Korean designers have a gift for taking the best the industry has to offer and then combining these elements together. From the rear three-quarter angle, the Veracruz resembles the Lexus RX350, while from the back, it looks slightly similar to Subaru's Tribeca. The front grille is distinctive and unlike any other Hyundai product. With the arrival of the Veracruz and the upcoming Genesis, Hyundai's lineup will grow definitely more upscale and exclusive. Traditional luxury brands will have to keep a watchful eye.
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| The front end of the vehicle is distinctive and unlike any other Hyundai product. |