The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Well-equipped for its price
- Pleasant interior styling
- Standard third-row seating
Dislikes
- Uninspired driving feel
- Not much cargo space with the third row up
- Bad rearward visibility, and no backup camera
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz doesn’t stand as a common-sense bargain like some of the brand’s other vehicles, but it’s spacious and comfortable.
With a conservative, slightly luxurious look that’s undeniably close to that of the Lexus RX 350 or Nissan Murano, the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz aims for those who want to project ‘luxury’ on a much tighter budget.
On the outside, the Veracruz is no longer a particularly noteworthy vehicle, style-wise. While it was surprisingly attention-getting from new, it now looks quite anonymous, albeit sleek and flowing. The exterior style of the Hyundai Veracruz is sleek and flowing, rather than rugged, from a distance; up close Hyundai has taken its own direction with the details, with upscale interior styling and attractive, soft-touch surfaces.
Shoppers for this type of vehicle probably don’t expect a lot of excitement; in following, there’s not much enthusiasm to be found in the Veracruz driving experience. The 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine moves the Veracruz quickly if needed, but the six-speed automatic transmission cancels out any remaining eagerness because of hesitant downshifts and lumpy operation. The Hyundai Veracruz handles safely, but the dull steering feel manages to make it feel heavier and than it is. As with most vehicles of this type, the 2010 Veracruz is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
With three rows of seating, the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz can seat up to seven, though the third row won’t be an option for many adults; kids will be just find back there, though entry and exit is difficult. The first two rows are comfortable, with enough headroom and legroom for all and plenty of storage spaces for small items; cargo space is sacrifices in the name of form, due to the sloped hatch. The Veracruz might be luxury-caliber in design, but it can’t maintain the exclusive feel up close. Materials and trims are pleasant but not of the sort you’d find in a Lexus or Infiniti.
Nearly every vehicle in this class is a top performer, and the 2010 Veracruz follows that trend. Crash-test results from the federal government and insurance industry-sponsored IIHS are all top-notch, and the standard equipment list includes stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, and side-curtain bags.
Two models of the Veracruz remain—GLS and Limited—and while Hyundai doesn’t make waves with standard equipment here as they do with some of their other vehicles, they come with a pretty respectable feature list. For those willing to option up a bit, the Veracruz is available with an AC power outlet, a handy cooler box, and 605-watt premium sound.
2010 Hyundai Veracruz Styling
The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz might hint at more expensive vehicles, though up close the Veracruz is pleasant in its own right.
On the outside, the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz fits in with the pack of mid-size crossover vehicles, but it's no longer particularly noteworthy, style-wise. While it was surprisingly attention-getting from new, it now looks quite anonymous, albeit sleek and flowing. The exterior style of the Hyundai Veracruz is sleek and flowing, rather than rugged, from a distance
Hyundai hasn't hesitated to say that the Lexus RX 350 was benchmarked for style and refinement, so it begs the comparisons. The Washington Post actually considers the Hyundai more attractive than the previous-generation RX 350 (the RX has been redesigned for 2010). "It has a longer, more elegantly sculpted body than the RX350. Inside and out, it simply looks better," beams the reviewer.
But not all remarks about the Veracruz exterior are favorable. "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," says Kelley Blue Book. Still looking at its exterior, KBB adds, "Side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and puddle lights are a nice touch."
Up close Hyundai has taken its own direction with the details, with upscale interior styling and attractive, soft-touch surfaces.
Truck Trend appreciates the stylish looks and logical function of the Veracruz instrument panel, 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." Popular Mechanics likes the overhead mood lighting and illuminated doorsill plates. MyRide.com applauds the interior design as inviting and warm, but does see plenty of Lexus influence. However they note that the shiny, flat dash top attracts glare in bright sunlight.
2010 Hyundai Veracruz Performance
The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz moves plenty quick, but doesn't deliver much driving satisfaction.
Shoppers for this type of vehicle probably don't expect a lot of excitement; in following, there's not much enthusiasm to be found in the Veracruz driving experience. The 260-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 engine moves the Veracruz quickly if needed, by nearly all accounts, but the six-speed automatic transmission cancels out any remaining eagerness because of hesitant downshifts and lumpy operation.
The V-6 engine that's included with all Veracruz models delivers adequate, if not blistering, performance. Only a few reviewers criticized the engine for its sluggishness when accelerating from a standstill—although that might be more an indication of the Veracruz's heft. ConsumerGuide says, "A bit slow from a stop, Veracruz has acceptable power once underway." Autoblog however notes that the V-6 "moves the 4,300-lb. Wagon without seeming to run short of breath."
In the performance area, the most complaints were associated with the Veracruz's six-speed automatic. Kelley Blue Book finds the automatic is hesitant to kick down to a lower gear during passing and merging, but the hesitance is followed by a rush of power from the V-6 that gets the job done. Autoblog notes differently, saying that the "six-speed automatic "shifts imperceptibly and kicks down quickly and smoothly when you put your foot in it." TheCarConnection.com's editors have noted that the transmission is especially hesitant and reluctant to downshift on steep grades, but pleasant on level ground, so that might explain the difference in comments here.
The transmission comes with Shiftronic, which allows drivers to shift the automatic manually; but even in the manual mode, some reviewers note the transmission won't let the engine reach its redline.
The Hyundai Veracruz handles safely, but the dull steering feel manages to make it feel even heavier and than it is. Instead, the Veracruz makes up for its lack of sporty demeanor with a compliant ride and safe, predictable handling. Body roll and numb steering were among the dynamics complaints from Popular Mechanics and Cars.com. Autoblog describes the steering as "nicely weighted with no center slop."
Kelley Blue Book points out that relative to full-size SUVs, the Veracruz is much easier to park due to its shorter length and smaller turning circle.
Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes give good stopping power, by all accounts, but according to Cars.com the pedal's "mushy feel is a little disappointing." They were the only ones to point this out.
2010 Hyundai Veracruz Comfort & Quality
The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz is quite roomy inside and almost meets luxury-brand expectations at a fraction of the price.
With three rows of seating, the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz can seat up to seven, though the third row won't be an option for many adults; kids will be just find back there, though entry and exit is difficult. The first two rows are comfortable, with enough headroom and legroom for all and plenty of storage spaces for small items; cargo space is sacrifices in the name of form, due to the sloped hatch.
Most reviewers were satisfied with front seat comfort, but TheCarConnection.com found some varied comments on backseat and cargo volume. "The second- and third-row seats, on the other hand, are pretty flat," notes Autoblog, also assessing that "with the middle row pushed all the way back, my knees didn't touch the seat backs from the back row." Autoblog also notes that "rear door openings are large and access to the third row is fairly easy." But Kelley Blue Book notes there's significantly less room behind the third row than you'll find in Japanese rivals.
The Veracruz is commended for delivering a quiet ride by MyRide.com, but it does point out excessive wind noise.
2010 Hyundai Veracruz Safety
Safety tests confirm that the 2010 Hyundai Veracruz is one of the top picks in its class.
Nearly every vehicle in this class of vehicle is a top performer, and the 2010 Veracruz follows that trend. Crash-test results from the federal government and insurance industry-sponsored IIHS are all top-notch, and the standard equipment list includes stability control, anti-lock brakes, front active head restraints, front side airbags, and side-curtain bags.
"The Veracruz performed well enough in government crash tests to receive ratings equal to those of its best competitors," assesses Kelley Blue Book.
Cars.com notes that while the Veracruz is available with power-adjustable pedals and rear parking sensors (now standard), there's no rearview camera availability, a feature valued by most buyers in this segment.
2010 Hyundai Veracruz Features
The Veracruz comes loaded with features, but unlike some of Hyundai's other vehicles it's no bargain.
The 2010 Veracruz is offered in two different trims—GLS and Limited—and while Hyundai doesn't make waves with standard equipment here as they do with some of their other vehicles, they both come with a pretty respectable feature list.
And for 2010 the base GLS gets several things that were previously optional, including the backup warning system, leather steering-wheel and shift-knob trim, fog lamps, a power driver seat, and roof rack rails.
The Washington Post gushes about the Veracruz feature list, saying that it "has more standard equipment—including some that is usually optional, such as third-row seating—than the RX350." Popular Mechanics also gives a nod to the lower-priced models, advising that "you can skip some features and still have one of the best seven-passenger crossovers on the market."
An LG-brand nav system is now available. And for those willing to option up a bit, the Veracruz is available with an AC power outlet, backseat DVD entertainment, and 605-watt premium sound.
The now-standard cooler box is a subject of many positive comments. "No more melted chocolate bars for the kiddies," Popular Mechanics notes, "and the perforated leather seats keep mommies and daddies cool, too." Autoblog reports that "chilled air from the A/C system is ducted through the center console compartment to keep drinks cool."
Kelley Blue Book believes buyers will see a lot of value in the Veracruz's optional power liftgate and Proximity Key remote-sensing features. The latter locks and unlocks the car automatically depending how close it is to the key.
While the majority of reviewers consider the Veracruz as good value for money, a couple critics still made a point to mention its $38,000 pricetag in loaded Limited guise. That's actually higher than a base Lexus RX 350.
