2009 Hyundai Veracruz

The largest Hyundai on the market, the 2009 Veracruz crossover strives for, and generally achieves, the luxury comfort and smooth ride of more upscale brands like the Mercedes-Benz ML and Lexus RX-350. What distinguishes the Veracruz from these, besides being the largest crossover in its class, is its solid five-star safety profile and a much more affordable pricetag.

The 2009 Hyundai Veracruz drops the SE trim this year, incorporating its features into an option package for the base GLS. The high-end Limited remains the same, but does add optional black leather upholstery for the interior and a new exterior Black Diamond color. Both GLS and Limited get a new USB/iPod port compatible with any music or wireless device.

Built on a Santa Fe platform, the 2009 Veracruz features three rows of seats for seven people. Both rows split-fold, with the third row folding flat into the floor. The second row slides back and forth to ease access to the back seat. Though legroom exceeds that in the Santa Fe, the 31 inches for the third row feels better suited to children. Cargo room with all seats up is a paltry 6.5 cubic feet, good for groceries but not much else. With both rows down, that expands to 87 cubic feet.

Powering both the GLS and the Limited, a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 and 6-speed automatic with manual mode deliver 260 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can tow up to 3,500 pounds and gets 16/23 mpg. The 2009 Veracruz comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Lacking low-range gearing, it is not an off-road vehicle, but does perform well in tough road conditions. Traction and stability control, 4-wheel ABS brakes, automatic headlights, and dual-stage front-side and side curtain airbags for all three rows keep safety ratings high. The GLS rides on 17-inch wheels, the Limited on 18-inch. Parking sensors are optional on the Limited, along with rain-sensing wipers.

GLS trims feature a substantial amount of equipment, including wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, and rear climate control. One of the most luxurious Hyundais out there, the Veracruz Limited boasts heated power front seats and mirrors with memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a power liftgate, power tilt and telescopic steering, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and an Infinity sound system with 6-CD changer. Both trims offer a center console with beverage cooler and easy-to-read gauges trimmed in blue light.

An aggressive exterior, with a rear spoiler, wraparound three-tiered headlights, and plenty of chrome accents make the 2009 Veracruz look and act more refined than its price indicates. Owners and critics agree that its powerplant and suspension deliver excellent performance and easy handling. Its roomy cabin consists of high-quality materials and offers a generally quiet ride, though some drivers mention annoying tire and suspension noise.

By Ann Jackman