The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz remains essentially the same midsize SUV that was available in dealer showrooms in 2011, albeit with a new front grille and updated optional 18-inch alloy wheels, along with some options added to the Limited trim. For 2012, four trims are available for the Hyundai Veracruz: the GLS and Limited, which can be configured either with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). All are equipped with a 260-hp 3.8-liter 24-valve DOHC V8 that runs on premium gasoline and achieves 257 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (with overdrive, Shiftronic and lock-up torque converter). GLS trims are rated to get 18 mpg city/21 highway, while the AWD Limited trims get 17/21. Standard equipment for the GLS trims includes air conditioning (with rear seat controls), cruise control, power windows, power locks, heated power side mirrors (with turn signal indicator and approach lights), 8-way power driver seat (with power lumbar support), leather-wrapped steering wheel (with tilt-and-telescopic steering column), leather shift knob, 172-watt audio system (with 6 speakers, AM/FM/CD/MP3, Sirius XM radio with 3-month trial subscription and iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks), roof rack side rails, automatic headlights, rear spoiler (with LED brake lights), fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited also has as standard equipment dual front automatic temperature controls, a proximity key (with immobilizer), power tilt-and-slide sunroof, memory setting (for steering wheel, exterior mirrors and driver’s seat), leather seats, power driver's and front passenger seats, heated front and second-row seats, a 314-watt Infinity audio system (with 8 speakers, AM/FM/MP3/6-CD changer and external amplifier), auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror (with HomeLink integrated transceiver and compass) and 18-inch Hypersilver aluminum alloy wheels. An available Premium Package option for the GLS includes sunroof, power tailgate, power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, heated front seats, windshield wiper deicer, and auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror. Individual options available for all trims include wheel locks, mud guards, tow hitch and Bluetooth HandsFree phone system. All four trims of the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz come standard with several safety features. These include advanced dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags, energy-absorbing steering column, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel antilock braking system (with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist), electric stability control, traction control system and backup warning system. Exterior color options for the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz are Shimmering Silver, Black Noir Pearl, Stone White, Marine Blue, Boulder Gray, Athens Blue and Sahara Bronze. For the GLS trims, Beige is available as the only interior color for Sahara Bronze; Gray is the only interior color available for Shimmering Silver, Boulder Gray and Athens Blue; and both are available for Black Noir Pearl, Stone White and Marine Blue. Saddle is an additional color available for the leather seats in the Limited trims that have Black Noir Pearl, Stone White or Sahara Bronze exterior. Reviews about the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz’s handling and performance are generally upbeat, with many owners praising the Veracruz’s comfortable ride. Handling also receives numerous good marks, as many owners remarked how well the SUV drives even after several thousand miles have been put on it. The Veracruz’s smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission was generally favored, although some drivers note that the transmission has a reluctance to downshift at higher speeds. With room for 7 passengers, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz has the same amount of passenger space as competitors such as the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9 and Ford Edge. While the Veracruz’s fuel economy rates near the bottom of its class, Hyundai more than make up for it with the sticker price, which can be several thousand dollars below some competing SUVs, as well as Hyundai’s warranty, which covers the powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles.