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2008 Hyundai Veracruz

Date: February 2008

Miles: 6,000

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz luxury crossover utility shows that this Korean brand is serious about upgrading its mass-market appeal to premium stature. The Veracruz emulates the Lexus RX350, and in our initial test, we were impressed. Now, living with the Veracruz for 2 months and 6,000 miles confirms that Hyundai designers did their homework well. This 7-passenger crossover is extremely quiet and comfortable. The interior surrounds occupants in fine materials and an overall luxurious ambiance. Time and mileage have produced a few creaks that we've never heard in a Lexus. But, that's it for negatives. Otherwise the Veracruz is the strong and silent type, with a hearty 260-horsepower V6 and seamless 6-speed automatic. The available all-wheel drive also performs well. Fuel economy is unremarkable at 18.1 miles-per-gallon on regular grade gas. Hyundai has come a long way in quality and stature in a little more than 20 years in America, and the Veracruz is driving proof they're not stopping.

Date: April 2008

Miles: 12,000

Our 2008 Hyundai Veracruz Luxury Crossover Utility has now endured 4 months and over 12,000 miles of our staff's very varied driving habits. This Lexus imitator has been fault free, and generally complaint free. Its 7-passenger cabin is both roomy and refined. The strong 260-horsepower V6 and seamless 6-speed automatic work together flawlessly on long trips, delivering a modest 18.0 miles-per-gallon on regular grade gas. We wish it was higher, but that is our only want. Otherwise the Hyundai Veracruz is close to perfect.