by Wendy Lafond

Created on: May 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 17, 2008

Whether you are looking for luxury or value the all new 2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited AWD is the place to start. With a base price starting at $36,445 and an impressive standard package the Veracruz is closing the gap on some well known top-of-the-line crossover vehicles such as the Lexus RX 350, which the Hyundai beat out in a head-to-head showdown, the Toyota Highlander and the Acura MDX.

The 2008 Veracruz has a 3.8 liter V-6, that pushes 260bhp, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. With a curb weight of 4,620lbs, that is plenty of power to take you anywhere you want to go. This V-6 will run a 0-60 time of 8 seconds flat and clock a quarter mile in 16.3 seconds. The breaking distance comes in with respectable numbers also, stopping from 60-0 in 140 feet. Impressive numbers for a 7-passenger large crossover SUV.

Standard on the Veracruz Limited are such amenities as 18-inch alloy wheels, adjustable pedals, full power accessories, power adjustable tilt-telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with driver memory, leather upholstery, automatic headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, cooled center console, power passenger seat, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system with in-dash CD changer and satellite radio, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Only the Limited has the Navigation package which adds a touch screen navigation system and a 10-speaker Infinity Logic 7 surround-sound.

While maintaining it's prior value leadership, Hyundai has provided one of the finest interiors of the luxury SUV class. Superb quality materials, laid out with handsomely designed style, enhance the overall craftsmanship of the Veracruz, the largest and most expensive vehicle that Hyundai has sold in North America.

Ample passenger area is also on the Veracruz' side. With plentiful space and comfort throughout, sufficient room in the third seat for an average-size adult, 86.8 cubic feet of cargo storage with the rear seats folded down, and 40 cubic feet behind the second row seats.

The Hyundai Veracruz is also equipped with an exceptional set of safety features. Anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, and three-row side curtain airbags all helped the Veracruz earn an outstanding crash test rating. Five of five stars for all frontal and side impact categories and the highest score of good for front-offset crash testing.

The Hyundai Veracruz limited is a composed street traveler as well as a capable highway cruiser. A quiet ride with agile moves and confident handling. Overall an exceptional ride at an incredible value.

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