why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Hyundai Veracruz

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 3 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Hyundai Veracruz Review

By KBB.com Editors

While Hyundai is quick to point out that its three-row crossover has more cargo room than a Mercedes-Benz GL and is as quiet on the highway as a Lexus RX 350, actual competitors for the Veracruz are more mainstream people-movers like the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. Still, in years past the premium-like Veracruz stood up very well to the RX350 in back-to-back test drives organized, admittedly, by the Hyundai folks. Some have suggested that Hyundai may have been a little too optimistic, even, in its reliance upon the RX 350 as a source of inspiration. But we remember hearing similar criticisms when Lexus introduced its flagship LS sedan, in which some saw too many hints of Mercedes' S-Class – and that seemed to work out okay for Lexus.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz distinguishes itself from three-row competitors, such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, with premium-like accommodations, a less rugged shape and feature-based value.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Traveling with a car full of people and their luggage may be rather tight, as cargo room behind the third-row seat is less than seven cubic feet. That's nearly four cubic feet less than the Toyota Highlander and nine cubic feet less than the Honda Pilot.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2011 the GLS Premium Package option group has been updated and includes a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, power tailgate, auto-dimming interior mirror with HomeLink and compass and auto-dimming tilt-in-reverse exterior mirrors.

Driving the Veracruz

Driving Impressions With its car-like unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension, the Veracruz combines smooth, stable and exceptionally quiet highway cruising with as much around-town agility as is fair to expect or...

require from such a vehicle. The Veracruz is also among the most nimble three-row vehicles in any parking lot, thanks to a turning circle and an overall length similar to a typical mid-size sedan's. In merging and passing situations the refined six-speed transmission can be a little reluctant to kick down into a lower gear, but keep squeezing the accelerator pedal and the Veracruz rewards with enough power to get the job done. Our time in the Veracruz included everything from short commutes to interstate road trips, and it never failed to impress us as effortless and comfortable.

Favorite Features

Proximity Key
The Hyundai's remote-sensing unlock and start feature allows you to get in and go without ever touching the key that remains in your pocket or purse.

Power Liftgate
A feature that seemed like such an indulgence only a couple years ago – and one we wouldn't have expected on a Hyundai – has become one of the features we miss the most when driving any vehicle with a liftgate that is not powered.

2011 Hyundai Veracruz Details

Interior

While Hyundai claims the interior of the Veracruz was inspired by boutique hotels, it's obvious the Lexus RX 350 was also a source of inspiration. That the Veracruz has more interior cargo volume than the Mercedes-Benz GL says more about the Mercedes than it does about the Hyundai, which offers a touch less room than the Honda Pilot. The third-row seat is about as accommodating as others in the category – best for kids, doable for adults – but when the third row is occupied by people the Veracruz offers little remaining room for cargo. Premium-like touches include soft-lined bins and consoles and ambient spotlighting. An air-conditioned center console keeps food and drinks chilled.

Exterior

The 2011 Hyundai Veracruz is roughly the same size as the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot but doesn't share those models' more traditional SUV proportions. 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. Side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and puddle lights are a nice touch. The Veracruz performed well enough in government crash tests to receive ratings equal to those of its best competitors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment list of a 2011 Hyundai Veracruz GLS includes a six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod auxiliary inputs, power driver's seat, fog lights, automatic headlamps, cooling center console storage, air conditioning, rear-seat climate controls, steering wheel audio and cruise controls, power windows/locks/heated mirrors and remote keyless entry. The Limited adds remote-sensing unlock and start, a 315-watt Infinity audio with CD changer, power passenger seat, heated front seats, tilt-in-reverse side mirrors, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power sunroof, 115-volt outlet, windshield wiper de-icer and memory settings for the driver's seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and three-row side curtain airbags plus electronic stability control and a sophisticated braking system.

Optional Equipment

The 2010 Hyundai Veracruz GLS offers a Premium Package that adds LG navigation, 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 audio system with 10 speakers, memory for seat and mirrors, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, power tailgate, auto-dimming interior mirror with HomeLink and auto-dimming tilt-in-reverse exterior mirrors. The Limited has only two options: The LG navigation package, which includes DVD navigation and the 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 audio system; and a rear-seat DVD entertainment unit which also includes the Infinity Logic 7 audio system.

Under the Hood

Hyundai's sophisticated powertrain comprises an all-aluminum V6 with continuously variable valve timing, vibration-reducing electronically controlled engine mounts and a six-speed automatic transmission (the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander have five-speed transmissions). The Veracruz is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.

3.8-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
257 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA estimated fuel economy: 17/22 (FWD), 16/21 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Hyundai Veracruz vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Hyundai Veracruz Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 137 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.3/10

Absolute best ever.

By Alex (AR) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Sweet, quiet, smooth, fun."

Cons: "None come to mind. Maybe cooled seats - ?"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Remarkably nimble in the twisties - is this really an SUV?? Comfy & quiet (unlike our three noisy Santa Fe's, which we also loved, anyway). I have loved many cars over the years, from a VW camper to a Chevy Vega GT to a Healy 3000 Mk. III to a Buick LeSabre to my Crossfire, etc. May sound goofy, but this is the first car I've ever loved that I swear loves me back (I know, anthropormorphisization!!) Get one while you can, is all I can add."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I love this vehicle!

By Fran (AZ) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price and extremely comfortable to drive"

Cons: "No Ipod hookup"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this vehicle used in 2008. I normally trade my vehicles every couple of years, but not this one. I love everything about it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a nice size SUV with all the upgraded features at an affordable price."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love love love my Veracruz!

By Steph (CA) on Monday, April 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Lumbar support, quiet, all seats in back fold flat"

Cons: "gas mileage is only around 17 mi/gal"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I previously had a Santa Fe, but needed to turn in a lease and they made me a deal on the Veracruz. I thought it was too big but needed another car quickly. Now, I love this car! I love the option of having 7 seats! The seats all fold flat too, We went camping and found it was too cold, so we laid all the seats down and slept in the back of the car - it was awesome! The driver's lumbar support is superior to every car I've driven and all the controls on the steering wheel are so convenient. The car is super quiet and comfortable - even in the back seats where they have their own air controls. Too bad they stopped making this model - it's awesome!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I'd buy another if I could.

By Lore (AR) on Sunday, March 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,222

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"As with so many products I find, if I like it, they discontinue it. I bought this car off the showroom floor so it has lots of power features, XM radio, power sun roof, etc. and NO feature has ever failed. They are a little pricey, the most I have ever paid for a vehicle, but it was such an appealing auto at the time, that I couldn't resist. Even though it was an impulse purchase, it has presented no problems. to the contrary, it has been awesome."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

This car saved my husband's life

By coffeegirl (VA) on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Looks nicer than mini van, 3rd row seating"

Cons: "Road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"We bought this car, used, in 2009. My husband got in a car accident this past Saturday and this car kept him safe through a horrible accident in which the car went off the road, hit the ditch and flipped--he walked away uninjured. All of the air bags went off and the seat belt stayed secured. He says he would definitely buy a Hyundai again (this is our second) because of this. Overall we were satisified with the car. I did have a few quarrels though such as the battery dying easily. I jumped my car about six times the past year due to a light being left on. Once the caution lights were left on for about two hours and my battery died. That was very frustrating! I also did not like that my wheel wells were rusting--all four of them! I looked at other peoples cars and never seen them have this problem. I am not sure why they did that. I did feel there was a lot of road noise in the car when traveling (maybe roof rack?) and a window that whistled and could never seem to get fixed by the hyundai dealership. Also, buying tires for this car are expensive...they take a special size--bought four new ones last year for $800.00 and that was the best price I could find. We really liked the third row seating for extra riders but it is a tight area for adults and hard for them to get into the seats. Overall, we had a good experience would definitely buy a Hyundai again! I had the Tuscan then traded it for this one. I did not want to trade in because I LOVED the Tuscan!!! Loved it even more than this one and would def give it ten stars. But had to upgrade due to growing family. Hope this helps!;)"

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Poor quality, lousy dealer support

By Duane (GA) on Friday, October 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,800

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Rides well and fairly quiet."

Cons: "Poor quality, lousy dealer support."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Recurring problems with front end, has needed 2 alignments after less than 36000 miles, ate up Michelin tires, dealer claims can't find any problems. Also lights cut out unexpectedly, cruise control speeds up by itself, door handle broke (they are plastic). Will never buy a Hyundai again."

8 people out of 11 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 137 reviews