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2012 Hyundai Veracruz

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Overview

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2012 Hyundai Veracruz Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

To prove just how good the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUV really is, Hyundai invited a group of us to its proving grounds where there was also a Lexus RX 350 for comparison. While the Lexus clearly is the better SUV, it isn't by much. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz's ride, handling and acceleration all matched or bested the Lexus, and its interior truly is as quiet, at least at highway speeds. And, while Hyundai was also quick to point out the Veracruz has more cargo room than a Mercedes Benz GL (with the rear seat folded down, of course), we think it's more likely people will be comparing it to the cargo hold of the Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse. With its three-row seating, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz can fit up to seven people, although the rear-most seat is a bit cramped for two adults. Best of all, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz offers near Lexus-like levels of luxury at a price starting well below Lexus territory.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz stands apart from more truck-like SUVs with its smooth, sleek design and plush interior. If a seven-passenger Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander is a bit too rugged or conservative for your taste, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz will likely hold strong appeal.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your demands require the third-row seat to be in use full-time, you'll find there is very little room behind said seat for luggage or equipment. You might be better off in a Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot, both of which have significantly more cargo space behind the third-row seat than the Veracruz.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

6.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.4
Value

7.4
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#49

out of 56

MPG

#25

out of 56

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Hyundai Veracruz Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Veracruz receives a new European-inspired grille, some new wheel designs and, on the Limited trim, standard heated second-row seats. A new Alpine navigation unit is available on the Limited trim level; the Alpine navigation unit includes HD Radio, Pandora internet radio for iPhone, Bluetooth, and a 7-inch touch screen display, as well as a 605-watt Infinity amp and 10 speakers.

Driving the Veracruz

2012 Hyundai Veracruz Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Thanks to its one-piece unibody construction and 4-wheel independent front and rear suspension, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz 7-passenger SUV is as comfortable climbing a winding mountain road as it is...

effortless cruising long stretches of highway. Even in city driving, where larger SUV's can feel like ponderous dinosaurs, the 2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUV is lithe and nimble. Thanks in part to its smaller turning circle and minimal length, the Veracruz is easily maneuvered in all but the tightest parking situations. While we enjoyed the cruising capabilities afforded by the powerful and smooth V6 engine, the Veracruz's 6-speed automatic transmission demonstrated a reluctance to quickly kick down into a lower gear when we needed an immediate burst of power. 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 2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUV'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 on any vehicle with a liftgate that is not powered.

2012 Hyundai Veracruz Details

2012 Hyundai Veracruz Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While it's clear that Hyundai used the Lexus RX 350 as a benchmark for the Veracruz's interior, they didn't copy it part for part. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz's upscale appointments include soft-lined bins, a soft-touch console and armrests and even overhead ambient spot lights. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz's third-row seat offers about the same accommodations as others in this segment, which is to say it's suitable only for kids or for short trips with two adults. And, while Hyundai likes to boast about the Veracruz's roomy cargo area, that boast is referring to the total cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded; when the third-row seat is in place, however, there is precious little space to spare.

Exterior

Although not much larger than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot, the 2012 Veracruz doesn't share the latter's somewhat rugged, off-road-ready look. The stylish lines may seem conservative to some, but nice touches such as the 18-inch hypersilver wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips and integrated rear spoiler help impart a slightly sporty demeanor. Other high-end features include side mirrors with integrated turn signals and puddle lights that shine down to reveal possible hazards hidden by the dark of night.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment list of a 2012 Hyundai Veracruz GLS includes a 6-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB/iPod auxiliary inputs, power driver's seat, fog lights, automatic headlamps, air conditioning, rear-seat climate controls, steering-wheel audio and cruise controls, power windows/locks/heated mirrors and remote keyless entry. The Limited adds leather seating surfaces, proximity key, a 314-watt Infinity audio with CD changer, power passenger seat, heated front and second-row 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 (ESC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Optional Equipment

The Veracruz GLS offers a Premium Package that adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, power tailgate, auto-dimming interior mirror with HomeLink and compass, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated front seats and windshield wiper deicer. The Limited has only one option: The Alpine navigation package, which includes DVD navigation and the 605-watt Infinity Logic7 audio system with 10 speakers. Both the GLS and Limited are available with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Under the Hood

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz SUV's sophisticated powertrain comprises an all-aluminum V6 with continuously variable valve timing, vibration-reducing electronically controlled engine mounts and a 6-speed automatic transmission, The Veracruz is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive (AWD).

3.8-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
257 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA estimated fuel economy: 17/22 (FWD), 16/21 (AWD)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $29,000 and tops out impressively-equipped right around $40,000. All-wheel drive (AWD) works out to about $1,700. The Veracruz can boast an equipment-based price advantage of some $3,000 to $4,000 or more versus the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Before going shopping, check out the KBB Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for a Veracruz. The 2012 Hyundai Veracruz is expected to maintain resale value just shy of the GMC Acadia, but fall well below the values of the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.

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2012 Hyundai Veracruz Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 138 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.2/10
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

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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."

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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!"

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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

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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

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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

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See all 138 reviews