2008 Hyundai Veracruz Review
2008 Hyundai Veracruz Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+69
Used Veracruz for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Excellent build and materials quality, generous standard features list, top-notch crash test results, long warranty, ample power.
Cons
- Lifeless steering, not as spacious as some competitors.
What’s new
An all-new model last year, the Hyundai Veracruz receives previously optional equipment as standard on the Limited model. A power tailgate and a 115-volt outlet are now available on the SE model, while a Hyundai-first navigation system is now an option on the Limited.
Edmunds says
Whether in base trim or fully loaded, the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz provides tremendous feature content and value combined with a comfortable driving demeanor. In the increasingly crowded seven-passenger crossover segment, the Veracruz deserves to be near the top of any test-drive list.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz GLS 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$228/mo for Veracruz GLS
Veracruz GLS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The 2008 Veracruz is the largest and most expensive vehicle Hyundai has ever sold in North America -- and it might be its best yet. All-new last year, this seven-passenger crossover goes up against impressive new models like the Toyota Highlander. Perhaps even more surprising, the luxury-trimmed Limited model has enough niceties to legitimately be considered an alternative to models from upscale brands like Acura and Lexus. By adding even more standard equipment for 2008 and including Hyundai's first optional navigation system, the Veracruz is one Hyundai that's not only meeting the bar, it's raising it.
While the Veracruz's exterior styling looks awkward from certain angles, opening up a door to the interior reveals a handsome design and very impressive quality. Rich-looking soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin, highlighted by tasteful faux wood and metal accents. Cool blue dash lighting and available two-tone leather add a hip touch. In a seven-passenger crossover SUV, comfort and space are of paramount importance, and the Veracruz delivers a lot of both despite not being as big as some others in its class.
Whether you're a value or luxury buyer -- or something in between -- the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is a very impressive vehicle that does just about everything right. Priced at around $26,000, the well-equipped base GLS trim level is less expensive than practically all of its competition and still offers that lengthy Hyundai warranty. At the same time, the range-topping Limited model matches the feature content and build quality of seven-passenger luxury crossovers that cost thousands more. Its competitors are too good for us to declare the Veracruz the class leader, but it's hard to imagine being disappointed by this biggest and arguably best Hyundai yet.
Performance & mpg
All 2008 Hyundai Veracruz models are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the standard transmission, while all trim levels can be equipped with either front- or all-wheel drive. In performance testing, the Veracruz went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is average for vehicles in the class. Fuel economy is also on par, with 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway EPA estimates for the front-wheel-drive model, while the all-wheel-drive model gets 1 mpg less in both driving conditions.
Safety
Each Veracruz trim level comes with the same excellent menu of safety features. Standard are antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, three-row side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Veracruz performed very well, earning five out of five stars in all frontal and side collision categories. In front-offset crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Veracruz did equally well, earning the highest score of "Good."
Driving
With Lexus keenly in its sights, Hyundai tuned the Veracruz to be a serene boulevard and highway cruiser. The ride is supple and very quiet, and the handling predictable despite the steering being noticeably inert. Acceleration is about average for vehicles in this class, and the six-speed auto provides smooth gear changes up and down the power band, though, as we've noticed with other V6-powered crossovers, it can be slow to downshift. The brakes perform reasonably well, though in testing we noticed some brake fade after multiple hard stops.
Interior
Despite being one of the value leaders in its class, the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz offers one of the finest interiors -- whether in base trim or the luxury-lined Limited. The overall design is handsome and quality of materials is superb, although the center stack is a little button-heavy. A touchscreen navigation system by LG debuts as an option on the Limited this year, and incorporates some audio controls. When fully loaded, the Veracruz comes tantalizingly close to matching the interior craftsmanship found in the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350.
Space and comfort are also excellent, with ample passenger room throughout. The third row isn't quite as spacious as that of the Mazda CX-9 or GM's full-size crossover triplets (specifically regarding headroom), but there's still enough room for an average-sized adult on short journeys and you won't need a spine made out of Nerf for entry and exit. Cargo capacity also trails those two competitors, but is still sizable, with 40 cubic feet behind the second row and 86.8 cubic feet with both rows folded flat.
2008 Hyundai Veracruz models
The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz is a seven-passenger large crossover SUV available in three trim levels. The entry-level GLS features 17-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering column, cloth upholstery, rear climate controls, a trip computer and a single-CD/MP3 player with satellite radio. The optional GLS Premium package adds a sunroof, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and rear parking assist.
The midlevel SE trim is pretty similar to the GLS, with 18-inch wheels, automatic headlights, auto-dimming mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a cooled center console being the major upgrades. The SE Premium & Leather Package includes the GLS Premium package's equipment plus a power tailgate, leather upholstery and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system with in-dash CD changer and satellite radio.
The Limited trim level includes all of the above equipment and adds driver memory settings, a power steering column, adjustable pedals, a power passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers and dual-zone automatic climate control. Available only on the Limited, the Navigation package adds a touchscreen navigation system and a 10-speaker Infinity Logic 7 surround-sound system. A rear-seat entertainment system that also includes the Logic 7 sound system is available on the SE and Limited. Bluetooth is a stand-alone option on all trim levels.
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#21 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Veracruz from 2008-2022.$439/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.36x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15.4%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Hyundai Veracruz.
5 star(76%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
98 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Bought with 3ish now at 120,000 going strong
Deb Cha, 11/23/2015
2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Well you won't find one so you can forget about if. But if you do, what a deal! I purchased my Veracruz for something like 19K around 2010. I've had it for 5 years and put about 90K on it. It has been amazingly good. It was purchased to replace a Murano which I loved but which pretty much imploded at about 100K. It was leaking oil, burning oil and I'd sunk too much money into it. I was … looking for practical and that is what I got with the Veracruz. It has been as frugal as I am. I don't know why they stopped making it. I bet it cost more to make than it brought in. I also like driving it because it seems to be surrounded by comfort foam. I can't tell if the engine is on or not because it is just that quiet. You can hear road noise while driving but you won't hear the engine. It is also safe. I drive in an area that gets snow from October through May. The vericruz has had no problems with the snow with all weather tires.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Vehicle ever owned. Still the best I've owned
Larry Belcher, 09/29/2017
2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Bought this Veracruz in Nov. 2007 new, traded in a Lincoln Navigator. This has been by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned numerous vehicles. It will be 10 years old on Nov. 8, 2017, currently has 355,516 miles and still runs like brand new, still looks brand new. Only had routine maintenance done up until last year and had to replace the catalytic convertors (2 of … the 3) and the rotors. I did not hesitate to spend the $$$ for repairs. I only wish they still produced this vehicle as I would but another in a New York minute. My goal is to put 500,000 miles on this vehicle before I replace it unless it just totally implodes. Very proud Hyundai Veracruz owner!!!
4.75 out of 5 stars
Bought used still smiling 70,000 miles later
carperson13290, 08/30/2014
2008 Hyundai Veracruz SE 4dr SUV AWD (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Purchased the Veracruz (1/2011) with 23,000 to replace 03 Murano with 140,000 miles. I needed a heavy safe car capable of carting a lot of people but used primarily to commute approx 800 miles/week often in harsh wintery conditions. The car now has over 100,000. It's much hardier than the Murano (not as fun). It has been relatively problem free. The superior warranty is a huge … help-(although less than new). I've had dealer problems-billed for covered repairs and most recently, when problems were due to known recall issue-stood my ground. I've replaced the windshield wiper mechanism-bought used. It is very sturdy safe car with great flexible space-I'd buy it again except they D/C'd it. Why?
5 out of 5 stars
50K Miles and still love my car
astralsqual, 09/23/2011
2008 Hyundai Veracruz GLS 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Shortly prior to buying this car, I was doing a significant amount of traveling for work and so was renting a lot of cars. I had always been a honda fan, but was really dissapointed with the Accord. It just wasn't comfortable to drive. Then I had a Mazda, VW, Suzuki, and more, but I was most impressed with the Elantra. It had a great set up and was easy to drive.
I went down to the … dealership to look at Elantras and then I saw the Veracruz. I took a test drive and was blown away - So comfortable, nice set up of the control panel, just a really great vehicle to drive. I can't say enough great things about this car. Third row seat is just wonderful to have for carpooling with kids.
2008 Veracruz Highlights
GLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,045 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $228/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Veracruz include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
Related Used 2008 Hyundai Veracruz info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used GMC Sonoma 2022
- Used Cadillac XT4 2020
- Used Volvo XC70 2016
- Used Toyota Sequoia 2010
- Used Audi S6 2015
Shop used vehicles in your area
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 2
- 2025 Toyota Prius Prime News
- 2024 Ford Escape
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2024
- Volvo V60
- 2 Door Hatchback
- BMW X3 2024
- 2023 Range Rover
- BMW 7 Series
- Mbusa Sprinter
Research other models of Hyundai
- Hyundai Elantra 2023
- 2023 Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Tucson 2023
- Hyundai Sonata 2023
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid For Sale
- 2023 Kona
- Hyundai Santa Fe Plugin Hybrid
- 2023 Elantra
- 2023 Venue
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata
Research similar vehicles
- Subaru Forester
- Chevrolet Tahoe V8
- Hyundai Palisades
- Toyota Rav 4 Prime
- Honda Pilot SUV
- 15 Grand Cherokee
- Rangerover
- Land Rover Defender 2024
- Mazda CX 5
- Escalade V
Other models
- Used Kia Sorento-Hybrid in Lugoff, SC
- Used Jaguar E-Pace in Wixom, MI
- New GMC Yukon-Xl for Sale in Effingham, IL
- Used Hyundai Venue in Cumberland, RI
- Used Chevrolet Uplander in Delaware, OH
- Used Chevrolet Tracker in Pleasanton, CA
- Used Infiniti M in Fullerton, CA
- Used Toyota 4Runner in Suwanee, GA
- Used Chevrolet Lumina in Keller, TX
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gle-Class in Crowley, TX