Driven almost entirely on L.A.’s extensive network of multi-lane expressways for a late-night airport run, the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz proved a soothing conveyance. It’s quiet, it’s comfortable, the gauges glow icy blue with white highlights, and with the Infinity audio system’s XM satellite radio tuned to appropriate music and the power moonroof open to starry skies, the Veracruz carved through the city like a hot, buttered Wustof knife.

As I powered over “the hill” into west L.A., I thought about the Lexus RX 350 we’d driven a few weeks prior. Yes, a Veracruz Limited with all the trimmings is expensive – our test model carried a $36,825 sticker price – and many people will add “for a Hyundai” after any comment on the Limited’s lofty price, but honestly I prefer driving the Veracruz. I think it’s more comfortable than the Lexus, I think the interior materials are of equivalent quality, I think its better looking inside and out, and I think it provides the driver with a better sense of what’s happening at the surface of the road.

That said, the Lexus is equipped with a superior powertrain. The Lexus builds power quickly when asked, and the transmission is responsive. The Hyundai feels heavier, more lethargic, and the transmission doesn’t readily kick down to climb hills or pass slower traffic. Additionally, the Hyundai’s steering lacks the linearity of the Lexus and has an irritating dead spot on center.

As I noted earlier, the Veracruz Limited’s interior will impress. The second-row seating is very comfortable for adults; the third row less so, and it puts occupants’ heads very close to the rear glass. Fold the third-row seat down, however, and the Veracruz supplies a cavernous 40 cubic feet of cargo area.

Furthermore, the cabin is quiet at highway speeds, the powertrain hushed like a luxury vehicle. The controls are wisely arranged, simple to use, and backlit with a pleasing ice-blue glow at night. However, I would have preferred knobs for adjusting the automatic climate control temperature and radio stations. Also, I thought the touch-screen navigation system required more deliberate pressing than those in other cars.

Also notable is the Top Safety Pick rating given to the Hyundai Veracruz by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In federal crash tests, the Veracruz receives five-star scores for frontal and side impact tests, and a four-star rating for its propensity to roll over in certain kinds of accidents. Needless to say, the Veracruz is very safe by modern testing standards.

Fuel economy seems to be an issue, however. I never topped 17 mpg despite my test drive’s big emphasis on freeway cruising, and that’s far short of the EPA estimate of 23 mpg on the highway. In fact, it’s on target with the Veracruz’s 16 mpg city rating.

Nevertheless, the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz Limited is an excellent crossover SUV. In my opinion, it offers the luxury and comfort of a Lexus blended with the space and functionality of a traditional family SUV. If you can accept the Hyundai badge and the rather disappointing fuel economy, the Veracruz is likely to please any buyer. – Christian Wardlaw

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