Power and Technology
Hyundai wisely chose to put a little oomph under the hood. The only engine available in the Veracruz displaces 3.8 litres while generating a stout 260 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. This is the same ultra-smooth mill powering the sublimely-luxurious Azera. It features continuously-variable valve timing technology and is adjoined to a manual-mode, six-speed automatic transmission. Together they propel the Veracruz with impressive zeal and wonderful civility.

The 3.8-litre V6 generates a stout 260 horsepower and 257 lb-ft of torque.

After getting over the sensational build quality of the Veracruz, prospective purchasers will next marvel at the outstanding degree of operational refinement discovered once the vehicle is in motion. It delivers the same creamy performance found in the Azera, which puts it in the league of the numerous X'ers I mentioned earlier. Quiet, polished operational refinement is one of the most notable strengths of the Veracruz.

Along with plenty of occupant protection, the Veracruz arrives with the latest in incident-avoidance technology as standard equipment, such as Hyundai's Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which applies wheel-specific braking and engine modulation to maintain vehicular control when excessive yaw is detected. I played with this system on a desolate road and was highly impressed with its ability to "catch and recover" the vehicle when it was embarking upon a loss of control. Such an electronic safety net should be mandatory on all vehicles with high centres of gravity, such as SUVs.

Although Hyundai rates the Veracruz as a medium-duty off-road vehicle, they have equipped it with a fairly sophisticated, torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system that includes driver-activated, AWD locking to split the torque 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. Electronic traction control and rollover protection is also provided--good on them.

Ride and Drive
I was smitten with just how comfortable the driver's seat and surrounding environ was. Numerous adjustments, such as a tilt and telescoping steering column and adjustable foot pedals, enabled the perfect fit. From this position I could manipulate all switchgear with ease and clarity thanks to a straightforward yet attractive layout.

A tilt and telescoping steering column and adjustable foot pedals enable the perfect fit.