2008 Hyundai Veracruz

The 2008 Hyundai Veracruz offers a high-quality, comfortable interior and a hushed ride, along with a refined powertrain. Considered by reviewers to be a terrific value, the Veracruz boasts a long warranty and loaded feature list. Hyundai targeted luxury models such as the Lexus RX in its design objectives, and in a review at Motor Trend magazine, editors claim they got it right. It is well-built, reviewers agree.

While the Hyundai Veracruz and Mazda CX-9 *Est. $29,400 to $34,655 cost about the same and are both highly rated midsize crossovers, the Mazda is sportier while the Hyundai has more little luxury touches – including a refrigerated compartment between the front seats and a cubbyhole and connector/charger for an iPod. The Veracruz can carry seven passengers and is available with front- or all-wheel drive. Its V-6 engine delivers 260 horsepower via a six-speed automatic transmission, a combination good for an EPA-rated 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

A bewildering list of features comes standard even on base models of the Veracruz, and upscale models add heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof, power liftgate and more. Safety features are numerous, including side-curtain airbags and active head restraints. Electronic stability control and traction control are also standard, and a backup warning system is optional. As a value, Veracruz earns consistent praise from reviewers. Motor Trend magazine points out that it's $10,000 cheaper than the Lexus RX, while offering a very competitive package. An editor at Automotive.com adds that the Hyundai is also more fun to drive than competitors.