The Hyundai Veracruz is the mid-size, seven-seat crossover Hyundai built from 2006 to 2015, known in the European Union and Russia as the Hyundai ix55. Named after the Mexican state of Veracruz, it was Hyundai’s largest crossover, replaced the truck-based Terracan outside North America, and was eventually superseded by the seven-seat Santa Fe.
Hyundai Veracruz at a glance
| Maker | Hyundai Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Production | 2006–2015 |
| European name | Hyundai ix55 |
| Unveiled in Korea | 12 October 2006 |
| US launch | 2007 model year |
| Class | mid-size seven-seat crossover |
| Platform | Hyundai Santa Fe; the 2011 car used the Kia Sorento platform |
| Petrol engine | 3.8-litre V6, 260 hp |
| Petrol gearbox | Aisin six-speed Shiftronic automatic |
| European engine | 3.0-litre CRDi V6, 240 hp |
| Trims | GLS, SE and Limited |
| Discontinued | 15 November 2011 outside Korea; 2015 in Korea |
History of the Hyundai Veracruz
The Veracruz was unveiled in Korea on 12 October 2006 and went on sale in the United States as a 2007 model, reaching showrooms in March 2007. It was built on the Hyundai Santa Fe platform and replaced the truck-based Terracan in markets outside North America. Hyundai said the name continued a Western theme begun with the Tucson and the Santa Fe, though the car was oddly never sold in Mexico itself.
Power came from a 3.8-litre V6 of 260 hp driving through an Aisin six-speed Shiftronic automatic. In Europe the only engine was a 3.0-litre CRDi V6 diesel with a variable geometry turbocharger and 240 hp, and from 2008 the car was sold in some European countries as the ix55. Buyers could choose front or all-wheel drive and one of three trims, GLS, SE and Limited.
All cars came with full power equipment, air conditioning with an allergen filter, an AM/FM stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio, a CD and MP3 player with USB and auxiliary inputs, audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, third-row seating, alloy wheels and colour-keyed mirrors and door handles. Options included a six-disc CD changer, Infinity surround sound, leather and heated or ventilated seats, a sunroof, smart key access with a twist-to-start ignition, chrome accents and touch-screen navigation. A Bluetooth hands-free kit was never fitted at the factory, only offered as an accessory that replaced the sunglasses holder, and it did not support wireless music streaming.
Hyundai withdrew the Veracruz from all markets except Korea on 15 November 2011, and the last cars built that year were sold as 2012 models. On 6 April 2012 the company announced that the seven-seat version of the 2013 Santa Fe would take its place and that production would stop around November 2012; the Korean car continued until 2015, when Euro 6 emission rules ended it. The Veracruz earned the highest possible rating for injury risk from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and was named a Best Safety Pick in November 2007.
Design and features
- Seven seats: three rows as standard equipment.
- Two engines: a 3.8-litre petrol V6 and, in Europe, a 3.0-litre diesel V6.
- ix55 name: sold under that badge in the European Union and Russia.
- Strong safety record: top IIHS rating and five NHTSA stars.
Hyundai Veracruz versions
- Veracruz GLS: the base trim in North America.
- Veracruz SE: the mid-range car.
- Veracruz Limited: the top trim with leather and extra equipment.
- ix55: the European name, sold with the 3.0 CRDi V6.
- 2011 revision: based on the Kia Sorento platform.
The Veracruz replaced the Terracan and sat above the Santa Fe in Hyundai’s crossover range. More Hyundai models are in the Hyundai collection.
Video: 2011 Hyundai Veracruz Limited Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour
Video by Saabkyle04 on YouTube.
Sources
- Hyundai Veracruz, English Wikipedia: dates, engines, trims, equipment, discontinuation, safety
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