Hyundai aims for the Lexus RX 350, hits the Toyota Highlander.

Loading Cargo

With the third row in place, cargo room in the Veracruz is extremely limited; a good-sized gym bag maxes it out. Fold the third row and you have plenty of room, a flat floor with recessed cargo hooks, and an acceptable liftover. The second row folds nearly flat for even larger objects, and doing so is quick and easy. The slow power hatch is the only real negative. The 10-plus seconds it takes to fully open after you hit the keyfob button feel endless, and we think shorter drivers will have a hard time reaching the close button on the hatch’s edge when it’s fully open.

• Get Info and Pricing for Hyundai Veracruz