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

Performance

With 260 horsepower and 257 lb.-ft. of torque routed through a smooth and quick six-speed automatic, the Veracruz has little trouble accelerating to a comfortable cruising speed, but only got a so-so 17.2 mpg during its time with us. The engine is notably quiet, but sound quality counts as much as sound quantity sometimes, and the Veracruz lacks the auditory refinement of the Lexus V-6 in the RX 350 thanks to an uncomfortable groan as it approaches redline. The transmission downshifts quickly for passing, and avoids hunting in uphill grades. The manual mode is handy if you want to hold a certain gear, but its slow shifts aren’t much fun.

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