In the top picture, there appears to be a decent amout of room.......In the lower picture, the 3rd row seats appear to be hanging out the rear door???? Look at the "top" of the rear seat. Doesn't it look like it's hanging out past the black weather stripping on the rear hatch????
Just saw the Veracruz at the dealership; very tight fitting panels, very upscale appearance with the overall presentation making my Pilot look very cheap. I regret not waiting the 6 mos to buy an equivalent Veracruz. Much nice than the Pilot. The only one on the lot was light blue with gray cloth interior. $30k with no sunroof. Much, much more inexpensive than a Lexus or equivalent, but for $30k they'd better have a sunroof in it with leather. I bought my Honda LOADED, '07, DVD, Leather, roof, stability, XM for $29995. Listen, I am the first to admit the advancement and progression of this automaker, but its tough to swallow $30k with no sunroof after buying a Pilot for $29995 loaded. Incentives are certainly inevitable to move these at these prices. C'mon cloth and no roof?
No offense, but Honda is not having the easiest time selling the Pilot because it's not very stylish, it isn't at all exciting to drive, and interior room is lower. The Veracruz gets slightly better gas mileage, has more power, has more room in all 3 rows, and other features not even offered on the Pilot, like lit step panels, heated mirrors with turn signal, proximity key, rain sensing wipers, and power liftgate. Once Honda brings out the newest version of the Pilot, I'm sure the Veracruz will be a steal. :P
I drove the Veracruz for the first time tonight – I love it! I will buy one ASAP.
I have driven the Pilot, Highlander, Acadia, Outlook, CX-9, and the MKX. I know looks is very subjective, but I think the Veracruz is good looking, and certainly good driving. I didn’t like the transmission in the Acadia, Outlook, and MKX. I really like the transmission in the CX-9, and Veracruz. They are very similar, if not the same by Aisin. I think the center consol in the CX-9 is way too high, uncomfortable, and confining. Third row seating is probably roomier in the Acadia, but not by much. The Veracruz will be fine for my grandkids for many years.
My local dealer here in Washington State wants full MSRP, so I must look elsewhere to buy. Anyone got any ideas?
Had my 1st test drive tonight. It's an AWD base model. Didn't look at the $ as I'm not getting one right away. My goal is to compare it w/ CX-9 I had yesterday.
, - touch and feel of the steering wheel - more connected than the disconnected CX-9 - power should be adequet - 2nd and 3rd rows, w/ 2nd row slided back all the way, still a bit knee room at 3rd row. - display is much nicer than the CX-9's red - center gauge's eclips light effect - a personal touch down to every individual level, just count how many vents on the back (ceiling, b-pilar and floor) - tire pressure tells which one, CX-9 doesn't. - large side mirror w/ turn signal. - almost all other things
, - a slightly lagging in the transmission, perhaps I'm so used to Honda's VTEC - gas pedal is a bit more in-sensitive than CX-9, a better one. wish it's as precise as my Honda's. - no HID, wish they swap the central cooler for it. - very little cargo when 3rd row is up, this is the same for all normal size CUV and SUV. CX-9 has a bit more room.
Overall, I'm sold to this. Dealer had no idea for how long the actual delivery will come.
Not sure if Honda will roll out a NEW pilot this fall, wait three more weeks when NYC Auto Show opens.
Here is an idea: wait. You will probably hear "MSRP" for a while, while the pent-up demand outstrips the limited supply. That is common with new models, and happened on the all-new Sonata and the Azera for example. Prices will moderate in time.
Or if you just can't wait, pay MSRP and enjoy your Veracruz that much sooner!
Reading these type posts is interesting. I might can see the RX350 in that group, but the future Infiniti is going to be an BMW X3/Acura RDX fighter. I have a feeling those won't be cross-shopped often.
The build your own Veracruz is up on the Hyundai site. Also more information and pricing and options. I drove the Veracruz today and was impressed with the build quality, low noise level and the features included. This will remain on my list until the new Pilot is released. By then the pricing will certainly fall and rebates will be plentiful.
Just drove a VC SE - interesting vehicle. I was really amazed by the quality; seems to be the best Hyundai to date. I thought that it was extremely well built. I drove it in the city/highway. Though it has the same engine as the Azera I was a bit dissapointed in acceleration - didn't seem as quick off the line as the AZ. Perhaps the bulk and the 6sp tranny is part of the reason. But when this thing cruises it is very nice and extremely quit. This vehicle is bigger in person than I thought it would be. But when all is said and done this thing is priced in Volvo territory and I just can't justify $40K for the VC. I own a V70 now and am in the market to upgrade. As much as I like the VC I will have to stick with the Volvo again.
The Veracruz weighs nearly 700 lbs more than the Azera. It's acceleration is on par with it's competitors, but there is no way that it can compete with that of the Azera whose 0-60 time is in the mid-6 second range. It actually, in all fairness, is faster than any V70 (except the R) If you compared it to any of the other new non-V8 crossover vehicles for acceleration, that would probably be a more direct comparison. A fully loaded Veracruz is $37k including AWD. A similarly equipped V70 is quite a bit more ($43k, excluding nav because it's not offered on the Veracruz) money with quite a bit less space and .
Just went on to the Hyundai site..Unless I'm wrong, it appears that you "must" get the rear DVD in order to get some very "unrelated to a DVD" items as indicated below. Geeze, I like to have some of those nicer options, but have no need for a rear DVD....That sucks!!
Ultimate Package - Adjustable pedals - Integrated memory system (exterior mirrors, power drivers seat, and power steering wheel) - Power tilt & telescopic steering wheel - Rear seat DVD entertainment system w/ 8" LCD en and surround sound audio system - 115-volt power outlet - Rain sensing wipers - Proximity key with immobilizer - Lighted door scuff plates
$ 2,950
Ultimate Package w/ Premium Black/Saddle Interior - Adjustable pedals - Integrated memory system (exterior mirrors, power drivers seat, and power steering wheel) - Power tilt & telescopic steering wheel - Rear seat DVD entertainment system w/ 8" LCD screen and surround sound audio system - 115-volt power outlet - Rain sensing wipers - Proximity key with immobilizer - Lighted door scuff plates - Premium Black / Saddle Interior
Nope, you are correct, but you have to add a $2,200 package on the Acadia to get all that without the Rear seat DVD. The Veracruz with the rear seat DVD is still $2,349 cheaper than the Acadia without rear seat DVD.
Wow. The Veracruz, altho very nicely equipped, is pricing out loaded at an eye-popping $37,735!!!! Whoa! I know Hyundai has really moved upscale in its product, and its a very good product. I am just having to adjust my paradigm for a $37K vehicle from Hyundai. That is going to be a stretch for many shoppers.
People are shelling out $30k for the Azera which doesn't have nearly as many options and over $31k for fully loaded Santa Fe's. It might be a stretch, but a fully loaded Acadia hits nearly $45k. Compared to the competition, it's still a deal.
Wow, I didn't realize Acadia's were selling that high. That is a big chunk of change. And you know what. A number of these 'safety' features and useless tech gadgets are just driving up the costs of these vehicles. I make a good living and I am just not going to pay $45k for a vehicle that will lose $12k the first month you own it.
All those expensive options like $2k AWD, $2k nav, $1.3k moonroof, and $1.5k rear entertainment system really rack up on the Acadia. Considering what is offered on the base model Veracruz, it isn't such a bad deal, which is sad really, because it still gives me sticker shock.
Don't forget that the VC doesn't have NAV, HID, heads-up display, and 19 in machined wheels, which are available on the top of the line Acadia, so you have to adjust accordingly when doing comparisons. Those options add up to about $4.3k on the Acadia.
The Veracruz still comes out ahead, even with the price adjustment. But the difference isn't as much as I would have thought.
I agree with what you are saying about the acceleration. The VC truly is a nice vehicle and it has a certain quality that is lacking on the current V70/XC70. Here in Seattle a loaded V70 2.5T goes for est. $38K (however, now there will be steep discounts due to a new model introduced for 08). I am not rulling out the VC at this point. The seats in the V70 IMO are better than the VC, the interior appointments are better in the VC, ride is better in the VC, gas mileage better in V70, Rear visability better in the V70 but I love the large mirrors on the VC. I have a tough decision to make........
Been waiting for the VC to compare, VC or SF. Excited because my dealer just got a VC in yesterday. Checked Hyundai site and - Are they kidding that the only interior color is beige? Definitely my last choice and for this price and comfort in a car I want to like the look. Anyone know if this is usual and more colors to follow?
I don't think their tool is working quite correctly. I know the upgraded leather is available in black and a saddle color. I'm not sure about the regular leather, but I think it's available in gray and beige.
I just drove a Veracruz GLS. It had a gray cloth interior. It was deep blue. It's a beautiful color! I loved the way it drove. It had a much more connected feel than the CX-9. Acceleration is more than adequate, although brakes were a little touchy. This could be because they only got it on Tuesday. I thought the seats felt superior in all three rows to the CX-9, but storage behind the third row is pretty small. The third row was better in the Acadia, but that was the only one. That is really the only let down. It was really maneuverable in and out of traffic.
I just got a chance to see a white VC GLS with beige interior. I think the interior color is limited by the exterior color. Since what arumage saw was a blue GLS with grey interior, I'm somewhat relieved that you can get an interior color other than beige.
I test drove a Veracruz GLS last night. It had great pickup even with it loaded down (family of 5 with salesperson) I was concerned with the clearances for the middle and 3rd row seating. My son, who is 6'-4 sat in the middle and 3rd row seats with plenty of clearance. He found the seats comfortable, including the adjustable back feature that allows more reclining.
I test drove the Outlook, CX-9 and Pilot. My preference is the Veracruz. The CX-9 was a close second, but I did not like the non-adjustable head rests. The fit and finish of the Veracruz was just as good as the CX-9.
Just to tell everyone something I noticed, the 3rd row seat has two reclining setting. The more upright setting allows a little more storage behind the seats.
If you price a FWD Acadia with the same options as a fully loaded Veracruz, the Acadia is $4k more expensive. A fully loaded FWD Veracruz with every option available is $34,555. A FWD Acadia with the same options is $38,899.
Hunted out another Seattle area dealer to try and find a VC Limited - right now these are hard to find. Saw a GLS deep blue with black leather - extremely nice. Another GLS model was a gold with tan cloth interior - though not as nice. (one dealer had a $4K markup and the other one $2K). One aspect of the black interior I really liked was that there was not any normal colored 'wood'; was a gray wood. That combo made for a really upscale and modern look. Not having all that fake wood was refreshing. I then walked over to the Azera and looked at the wood clad black interior and thought it looked hideous (mind you this is only my opinion). I would have to say that Hyundai did a great job on the VC interior (especially in black).
I hope I didn't get ripped off . . .it was hard because Consumer Reports didn't have information on the dealer invoice available (and I wasn't sure how else to get it).
I bought the GLS with AWD and the premium package. $29,400. Goodness knows when I'll get it . . .the dealership had basically no idea, but seemed to think less than 8 weeks. Hope my Dodge Durango hangs on that long.
I looked at the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, the GMC Acadia, and the Mazda CX-9. And in the end it came down to the CX-9 vs. the Veracruz.
I thought the CX-9 won on seat comfort and fit/finish, and it was fun to drive, but it looks odd to me. It looks gorgeous in the photographs on their website, but in person something looked "off". The Veracruz had everything I wanted and was less expensive. I loved driving it, and the only vehicle I tested where I preferred the exterior was the Acadia.
The Acadia has a very strange way of anchoring the second row seats to the vehicle. It's this huge plastic thing that you end up resting your feet on. It really turned me off an otherwise really nice crossover. Well, that and GMC's stellar repair record.
According to the website, MSRP w/ destination is $30,645. It looks like you didn't do too bad if your price includes destination and everything. Hope you enjoy your Veracruz!
AWD GLS with Floormats: MSRP: $28,820 Invoice: $27,514
P.s. HVCowner: Looks like you got a very good deal. I don't have invoice on the Premium Package GLS, but you're just $1900 over this invoice (and MSRP on the Premium Package GLS is $1950).
Thanks so much for your thoughts, dbt. I'll be honest and say that I find the whole process of negotiating for a car to be a very stressful one. The sales person started at MSRP - - sheesh! And then there's the whole "I need to talk to my manager" gambit. I just want to make some kind of win/win deal and get out of there!! Thank goodness my husband was leading the charge because if it were up to me, I'm sure I'd have overpaid.
Thanks so much for the good wishes, arumage. It did include destination charges, but not sales tax or license fees.
I'll be sure to report back about how I like it once I get it and really drive it a lot.
Does anyone on this message board currently own one? I just really hope it is okay on repair . . .that's the only thing I'm nervous about. Everything else seems great!
It shares many of it's parts (engine and other bits) with the Azera, and the AWD is very similar, if not mechanically identical, to the Santa Fe. The transmission is by Aisin, which makes transmissions for Mazda (including the CX-9) and Ford (Fusion, 500, MKZ). Based on this information, it should be fairly reliable. I haven't heard to many reliability issues with recent Hyundai models. I guess only time will tell.
I promise to do that once I get it! I ordered it on Saturday ...it will be interesting to see how long it takes . . .
I guess you may have to take some of it with a grain of salt since I've been driving what is essentially a truck for 9 years, BUT my husband has a Maxima so I do know what a car that handles well feels like.
I didn't really do alot of hard cornering or anything, but it seemed like body roll was minimal. The ride was compliant... not firm, but not super soft like an old Buick or Oldsmobile. It was super quiet. The engine could hardly be heard, and there were no squeaks and rattles from the suspension or anywhere else for that matter. I didn't floor it onto the interstate, but acceleration seems more than adequate (there were 3 of us in the car). Once a Limited is at a dealer near us, I'll probably head out for another test drive.
I've followed the Veracruz from a spy photo to now. I was first interested in the Santa Fe due to its new third row, but it was a little to small. Someone alerted me to the development of the Veracruz, and I've been posting in this thread since August.
Please keep us up to date on everything you deem important enough to post. It'll be nice to have someone who has done a little more than test drive one of these.
Comments
The only one on the lot was light blue with gray cloth interior. $30k with no sunroof. Much, much more inexpensive than a Lexus or equivalent, but for $30k they'd better have a sunroof in it with leather. I bought my Honda LOADED, '07, DVD, Leather, roof, stability, XM for $29995. Listen, I am the first to admit the advancement and progression of this automaker, but its tough to swallow $30k with no sunroof after buying a Pilot for $29995 loaded. Incentives are certainly inevitable to move these at these prices. C'mon cloth and no roof?
I have driven the Pilot, Highlander, Acadia, Outlook, CX-9, and the MKX. I know looks is very subjective, but I think the Veracruz is good looking, and certainly good driving. I didn’t like the transmission in the Acadia, Outlook, and MKX. I really like the transmission in the CX-9, and Veracruz. They are very similar, if not the same by Aisin.
I think the center consol in the CX-9 is way too high, uncomfortable, and confining.
Third row seating is probably roomier in the Acadia, but not by much. The Veracruz will be fine for my grandkids for many years.
My local dealer here in Washington State wants full MSRP, so I must look elsewhere to buy. Anyone got any ideas?
- touch and feel of the steering wheel
- more connected than the disconnected CX-9
- power should be adequet
- 2nd and 3rd rows, w/ 2nd row slided back all the way, still a bit knee room at 3rd row.
- display is much nicer than the CX-9's red
- center gauge's eclips light effect
- a personal touch down to every individual level, just count how many vents on the back (ceiling, b-pilar and floor)
- tire pressure tells which one, CX-9 doesn't.
- large side mirror w/ turn signal.
- almost all other things
- a slightly lagging in the transmission, perhaps I'm so used to Honda's VTEC
- gas pedal is a bit more in-sensitive than CX-9, a better one. wish it's as precise as my Honda's.
- no HID, wish they swap the central cooler for it.
- very little cargo when 3rd row is up, this is the same for all normal size CUV and SUV. CX-9 has a bit more room.
Overall, I'm sold to this. Dealer had no idea for how long the actual delivery will come.
Not sure if Honda will roll out a NEW pilot this fall, wait three more weeks when NYC Auto Show opens.
Or if you just can't wait, pay MSRP and enjoy your Veracruz that much sooner!
$300 over dealer invoice at Fitzmall.com
Yeah, but just think about that fun drive back home in a brand new Veracruz! :shades:
Believe the better time should start in July as Highlander will be available.
Best time may be Oct as '08 Pilot and Infiniti's new cross-over arrive.
So, we'll see
- Veracruz
- Pilot
- Highlander
- Infiniti
- possible RX 350
Ultimate Package
- Adjustable pedals
- Integrated memory system (exterior mirrors, power drivers seat, and power steering wheel)
- Power tilt & telescopic steering wheel
- Rear seat DVD entertainment system w/ 8" LCD en and surround sound audio system
- 115-volt power outlet
- Rain sensing wipers
- Proximity key with immobilizer
- Lighted door scuff plates
$ 2,950
Ultimate Package w/ Premium Black/Saddle Interior
- Adjustable pedals
- Integrated memory system (exterior mirrors, power drivers seat, and power steering wheel)
- Power tilt & telescopic steering wheel
- Rear seat DVD entertainment system w/ 8" LCD screen and surround sound audio system
- 115-volt power outlet
- Rain sensing wipers
- Proximity key with immobilizer
- Lighted door scuff plates
- Premium Black / Saddle Interior
The Veracruz still comes out ahead, even with the price adjustment. But the difference isn't as much as I would have thought.
I just drove a Veracruz GLS. It had a gray cloth interior. It was deep blue. It's a beautiful color! I loved the way it drove. It had a much more connected feel than the CX-9. Acceleration is more than adequate, although brakes were a little touchy. This could be because they only got it on Tuesday. I thought the seats felt superior in all three rows to the CX-9, but storage behind the third row is pretty small. The third row was better in the Acadia, but that was the only one. That is really the only let down. It was really maneuverable in and out of traffic.
I test drove the Outlook, CX-9 and Pilot. My preference is the Veracruz. The CX-9 was a close second, but I did not like the non-adjustable head rests. The fit and finish of the Veracruz was just as good as the CX-9.
I will buy the Veracruz Limited.
MSRP: $35,470 Invoice: $33,320
FWD Limited with Ultimate plus Premium Leather, and Floormats:
MSRP: $36,320 Invoice: $33,822
I bought the GLS with AWD and the premium package. $29,400. Goodness knows when I'll get it . . .the dealership had basically no idea, but seemed to think less than 8 weeks. Hope my Dodge Durango hangs on that long.
I looked at the Honda Pilot, the Toyota Highlander, the GMC Acadia, and the Mazda CX-9. And in the end it came down to the CX-9 vs. the Veracruz.
I thought the CX-9 won on seat comfort and fit/finish, and it was fun to drive, but it looks odd to me. It looks gorgeous in the photographs on their website, but in person something looked "off". The Veracruz had everything I wanted and was less expensive. I loved driving it, and the only vehicle I tested where I preferred the exterior was the Acadia.
The Acadia has a very strange way of anchoring the second row seats to the vehicle. It's this huge plastic thing that you end up resting your feet on. It really turned me off an otherwise really nice crossover. Well, that and GMC's stellar repair record.
MSRP: $28,820 Invoice: $27,514
P.s. HVCowner: Looks like you got a very good deal. I don't have invoice on the Premium Package GLS, but you're just $1900 over this invoice (and MSRP on the Premium Package GLS is $1950).
I'll be sure to report back about how I like it once I get it and really drive it a lot.
Does anyone on this message board currently own one? I just really hope it is okay on repair . . .that's the only thing I'm nervous about. Everything else seems great!
We'll see how it goes. I take solace in the fact that it can't possibly be worse reliability-wise than my current ride.
Thanks for the info!
Anita
I guess you may have to take some of it with a grain of salt since I've been driving what is essentially a truck for 9 years, BUT my husband has a Maxima so I do know what a car that handles well feels like.
Please keep us up to date on everything you deem important enough to post. It'll be nice to have someone who has done a little more than test drive one of these.