Note that none of the shots in this discussion show NA-spec units, so some of the cheap-looking items (e.g. the hazard light switch) will be modified/upgraded upon release.
The third row looks pretty roomy. It seems to be lacking head room though, like just about every other crossover. I'm interested to see what the final dimensions of everything will look like.
I know that Lexus uses real wood on all of their current models, however, I thought that Acura only used wood (or fake wood, for that matter) in two of their current cars, the RL and MDX. The TL, TSX, RSX, and the new RDX all use brushed alumnim trim, and I'm pretty sure that that is the real stuff. I for one thing that the RL has real wood, so it seems strange to me that Acura would use real brushed aluminum for the majority of their models, real wood for their flagship model, and then FAKE WOOD for their SUV. I don't know, it just seems odd to me...
I think that the shots of the Veracruz you found were of the limited trim. The reason I'm saying this is because the steering wheel looks like it is covered with stitched leather.
but other than that, it looks great! i am warming to the looks i must say i still hope that they put a locking or limited slip rear diff and wondering what the tow rating will be
The Entourage minivan (3.8L) and the Santa Fe (3.3L) both tow 3500. If the transmission was up to it, 5000 would be nice, but I wouldn't really expect any more from it.
i heard that its going to be almost the size of a chevy tahoe? is that true? and isnt that odd for a cross over to be that big with front wheel drive :surprise:
I think the Veracuz will be a bit shorter than all of the above but not by too much. Interior room should be similar. All of those crossover have FWD standard as well.
Hopefully, Hyundai can keep the weight down, like the Freestyle so performance will remain good. The Pacifica is a bit of a porker at 4500lbs FWD and 4700lbs AWD, and the GMC Acadia is worse at 4700lbs FWD and 4900lbs AWD.
I believe this is true. They are working on a crossover loosely based on the Fairlane concept from the 2005 Detroit Auto Show.
I think it will probably look a bit like the Edge in the end though, but it will share some of the more innovative design features. (Atleast I hope so ) Ford is not using Fairlane as the name for this vehicle either.
Autoweek has a spy shot and brief description: "Hyundai, already awash in cars and sport/utility vehicles carrying names from the American West (Santa Fe, Tucson, Tiburon), will dip south of the border for Veracruz as the name of its 2007 seven-seat, three-row midsize ute. Veracruz is a Mexican resort city and port on the Gulf of Mexico. According to Hyundai’s press release, the Veracruz “will be larger than Honda Pilot, have more cargo volume than the full-size Mercedes-Benz GL and offer sleek styling, a car-like ride and premium features.” Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 with an automatic six-speed transmission and awd will be on the option list. Look for the Veracruz to compete with Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Subaru’s Tribeca and the Lexus RX350."
For Reference: 2007 Chevy Tahoe Overall length: 202 Wheelbase: 116
One difference between the Ford Explorer is the prescence of a real 4x4 system and, of course, the body-on-frame construction. Those are the differences in weight between the Explorer and GM CUV's.
All the upcoming CUV's (CX-9, Veracruz, GM Products) are going to be very competitive as far as power and size. The Mazda will probably be the lightest and most agile, the GM products will be the roomiest, and the Hyundai will definitely be the cheapest. The real question is what kind of "real world" gas mileage each will get.
I believe Hyundai, Mazda, & GM will have around 270hp with 6-speed autos. The Pacifica will have 255hp with a 6-speed-auto. The Freestyle will remain the same, but the CVT keeps it pretty quick.
sORRY- DIDN'T THINK ABOUT eNCLAVE. bUT WHAT i MEANT BY ALMOST suv, aCADIA SHOULD TOW ABOUT 4500 POUNDS. wHICH IS PRETTY DARN GOOD FOR A CROSSOVER- THOUGH COULD BE IMPROVED.
I'm hoping the Veracuz will tow about that much just because the Santa Fe will tow 3500lbs, but towing is more dependent on the transmission than the engine so I'm not sure where it will end up since the Veracruz will have a different transmission.
I'm not really worried about towing so much for myself. I only plan to do really light duty towing (3000lbs or less). I can't tow my father-in-law's tractor anyway unless I get something that will tow about 5,500lbs, and I don't plan on getting a truck or a truck-based SUV so I've given up hope on that for now.
Perhaps it will in 2008, not 2007, but that car is expected to be replaced so they might not spend the money. The Freestyle and Freestar is expected to be replaced by the Fairlane (although it won't be called that). The Freestyle is not a big seller due to the fact that it has poor towing and looks like a big wagon (although I love it for it's other utilitarian features), and the Freestar is completely outdated and recently failed the IIHS side impact test (tested without the optional side airbags).
According to Ford's website, which now features the '07 Freestyle, the engine will be a 3.0L 203hp V6. There is some reason to believe that the Freestyle will be "freshened up" for 2008, including the new engine and the 3-bar grill.
With the 2007 Santa Fe starting at 26k(Edmonds or Hyundai web site), that means the Veracruz would have to start in the high 20s, minimum...plus on edmonds 'future vehicles' it has the Saturn 'Outlook' beginning at the mid-$20s. So it is possible that the Veracruz may neither be the cheapest /most nimble/nor the roomiest of the 5 newest large crossovers for 2007. However if Veracruz overall package is there and the mpg is best, then it's a viable option, though presently leaning very heavily towards GM Outlook/Acadia.
You can buy a limited Santa Fe for $26k. I would look for the Saturn to start a bit higher than that... maybe $27k at least. I think it will be a good vehicle overall. I don't think it will be the best at anything, but it will be good at everything. With their initial quality and safety ratings on their lastest vehicles, you can't really go wrong. I haven't had really good experiences with GM products so they will really have to convince me that the Lambda is the way to go.
I'll definately give the Veracruz a fair look if not for anything else than the improved name change. Cargo utility, mpg/and base price(with a decent look)are the primary parameters for me, as expect all these new crossovers to perform well and give a quality drive.
That's most likely what I'll do, but for some reason, my wife doesn't care much for the look of the Acadia or Outlook. I'm not sure why, and I doubt I'll be able to afford the Enclave. I think the CX-9 will probably be the highest on the list, but you never know how a test drive will go. It might change everything.
I'll give huyndai a chance too. Though Acadia is my favorite, and i would't usually like a huyndai, and I'm waiting to see Pilot because I'm not really sold on the minivan look of the CX-9, I'll give it a chance.
This will be my wife's primary vehicle, not mine, and she is not crazy about the traditional SUV look. She wants minivan versatility without having a minivan. Honda's going to have to drastically change the look of the current pilot and make it far less of a porker to impress me. The current version is too ugly and too heavy for my taste, but if they can carry off those changes, I'll certainly give it a look.
Honda really hasn't had anything more than a test mule running around. Nobody has really seen anything in the way of a real vehicle. The upcoming 2008 Highlander should be interesting as well, but I haven't seen anything about it either.
Chances are that I will probably buy used because I've just never had a problem capitalizing on another persons depreciation. For this reason, Ford and GM are looking nice right now because their powertrain warranties are transferable, and it's easy to get an extended warranty. For 2008, the Freestyle gets a mild restyle and a big power boost. I know its mostly an oversized wagon, but my wife likes it. I'm more in it for the utility myself. I probably won't get to touch it anyway. (She thinks I might enjoy her vehicles too much) :P
Does she like the Pacifica? It sounds like her sort of vehicle. This one really does lack in utiliy, but as an alternative, it's not that bad. Now I know alot of people would disagree with me, but I think a good mix would be Buick Rendesvous. it's been "dogged out" for styling, but it does put luxury with capability in a nice package. though, I didn't like it for lack of features that keep up with the times. I mean, you have to take the 2nd row seats out for maximum cargo space! And how about a 3rd row split bench?! But what a great ride. the third row has enough space for adults. And at 186 inches long, its hardly a behemoth. it won't break budget either. Three years go, it would have been the ideal family vehicle for me.
She loves the Pacifica. I think its a good vehicle, but no features really stand out. Gas mileage is so-so, power is just ok, and interior room could be better considering it's size. She just loves it because it's just like driving our Intrepid. They feel so similar. The Rendevous is nice, but it seems like everyone has one around here. I couldn't even get the 3.4L motor because it is a variant of the 3.1L that died in my 1995 Cutlass Supreme. My temp gauge was broken, and it overheated without even steaming up or busting any hoses. By the time we knew anything was wrong, it had blown a head gasket, warped the head, and filled the block with antifreeze.
I'd guess Veracruz would get the same gas milege as any crossover. But people would go for it for a bargain price range. Sounds like a nice package, But i want to see more pics, because I'm still not sold on looks. But it's important to always see a car in person before passing full judgement. And why hasn't future vehicles homepage been updated??? This is totally off subject, but can anyone believe how cheap new expidition sells for?! under 40 grand for a limited! ford must be desperate!
The Veracruz should get atleast 18/25 just because the Entourage get 18/25 at 244hp. Add a little more horsepower and compensate by adding another gear to the transmission, and it should stay about the same. Maybe Hyundai learned a little bit from the release of the Santa Fe. I just want to drive them all. I'm tired of trying to make my mind up on what I want.
The word is that they changed it up a bit to reduce costs by improving manufacturing techniques. They are probably pretty desperate too, but their new vehicles seem to aimed in the right direction. Bill Ford stepping down was a good thing, and he should have done it a long time ago. Maybe the new CEO they stole from Boeing can make profits "soar." :P Sorry for the pun.
Not to be off the subject or anything about you mentioning the new CEO they stole from Boeing, but I was completely thrown over when I saw the new CEO Alan Mulally's first year salary & Compensation totalling $20.5 Million. Here's the source from Miami Herald:
Mulally to get $20.5M
Ford (F) will pay at least $20.5 million in the first year to new Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally, recruited from Boeing to restore profit at the world's third-largest automaker.
Mulally will get a $2 million annual salary, a $7.5 million hiring bonus and $11 million to offset forfeited payments he would have received at Boeing, Ford said in a U.S. regulatory filing Friday. Mulally's total compensation last year at Boeing, where he headed the commercial airplane unit, was $9.96 million, including $7.58 million in long-term incentive pay.
To shell out that kind of expense with Ford in the Red.. he better be God to turn that company around.
Well, most of that was a one time deal, and to be honest, $20 million is a drop in the bucket since they lost more than $284 million in the 3rd quarter of 2005 alone.
Ford needs to shift Focus on quality rather than their previous goals on quantity. With Toyota's recent quality problems, they've decided to push back some newer models to rethink some manufacturing issues. That is what Ford should have done a long time ago. I think they are now realizing that, but it's a little late for that strategy now.
I think the new Ford Edge, is critical to survival of Ford brand. The crossover market is THE growth segment looking forward, but theres so many competitors. Its not "Taurus" days, anymore. Ford Edge is just another choice, this time around. I'd like to try out the Edge when it arrives, but the the "talk" is about Mazda.
This forum is supposed to be about the Hyundai Veracruz, not Ford. However, I have a slightly off topic statement of my own to make. The new Lexus LS600h L's engine pumps out 444 horses and gets a combined 29mpg, and it weighs over 4000 lbs. It will be a happy day when engines like these come into the crossover market.
It's ok. There's not much to say about it until they release more information. Most of the 600h's mileage comes from being a hybrid and from an 8-speed automatic. To quote another person from another forum, some transmission mechanic out there is like "My kid's going to Harvard!" The 600h is also going to be $80,000 or so. That's a lot of money for something that's going to depreciate that fast. I'd rather put that money into my house or invest it since I don't live in my car.
..and I will be happy when roomy 5 passenger 2.2l diesel Santa Fe's getting 40s gas mileage, with 260lb-ft of torque for $30k become available. KISS principle !
The reason the 600h L will cost so much isn't just because of the engine and transmission, but because it is one of the most luxurious fullsize sedans in the WORLD. However, I agree with you about not dropping 80-90k on a car. Even if I could afford to do that I still wouldn't when you can get one with 40k miles or so for around 40k. That's when I make my move. Also I wouldn't really want 444 horsepower in my car, I was just saying that I can't wait for engines with decent power and GREAT mileage to hit the crossover market.
Back on topic... does anyone know how big the Veracruz's interior will be compared to the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook?
$40k is too much a used vehicle for me. I can't even see myself spending that much on a new vehicle (atleast in the forseable future). Most people in that market aren't really worried about gas mileage anyway. They'd just hop in a BMW M5 or a MB E63 AMG.
Finally onto the topic of the Veracruz. I think the interior looks pretty good.
Credit for these goes to joe97. I think it's a little flashier than the Outlook and Acadia (It's hard to compare since all the demo pictures of the Acadia and Outlook have nav pictured.), and I definitely prefer the blue glow to the red. These pictures are probably not going to completely represent the finished vehicle though because these were taken from a test vehicle rather than the finished product.
Maybe the new CEO they stole from Boeing can make profits "soar." I was alittle shocked by this move too. like I said, Vera cruz should get about the same gas mileage as any crossover. But since it's a midsize SUV, gas mileage definitely won't be 18/25 unless hybrid. I.E. honda van-20/28. hoda pilot w/ same engine-17/22.
Comments
2nd-row seats
3rd-row seats
Note that none of the shots in this discussion show NA-spec units, so some of the cheap-looking items (e.g. the hazard light switch) will be modified/upgraded upon release.
Mike
Original
Pre-chop, "blueprint"-type image
Larger shot
Additional rendition
Mike
Steering Wheel + Other cars: http://www.hyundaiexchange.com/forum/files/en240_422.jpg
Diesel (3.0 VGT): http://www.hyundaiexchange.com/forum/files/en241_127.jpg
http://www.hyundaiexchange.com/forum/files/en242_539.jpg
Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave: 202 inches
Mazda CX-9: 200 inches
Ford Freestyle: 200 inches
Chrysler Pacifica: 199 inches
I think the Veracuz will be a bit shorter than all of the above but not by too much. Interior room should be similar. All of those crossover have FWD standard as well.
Hopefully, Hyundai can keep the weight down, like the Freestyle so performance will remain good. The Pacifica is a bit of a porker at 4500lbs FWD and 4700lbs AWD, and the GMC Acadia is worse at 4700lbs FWD and 4900lbs AWD.
I think it will probably look a bit like the Edge in the end though, but it will share some of the more innovative design features. (Atleast I hope so
Here's the link for pics (its a long one!):
http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=CW&Date=20060823&Category=PHOTOS0- 2&ArtNo=823001&Ref=PH
Enjoy!
Sean
Saturn Outlook Overall length: 200.7 Wheelbase: 118
Buick Enclave Overall length: 202.3 Wheelbase: 118
Mazda CX-9 Overall length: 199.6 Wheelbase: 113
Hyundai Veracruz Overall length: 19? Wheelbase: 113?
Ford Freestyle Overall length: 199.8 Wheelbase: 113
Chrysler Pacifica Overall length: 198.9 Wheelbase: 116
For Reference:
2007 Chevy Tahoe Overall length: 202 Wheelbase: 116
One difference between the Ford Explorer is the prescence of a real 4x4 system and, of course, the body-on-frame construction. Those are the differences in weight between the Explorer and GM CUV's.
All the upcoming CUV's (CX-9, Veracruz, GM Products) are going to be very competitive as far as power and size. The Mazda will probably be the lightest and most agile, the GM products will be the roomiest, and the Hyundai will definitely be the cheapest. The real question is what kind of "real world" gas mileage each will get.
I'm not really worried about towing so much for myself. I only plan to do really light duty towing (3000lbs or less). I can't tow my father-in-law's tractor anyway unless I get something that will tow about 5,500lbs, and I don't plan on getting a truck or a truck-based SUV so I've given up hope on that for now.
web site), that means the Veracruz would have to start in the high 20s, minimum...plus on edmonds 'future vehicles'
it has the Saturn 'Outlook' beginning at the mid-$20s. So it is possible that the Veracruz may neither be the cheapest /most nimble/nor the roomiest of the 5 newest large
crossovers for 2007. However if Veracruz overall package is there and the mpg is best, then it's a viable option, though
presently leaning very heavily towards GM Outlook/Acadia.
mpg/and base price(with a decent look)are the primary parameters for me, as expect all these new crossovers to perform well and give a quality drive.
Chances are that I will probably buy used because I've just never had a problem capitalizing on another persons depreciation.
The word is that they changed it up a bit to reduce costs by improving manufacturing techniques. They are probably pretty desperate too, but their new vehicles seem to aimed in the right direction. Bill Ford stepping down was a good thing, and he should have done it a long time ago. Maybe the new CEO they stole from Boeing can make profits "soar." :P Sorry for the pun.
Here's the source from Miami Herald:
Mulally to get $20.5M
Ford (F) will pay at least $20.5 million in the first year to new Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally, recruited from Boeing to restore profit at the world's third-largest automaker.
Mulally will get a $2 million annual salary, a $7.5 million hiring bonus and $11 million to offset forfeited payments he would have received at Boeing, Ford said in a U.S. regulatory filing Friday. Mulally's total compensation last year at Boeing, where he headed the commercial airplane unit, was $9.96 million, including $7.58 million in long-term incentive pay.
To shell out that kind of expense with Ford in the Red.. he better be God to turn that company around.
Ford needs to shift Focus on quality rather than their previous goals on quantity. With Toyota's recent quality problems, they've decided to push back some newer models to rethink some manufacturing issues. That is what Ford should have done a long time ago. I think they are now realizing that, but it's a little late for that strategy now.
Ford Edge is just another choice, this time around. I'd like to try out the Edge when it arrives, but the the "talk" is about Mazda.
KISS principle !
Back on topic... does anyone know how big the Veracruz's interior will be compared to the Enclave/Acadia/Outlook?
Finally onto the topic of the Veracruz. I think the interior looks pretty good.
Instrument Panel
Center Stack
Center Console
Driver's Side Door Controls
Credit for these goes to joe97. I think it's a little flashier than the Outlook and Acadia (It's hard to compare since all the demo pictures of the Acadia and Outlook have nav pictured.), and I definitely prefer the blue glow to the red. These pictures are probably not going to completely represent the finished vehicle though because these were taken from a test vehicle rather than the finished product.
Looking forward to seeing the Veracruz soon - should be another Hyundai we've never seen before