2013 may be the end of the line for the current Hyundai Veracruz, and it is unclear whether the brand will release an updated version in 2014 or introduce a complete replacement.
At the time of this writing, no replacement or update post the 2010 refresh have been shown to the public, and thus it would be safe to assume that the 2013 Hyundai Veracruz will arrive in dealerships sometime in late 2012. When it was introduced in 2006, the then near-luxury crossover garnered a lot of interest, but competition has become fierce in the segment and being one of the first to the fray has not proven to be beneficial for Hyundai.
Performance Features
The Veracruz will continue to soldier on with its Lambda-class V6 that produces a now-average power output compared to the competition. The seven seat full-size crossover may not be the fastest or most capable off-road performer, but it still represents a great value for those that are not concerned about resell value.
Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Veracruz
Competitors such as the Buck Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer manage to bracket the Veracruz on all sides of the spectrum despite being similar vehicles. A new CX-9 due in 2013 could very well upset the balance in the full-sized CUV segment.
Out of all of these vehicles, the Hyundai may have the worst resell value an its initial value equation may be challenged by the CX-9 and uplevel trim Explorers.
Safety Features
One area where the aging Veracruz excels is in the safety department, with its integrated electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS) that talk to each other electronically, all 4 wheels are doing what they can to make a dangerous road far safer.
Add to this a solid protective frame and a half-dozen standard airbags and it is no mystery why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the Veracruz is one of the safest vehicles on the road today.
Conclusion
With resell value in question measured against safety and a reasonable initial value, the swoopy exterior featuring Hyundai’s last-generation corporate design language may be the make or break factor for many. With Hyundai still struggling to find its new corporate face, it is unlikely that aesthetics will weigh heavily in any positive manner for the outgoing Veracruz.
Middle of the pack power and fuel efficiency that have since been surpassed by rivals added on top, it is not at all a surprise that the Veracruz will be doing its swan song in 2013.
