The new Veracruz midsize crossover competes primarily with upper midsize crossovers including Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca and Lexus RX350.

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Equipped with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, Veracruz will offer an "unprecedented combination of styling, safety, comfort and convenience" including available all-wheel drive, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), standard side-airbags, as well as side-curtain airbags for all three rows of passengers. Power is estimated at 260 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque.

The midsize crossover will be larger than the Honda Pilot and have more cargo volume than the full-size Mercedes-Benz GL, according to the automaker.

The Hyundai Veracruz comes in three distinct trim levels: The entry-level GLS, sporty SE and premium Limited.

Veracruz GLS

Veracruz GLS comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, ESC, ABS, rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels and seating for seven. Also standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system (which includes three months of complementary XM service), air conditioning with cabin filter, steering wheel audio/cruise controls, heated power side mirrors with approach lighting and side turn signal repeaters, front solar glass and rear privacy glass, remote keyless entry, and power windows and door locks.

Interior safety features include active front head restraints and six airbags. Other useful features include a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), a trip computer and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Hyundai Hideaway third-row seat folds flat into the floor and is split 50/50, and the second and third row have their own roof-mounted vents and HVAC controls. The optional Premium Package adds a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, power driver seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and backup warning system.

Veracruz SE

In addition to all GLS equipment, the SE includes standard 18-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink, as well as front fog lights. A streamlined roof rack, center storage console with Cool Box functionality, auto-dimming exterior mirrors and automatic headlights are also standard equipment.

An optional Premium & Leather Package adds a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, power tailgate, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, 115-volt power outlet, a 315-watt Infinity audio system with CD changer and backup warning system.

The available Entertainment Package (requires Premium and Leather Package) features a rear-seat entertainment system with an eight-inch LCD monitor, 605-watt Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD-changer/MP3 audio system with Logic 7® surround sound and conversation mirror.

Veracruz Limited

Veracruz Limited includes all of the equipment found standard on the SE and adds standard leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, power front passenger seat, automatic temperature control, a 315-watt Infinity audio system with CD changer, power tilt and slide glass sunroof, power tailgate, chrome door handles and brushed metal door sill scuff plates.

New for 2008 are more standard Limited features, including power-adjustable pedals, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, memory settings for the power driver seat, exterior mirrors and steering wheel, blue backlit sill scuff plates, a 115-volt power outlet, a proximity key and rain-sensing wipers. An optional LG navigation system is offered for the first time in 2008, packaged with a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system.

A rear-seat DVD entertainment system, which features an eight-inch LCD monitor and an Infinity AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD-changer/MP3 Logic 7 surround sound audio package, is also available.