2012 & 2011 Hyundai SUV Reviews & Ratings

With the release of the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV for the 2000 model year, Hyundai found its late 1990s restructuring program to be successful and its new SUV flying off production lines. American buyers grabbed the Santa Fe as fast as possible; Hyundai even had trouble keeping up with demand at some points in time. It quickly became the South Korean automaker's best-seller and further established the brand's reputation in the U.S. This four-door mid-size crossover SUV paved the way for the SUVs of today, though it is still offered for the 2012 year as well. Other SUV models offered this year include the Hyundai Tucson and the Hyundai Veracruz, both of which successfully build on the reputation the Santa Fe already established.

The 2012 model midsize Santa Fe SUV has a starting MSRP of $23,225 and a choice of three trim levels: the base GLS, the SE, and the Limited trim. The SE has a starting price of $26,225, and the Limited has a starting price of $27,275. The Santa Fe SUV received several small improvements this year, including low rolling-resistance tires (for the GLS trim) and standard hill-descent brake control. The Santa Fe is known for its generous cargo space, its efficient and strong V6 engine, its user-friendly atmosphere, and its great warranty package. This SUV competes with the Kia Sorento, the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV-4.

The Hyundai Tucson first made its debut in 2004 for the 2005 model year, and it came as Hyundai's first entry into the well-established small SUV market. Though the Santa-Fe has been grouped as a small-SUV, it is really a midsize due to its exterior dimensions. The Tucson was the brand's original (official), "entry-level" SUV that was known for its power and standard features. The five-passenger Tucson has a starting price of a mere $19,045 this year, and comes complete both a classy interior and exterior design. It has good fuel economy ratings and provides excellent handling, as well. For the 2012 year, the Tucson comes in five trim levels and received small updates to increase fuel economy, like a new Active Eco system to modify transmission and engine response. The Tucson competes with the Kia Sportage, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Chevy Equinox.

The Hyundai Veracruz SUV rounds out this year's lineup nicely. The Veracruz is Hyundai's most luxurious SUV and is a large crossover with a ton of room and a long list of standard features. It holds up to seven passengers and is offered in two trim levels: GLS and Limited. The 2012 Veracruz starts at just $28,345 and has 2nd-row heated seats (which come standard in Limited trim only) as an added feature this year, as well as a new sporty front grille. An Alpine navigation system is also now obtainable for the Limited trim. The Veracruz competes with the Ford Flex, the Dodge Durango, and the Mazda-CX-9. It comes equipped with excellent features and crash test scores, as well as a handsome interior.