Remember the Hyundai Veracruz? In production between 2007 - 2012, it was Hyundai's answer to all the competition in the large SUV market. The Veracruz featured a lot of features for not a lot of scratch, but fell short of expectations from consumers who wanted more--including interior space. And despite its large exterior dimensions, that's the one thing that the Veracruz lacked. Moreover, it didn't look to sharp and did not get the chance to employ Hyundai's handsome new design language. Therein lies an opportunity for something new...
Bigger, Better
There are rumblings within the industry that Hyundai is working on a larger crossover which will be based on the Genesis sedan and slot in above the brand's upcoming 2016 Tucson. In terms of size, it will be slightly larger than the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In addition, It will probably ditch that old Veracruz nameplate to help distance it from the Hyundai of old as the brand tries to compete with upscale models from Acura, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Price Goals
What we do know is that it will cost around $40k. Since the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan MSRP's at $38,950, we're thinking that the new, larger crossover will really cost around $43k to start.
That price tag will put it squarely in the ring with a bevy of larger models.
More Value?
But with the model, will Hyundai reinvigorate its initial claim of more value for prospective shoppers? Time will only tell, but we liked out they marketed the current Genesis Sedan as a BMW 3-Series price tag for 7-Series-like comfort.
If shoppers can get the Genesis-based crossover which features the luxury and performance of a $55k BMW X5 for the price of a well-equipped Toyota Highlander, Hyundai may have a hit on their hot little hands.
See Hyundai's full model lineup »
Challenges
The main challenge here is going to be getting consumers to consider Hyundai. We're talking about the folks who are in line for an Acura MDX ($44k), BMX X5 ($55k), Mercedes-Benz ML 350 ($49k) or Audi Q7 ($49k). Only time will tell.
But at the end of the day, consumers are the ones who are winning. More options in the crossover class now exist, and things will only get better.
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