Hyundai just introduced a sleek, rugged-looking crossover that is better than its competition regardless of price. Soon, I suspect, other manufacturers will be feeling the pinch.

This crossover is the 2007 Veracruz, the ninth vehicle in the Hyundai lineup. This manufacturer's quality has improved in recent years and now competes with what is considered top-of-the-line vehicles. In this case, the Veracruz is going to give the Lexus RX 350 a run for its money, especially considering the base price of the Lexus is about $11,000 more.

Crossover vehicles have become more popular as they carry seven passengers and handle like a sedan, compared to truck-based sport utility vehicles. Hyundai offers three Veracruz models: GLS, SE and Limited.

All have a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Base prices range from $26,995 to $34,695.

I had the opportunity to compare the Veracruz GLS with the Lexus RX 350 by driving each vehicle more than 100 miles on wiggly, hilly roads. Both vehicles are similar in appearance and content.

Before getting into the comparison, let's take a walk-around the Veracruz. It has a smooth, solid stance, and the rear fascia has a sculpted section that blends seamlessly into the sides of the taillights. At the rear are dual chrome exhaust tips, allowing the engine to breathe freely. The rear spoiler enhances the sporty profile.

Inside is a nice balance of quality materials in all three rows of seats that accommodate up to seven passengers. Or if cargo is the main concern, these seats easily fold into the floor.

My destination was the driver's seat and using power controls, I easily adjusted height, backrest and fore-and-aft to my preference needs. I dropped the six-speed gear shifter into drive and I was off and running.

It didn't take long for me to notice the quiet interior. Road and tire noise were surprisingly minimal. I was told torsional rigidity allowed the engineers to achieve excellent noise, vibration and harshness levels. The Veracruz has a 37-foot turning radius and is very easy to handle on the wiggly roads, as well as it is to park. Acceleration is excellent, even on the upgrade hills.

Another area of concern is safety. Again, I learned that this vehicle has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Award five-star rating in both frontal and side crash tests.

It also has larger ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes compared to the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. It's equipped with all the latest safety in front and side airbags and Electronic Stability Control.

When it comes to comfort and convenience, it contains numerous standard features, such as the MP3 compatible AM/FM/XM/CD audio system. It also has a multi-function trip computer. Other features are power tilt-and-slide sunroof, heated front seats, backup warning system, power liftgate and DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system.

In all, I was quite surprised at the total content for a crossover that is less expensive than the competition, including the Toyota Highlander, Subaru B9 Tribeca and Nissan Murano.

Then I got into the Lexus RX 350 and drove this crossover over similar roads. To my surprise, the RX 350's interior noise level was much higher and it didn't handle or respond any differently than the Veracruz. But it did cost a heck of a lot more.

Hyundai is no longer an also-ran manufacturer. Its continual improvement in overall quality can only result in other carmakers trying to find a way to catch up.