Hyundai Motor Co. is targeting vehicles such as the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander with its new mid-sized crossover, the Hyundai Veracruz, introduced Monday at the North American International Auto Show.

The seven-passenger Veracruz will arrive in the United States in February, company officials said. No selling price was given.

``Veracruz is an exceptional vehicle at the right time for this developing segment,'' said Steve Wilhite, chief operating officer.

The vehicle comes with the same 3.8-litre V6 engine that powers the Azera, a sedan that the South Korean automaker introduced for the 2006 model year. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission, antilock brakes and available all-wheel drive.

Other available features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a one-touch power tailgate and a rear-seat entertainment system with a DVD player and 8-inch overhead screen.

Hyundai officials said the Veracruz gets an estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway.