Overview & Reviews

Larger and more luxurious than the average midsize family sedan, the Hyundai Azera slots between the Sonata and Genesis sedans in Hyundai's lineup. It provides impressive interior room, features and power for a price that's thousands less than many competing vehicles. Buyers who have owned a domestic full-size sedan in the past and are looking for a new vehicle will want to check out the Hyundai Azera. It prioritizes comfort, luxury, safety and value, and is well-suited both for commuting and long-distance trips.

Current Hyundai Azera
The Azera comes in base and Limited trim levels. Both are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower. The only transmission offered is a six-speed automatic with manual shift control, which routes power to the front wheels.

Even the base Azera comes with keyless ignition/entry, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Hyundai's BlueLink emergency communications and a six-speaker audio system. The Limited adds xenon headlamps, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an upgraded surround-sound audio system and a navigation system. Limited buyers may add bigger wheels, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and window sunshades.

In reviews we've been impressed with the Hyundai Azera's overall competence. The potent V6 provides swift acceleration and good fuel economy, while the six-speed automatic provides smooth, if somewhat leisurely, shifts. The suspension is clearly tuned for optimal ride comfort, though handling doesn't suffer noticeably, as there's none of the floaty feeling one might associate with large sedans. Overall, the roomy Azera is quite impressive and is an excellent choice for a comfortable, upscale large sedan.

Used Hyundai Azera Models
The Hyundai Azera was redesigned for 2012. Compared to the first-generation Azera, it's considerably more stylish and boasts more power, as well as a higher-quality interior. Not much has changed since, though for its first two years this Azera came in only one, loaded trim level.

The first-generation Azera was produced from 2006-'11. It was generally regarded as a decent, well-rounded large sedan. There were a number of changes throughout the car's run, however, so we'd advise paying attention to specific years if you're considering one from this era. This Azera was offered in three trim levels: GLS, SE and Limited. The GLS and SE came pretty well equipped; the main options were leather seating and a premium sound system. The Limited had those features as standard, along with additional equipment. A navigation system was optional for the Limited in the car's latter years.

At its debut, the Azera GLS was powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produced 234 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque. The Azera SE and Limited sported a 3.8-liter V6 that made 263 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard on all Azeras.

As for changes, the GLS received more standard features in 2008 and essentially replaced the SE. Satellite radio, a navigation system and the surround-sound system also joined the 2008 features list. For 2009, the Azera's steering and suspension were revised, while different interior lighting, a new grille and an iPod/USB audio jack were welcome additions. For the final model year, Hyundai upped the power output to 260 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque for the GLS, and 283 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque for the Limited. The transmission was also upgraded to six speeds. Fuel economy was also up, so if you can swing a 2011 Azera, it's likely the pick of the litter.

In editorial reviews, we typically found the Azera's awkwardly tall seating position as one of its main liabilities. But overall we found much more praise-worthy attributes in the form of its excellent interior design and materials, refined and quiet ride, powerful V6, strong brakes, roomy backseat and value for the money.

User Reviews:

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  Just bought it and love it!!! - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By bmbutler - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  I was actually looking at the new Genesis, but financially the Azera was a better fit for me. I think it is a mistake for Hyundai to discontinue this car because it fits right between the Sonata and Genesis on price point, but oh, well........... Very happy with my choice and Hyundai of New Bern is the best!!! I love this car.

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  Very pleased. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John - September 25 - 8:36 am

  This is the most pleasing car I have owned. Contrary to some others I find the ride to be pleaingly firm without that floating feeling. Performance is excellent, however unless its needed a feather foot on the gas pedal will keep the car up with traffic and yield a satisfying gas consumption. I achieved 27 mpg with about 60/40 highway/suburban driving. May drop when I exceed 60 mph after the break- in period. Fits and finish are excellent.

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  Traded in my Caddy - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mr.bob - September 22 - 3:33 pm

  Have my car since Apr.1. So far so good . Got it laoded and it comes with more stuff than the Caddy I traded in,it was my third. Its like ridding on marshmellows and I like it that way. I was concerned about the gas mileage at first but after first service everything evened out. I got 26.4 mpg on the road. I cant ask for more.

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  Great car-Poor MPG - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By PoppyJ - September 21 - 7:47 pm

  This is one great car except for the city MPG which I am getting only 13-14 mpg. On a trip to the Hyundai factory in Montgomery AL. I averaged 27MPG which is respectable. That plant is really something to see and worth the 650 mile trip each way. My poor gas mileage is on file with my dealer, Maybe I have a lemon which I am following up on.

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  the new Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Jose - September 21 - 8:00 am

  This is the best car that i ever had, you can compeared with avalon,lexus ES330, and others that cost thousands of dollar more. I love my car and Hyundai keep up with the good work.

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  All I hoped for, almost - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Delighted driver - September 13 - 4:15 pm

  It is possible to find faults with this car. At interstate speeds road and wind noise are substantial. Sun light falls on the audio/navi screen making it almost unreadable. Otherwise the car is a pure delight to drive. I normally regret reaching my destination. The car is attractive, comfortable, powerful, and has many amenities. Cabin and trunk are spacious also. Just what I wanted excepting the two features mentioned above.

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  My first foreign car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By ralfyb - September 5 - 4:13 pm

  I have been driving USA made trucks for the last 25 years now they call them SUVs. Sold my boat and pop up and tried a car so far I think I made the right choice smooth and comfortable sometimes I miss the truck but on long trips you cannot beat it after the test drive my wife and I got hooked

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  Concert Hall on Wheels- a Real Gem - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By AWM - August 29 - 10:41 am

  This is an amazing great car with unmatched value. My wife and I absolutely love it. Our friends are very impressed. Weve owned it for 4 months and I waited until now to do the review. At 3500 miles, with majority (~80%) highway driving, the long-term mileage has been 24 mpg. As the flagship for Hyundai until the Genesis, one clearly senses that a whole lot of thought had gone into the design, and care into the build of this car. So far, this has been the most issue-free car Ive owned, including Camrys and Accords. There are people who would rave about this car if it was a luxury brand, but are more reserved as a Hyundai product. The Azera should be continued, to convert these skeptics.

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  Excellent value & quality for the money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ellen Clark - August 23 - 3:19 pm

  Good daily driver that is also good highway traveler. SHIFTRONIC transmission make driving in mountains of Colorado and Utah a pleasure and prevents overheating brakes. Engine, transmission and mechanical perform well in 110+ degree desert heat. Paint has held up well in cloudless sunny skies of Arizona. The battery needed replacement after 2 years, the coolant tank cracked (but did not leak) and the dash top cover cracked, and all were replaced free under warranty by dealer. The seat, foot pedal and steering column adjustments combined with the integrated memory system easily accommodates out 2 drivers who have an 8 inch height difference. This Azera is 3 years old and has 30,000 miles

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  great value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By dan herz - August 20 - 1:16 am

  Ive had this car for one week and love it. I had a caddy cts before this and the performance and pickup is much better. With the $1k rebate its an unbelievable value for the $$ especially since I got the dealer to throw in the 02package for free and still only paid dealer invoice.