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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  Overall Very Impressive - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By engine89 - May 2 - 10:16 pm

  Been driving for about 3 weeks now and Im very much impressed with the drive. I know that Hyundai does not have the image compared to Toyota or Honda but this Azera will change that image, a step closer to the Japanese cars.

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  One Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Bob P - April 20 - 9:29 am

  I purchase the Hyundai Azera Limited after having a Camry for only 15 months (which also was purchsed new) The Azera Ltd. has much more power with just scacrificeing a mile or two MPG. The ride is top knotch and the sound system is awesome. Braking is aggressive. The "manual" shift mode is fun on the twisty roads. Fold-in mirrors is a great auto car wash feature. I found out that the Sun Screen in the back window is not only good on sunny days, but also a benefit when the guy behind you has his brights on. So far this car has been a pleasure to drive and own.

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  Wow, Better than our Lexus - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Amanda - April 17 - 3:16 pm

  I had been looking at a Lexus ES330 when a friend suggested I take a look at the Azera. I drove an Ultimate Package and was simply blown away. The only thing I liked better about the Lexus was the auto up and down feature for the rear windows. Past that, it truly doesnt hold up well against the Azera. I traded an 03 Lexus ES in on my black on black Azera. My husband is trading his Acura for a Steel Gray azera next month. Dealership experience as good as our (former) Lexus dealer. Hyundai has a happy buyer.

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  will buy another - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Wiregrass - April 15 - 10:49 am

  Great car for trip, drove to Niagara Falls Canada average 28 plus mpg around town getting 24 mpg, my sons want to borrow it when they are going on trips

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  Great Car--Not Great Car for the Money - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By rthiess - April 7 - 9:36 am

  Having come from a heavy Lincoln Town Car with a 205HP engine, I can say that I would be happy with the 233HP engine. With the 263HP engine, its a rocket. The drive-ability is amazing. Its very sure footed, even in the rain. Its not unusual for me to drive over 500 miles in a day. This car is comfortable on those long hauls. With slightly more than 20K miles on the car, nothing - nothing - has gone wrong!

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  Great Car with a MAJOR safety flaw - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By ricwhite - April 4 - 11:53 am

  I purchased my Azera in mid-March after much research. The Azera is a quality car with features found in cars costing thousands more. However, recently released crash test results put the Azera below most sedans in several safety areas. This is very discouraging -- especially considering all of the saftey hype that surrounded this car. Another disappointment is fuel economy. I average about 20 mpg (70% city 30% highway). The performance is great. Superb ride and feel. Accleration and brakes are excellent. It is a very comfortable car with good handling. The exterior design is not breathtaking, but above average. The build quality appears great. Overall, very impressive.

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  More Power, Style & Safety for the Money - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By JB - March 25 - 9:30 am

  After shopping 06 Volvo S40 and Toyota Camary/Avalon, my wife & I decided to view the Azera. We stopped at the dealer for a brochure & ended up testing one. By the end of the day we had traded in my wifes 2000 Sonata for the Azera. It has more horsepower than the S40 & Camary (as much as the Avalon) and more iterior/storage space than all three. With these features, the Azera was still $2K-$3K cheaper than the S40 & Avalon. Once we upgraded the bumper- to-bumper warranty to 10yr/100K mi, the others cant come close. These facts made choosing the Azera very easy. We look forward to driving the car for a long time. True, its not a sports sedan but well trade that for all we got! C 4 urslf!

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  Unbeatable for the price - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Poppy J - March 24 - 3:11 pm

  What a beauty! One option package includes everything. The fit and finish is excellent. Whomever rides in it has nothing but raves.I have had this car for only 21/2 weeks and have not found a thing wrong with it. The price with all thw whistles and bells is so far below the competitions price. The public does not know what they are missing. It was the top of the Hyundai line but probably will be replaced by the Genesis which goes for about $40,000. Too bad! Ill write follow- up in 6 months and see if I still love it.

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  No Better Near-Luxury Car for the Price - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Ledfoot472 - March 22 - 9:01 pm

  I traded a 2006 Sonata GLS 4-cyl for this car. I was also looking at a 2009 Sonata 4-cyl Limited. After driving the Azera, there was no comparison. I got the Azera with 15k on it for $1,000 less than the Sonata Limited would have been even after $4,500 in rebates. The Azera is a solid car with a quiet ride. Only over certain types of broken pavement could the suspension be a little more supple. The 3.8 liter engine is very quiet and goes almost unheard up until 4,500 rpm. The engine is very strong throughout the powerband. The 5-speed auto is smooth, though shifts could be a bit more swift. The gas mileage averages only 2-3 MPG less than my Sonata 4-cyl.

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  love this car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By James - March 22 - 7:15 pm

  I have owned my Azera for 3 months. We went on a 1700 mile road trip last week. This car is fun to drive, comfortable, quiet, and very responsive. It has the 3.8L V6, and it only has 3500 miles on the odometer. It should get better mileage when it is broken in. I checked the fuel economy and got 28.3 mpg. It holds the road well around curves and when you need to pass on a two lane road the response to a little pressure on the gas peddle is awesome. In conclusion, for the price you can not beat the Hyundai Azera in my opinion. This car is sweeeeet.