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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  A LOT of Car for the Money - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Drew2931 - January 22 - 6:43 am

  I have 20,000 miles on my 2008 azera limited. This is a lot of car for the money! It is quiet, smooth, comfortable and with great performance from the 3.8l v-6. It has been perfectly reliable. There are no rattles or squeaks anywhere and it feels like it will stay that way forever. My children love the back seat - comfortable seats with lots of room. The truck is huge! All of the controls are logically laid out and I did not have to go to school to figure everything out. I Cruise at 72 - 78 on the interstate and the car is stable, quiet, great visibility all around and I average 25 - 26 mpg at this speed. I love the styling, it is understated, but classic.

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  She is the one..... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Tylerjr - January 18 - 9:56 pm

  This is the best car that Ive ever driven. My family has cars such as the Toyota Camary and the Cadillac CTS. I have to say that the Azera handles better than both of those cars. The build quality is excellent and the standard features are to many to number. This car turns heads and is very beautiful in apperance. Kudos to Hyundai for making a car that can challenge the more expensive cars for less the price. Keep making cars like this affordable for those without a lot of money.

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  09 Azera Limited - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By joew6969 - January 14 - 4:37 am

  My 09 Azera Limited offers alot of bang for the buck. I have owned 6 Hyundais previously, including a 99 Elantra, 03 Sonata, 04 XG350L, 05 XG350L, 08 Sonata GLS and an 08 Sonata SE V-6. The Azera is second best only to the Genesis. I love the features that the Limited offers including the 12 speaker Infinity sound system, smooth 3.8L V-6, roomy interior, smooth ride and great handling in the snow and on the ice. This vehicle has LESS wind and road noise than an Infiniti M45x.

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  Whats not to love... - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ken - January 5 - 1:03 pm

  Spent 3 weeks reading reviews and shopping before I decided this was the right car for our needs. Were both tall (Im 64"), and this car had plenty of room, all the right options and the price was certainly more attractive than the Avalon Limited wed previously decided on. Ok, so theres no NAV, and no ventilated seats. Ive lived without them, and they arent worth the extra $10K Toyota wanted to include them.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By bri76 - January 4 - 9:46 pm

  This is an excellent car that rides beautifully and gets decent gas mileage (avg. 26mpg) on the highway. On the streets of NYC, the mileage plummets and is very poor. The on board computer lists the average mileage in the city as 12mpg. The car is comfortable and performs well. At the parking garage it has been mistaken for a Mercedes more than once.

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  From a Lexus to an Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Rob - January 3 - 11:39 pm

  I was very shocked when i got into the 2006 Limited SE Azera especially since I had a 1992 Lexus LS400. The amenities are great and the car handles fine. The gas mileage definitely needs improvement. I love all the bells and whistles, like when a large SUV gets behind me at night. The lights used to shine right in my eyes. Now I just hit the back reflector shade and the night time driving button on the rear view mirror. I drove up to NY from Fla in 19 hours averaged 68 mph and averaged 28 mpg. I recommend the car. Watch out for the maintenance prices to keep the warranty valid thought.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By bradstew - December 31 - 3:56 pm

  I needed a quiet, comfortable car that I take on long trips. I looked at luxury models including Lexus and Mercedes. For about $15K less, the Azera compares favorably. Its smooth and powerful, and most importantly, quiet. Gas mileage is decent--about 21-22 around town and 27 on the highway. Quality is outstanding. And the engine is responsive and powerful.

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  Very Satisfied Azera Owner - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Tim T - December 24 - 7:40 pm

  Just completed first long trip, 560 miles, averaged 28.2 one way and 29.3 on return. Very smooth ride and very quiet cabin. Only complaint is inability to turn off the information display on dashboard. Dont need to see this information constantly or as brightly. Very impressed with fit and finish. Accessories for hyundais "flagship" are very limited. Wanted all weather floor mats, not available. Car itself is outstanding. Compares very well against Accord or Camry. Was going to buy Sonata, test drive of Azera was all it took to change my mind. Highly recommended.

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  New car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Spencer J - December 20 - 9:30 am

  I have looked for a new vehicle for over a year. I checked out every new car in the range and all lacked something. The Azera has room, performance, class, and style. I love the pass thru rear seats. Went on a ski trip and was able to lay skis inside (my skis are a long 203CM). I felt complete control of the car on steep, wet, and winding roads in the mountains. Also got about 27 MPG on the highway. 18 MPG in city. Car is a definite winner.

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  Outstanding Car - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By bmac50 - November 28 - 11:26 pm

  Weve had the car nine months and we both like this car very much of different reasons. Shes 52" Im 62" and finding a good driving position is not a problem even before getting in as the switch is right on the door as you open it. Once started it is very quiet, so quite at times Im not sure its running without checking the tachometer. Before we leased we went to several dealers checking out the larger Buick, Toyota, BMW and Lexus, Toyota was the closes but ended up being about $3000 more. After driving all and keeping them for three days or so we both decided on the Azera Limited and were very happy we did. Yep some of the other claim to get better gas mileage but have found Hyundai was quite honest on the mileage. Most reviews say 19 in town, we see 21. Not sure what anyone would want on a car that isnt there. For me that extra would be the sun shade for the back window, didnt think Id ever use it but I pick up kids from school so I sit and wait. Our former car had black inside like this one and with that shade its cooler inside. The back door windows have manual shades and the back is power, kinda wish the doors were the same. Everything on this car has been problem free and when the least is up unless major problems arise we will buy. Now for things that are odd. Control for seat is an odd place for someone with short arms, on the upper area of the door but you get use to that. Not crazy about the tires that came on it, tracking it not true so these tires will be changed, likely Pirelli. Two USB ports would be nice in the front, a better range of air flow from the center stack.