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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  Love my Azera Limited - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Donna - November 22 - 9:31 am

  In the past I have purchased/driven Honda Accords, Toyota Avalon, VW Passat, Mazda 6 but this Hyundai Azera is the best car I have had yet. A friend who has a new Cadillac STS drove my Azera and could not believe how much it was like his Cadillac. I call the Azera my poor mans Cadillac. Drives wonderful in the snow and ice (good tires). Current mileage at 11,000 miles is 19.6 mpg. But it runs great on regular unleaded, saving me the cost of premium fuel. A few bad paint spots, paint seems soft. But beautiful gold color, etc. No problems at all. Purchased with Ultimate package.

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  Not One of Those Old Hyundais - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By CarLvr98 - November 21 - 6:40 am

  I Love This Car. If Hyundai werent on this car, you would have no idea. I Have to say, i traded in my 04 Maxima for this car, and the azera is way faster and more responsive, and quieter! It shifts smooth, i remember testing the Kia Amanti, and i thought it was nice, but no comparison to the Azera. My Very First car was a 1994 Hyundai Elantra, and it started to make noises a few days after i bought it, but not with this car. Ive only had this car about 20 days, and it already has 3694 miles on it and no problems or noises.

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  A Happy Day - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By J. S. Mahoney - November 8 - 1:35 pm

  After two weeks of reading automobile reviews and visiting showrooms I came to the conclusion that the vehicle that had the most to offer for a very reasonable price was the Hyundai Azera. This sedan has everything that I was looking for, style both inside and out, performance and price. We bought our Azera Limited in early August and already have driven it over 4,000 comfortable and enjoyable miles. It is, in my opinion, one of the best values available to anyone in the market to buy a new car today.

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  Great Car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Kevin - November 7 - 5:26 am

  I love my new 2007 Hyundai Azera. After doing research on these forums ,I decided to check out the Azera....WOW what a car. I was going to go see a Honda I told the Hyundai salesman lets make a deal.

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  Couldnt say enough good things. - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By ptshredder - October 23 - 9:35 pm

  I did the research online and with Consumer Reports. Came down the Azera or the Toyota Avalon. Drove the Avalon, nice ride but handling was way to mushy. The Azera was much tighter, lots of power. Car has every option except bluetooth. Incredible trunk space. Drove it from Colorado to my folks in Nebraska with my Wife, Daughter, SIL and Grandson. Babying it on the interstate I got 31mpg, coming home with that load and 100lbs of apples at 75mph constant I got 27mpg. I would have like more mpg, but the available power is incredible. Havent driven anything this much fun since my 71 Firebird. The heating/AC is great, dash and instrument layout is great. 10Y/100K warranty, closed the deal.

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  Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Randomprime - October 23 - 4:18 pm

  I have owned Hyundais since 2000, and my wife has since 2006. I opted for the Azera as my most recent option, and I have been pleasantly surprised with the comfort, style and general reliability of this car. Ive come to expect more from Hyundai, and they deliver.

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  All I Expected & More - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Redleg - October 20 - 6:35 pm

  I researched and drove all of the competitors in the full size market. None compared favorably with the features and creature comforts that the Azera offered. It was as much or more comfortable. The interior touches and controls are logical and well designed. The reported issues with the suspension and noise are non-existent in my 2009 LTD. It is exceptionally quiet and the sound system is awesome. The rear sun- shade and memory driver seat make it a joy to drive.

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  AWESOME AZERA - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Frank Duve - October 9 - 5:29 pm

  I purchased this car in late 2006 & have been amazed at its build quality & comfort. The driving position is perfect for a 6 footer. I use it daily for work in heavy Washington D.C. traffic & 54,000 miles have proven its durability. Its a pleasure to drive.The Azera has features that others in its class cant match.I get about 22 m.p.g. in the city, & 26-30 on the highway & this car is fast.

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  Just WONDERFUL!! - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By racraine1 - October 9 - 12:26 pm

  I (like others) went to get a Sonata. Id researched the vehicle thoroughly and found it to be just what I wanted. I climbed in and thought it fine, but my girlfriend thought it looked a little small. the salesman then took us on a test drive of the Azera and it was love at first drive. The ride, comfort and extras teat come in the Lilmited edition put the car right up against the stiffest competition. I cannot say enough good things about the car.

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  2009 Hyundai Azera Limited - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Jeff B. - October 7 - 5:41 pm

  After hearing so many of friends rave about their Hyundais I finally decided to investigate when I needed to replace my 2000 Volvo V40. Well, I was equally impressed, with both the reviews and the car. I wasnt planning on buying right away but the value of price & luxury that the Azera offered was too tempting & I have not been disappointed at all after having the Azera for just a week. I have put on over 600 miles on it already. Plush seating, fantastic sound system, more than ample interior space, plenty of power when needed along with stylish looks. This is by far the nicest most "decked" out vehicle Ive ever owned & it didnt break my bank either! It blows my old V40 away in every way!