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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  Great Rental - might consider buying - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Vacationeer - July 2 - 3:54 pm

  An excellent car. We rented the Azera for a trip around the Northwest. I was initially skeptical about having a Hyundai (even with only 7 miles on it), but that wore off immediately. We could fit 5 suitcases, a full size stroller (folded) in the trunk and two kids in the back seat comfortably. Our round trip was from Portland, around the Olympic Peninsula, to Seattle and back to Portland. Whether cruising on 101 or climbing mountain roads to over 5000 feet, the Azera gave a smooth, comfortable, and powerful ride. MPG was quite reasonable for a full size car.

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  Bmer on a Budget - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Jim Meyer - June 24 - 12:13 pm

  Wow! Im in love with driving again. Such a great feel! Nav system would be nice but the portable ones are workable.

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  After 3 new Hyundais..This is my last - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By hydman - June 24 - 11:00 am

  Windows go down instead of up... Dealer cant duplicate. Trip odometer resets itself. Dealer cant duplicate. Radio has no volume. Dealer cant duplicate. Mirrors self adjust. Dealer cant duplicate. Hood latch doesnt work. Dealer says you have to play with it. Air intake for electrical component cooling in rear wheel well... 5 miles on a dirt road clogs filter... Dealer says car not meant to be driven on dirt road. Tsb on rear sunshade says replace known defective gear... Dealer says not covered under warranty. Lack of concern by Hyundai consumer affairs. 100,000 miles on santafe... No problems 50,000 miles on elantra... No problems 70,000 miles on azera... Nothing but problems.

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  dont buy if you have an Acura - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By avis - June 21 - 2:21 pm

  I traded out of my Acura due to gas prices, on the rise, as it took premium and it was getting up in miles 94,000 but should have kept the Acura, as I miss the handling on the Acura. The Azera limited handling is unstable,and bouncy. I cannot do 120 mph comfortably, as it does not handle the curves very well. transmission has difficulty shifting at times, ABS does not work well in the snow, I slid a lot with new tires. I get 15 mpg due to my driving habits, and any one who knows how to drive, and likes to drive, will not like this car.

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  TWO YEARS AND STLL LOVING IT - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By PAUL W - June 13 - 11:03 pm

  While the exterior style is nothing to boast about, the cabin is functional, fun, and fancy. People are surprised by the roominess and style of the car. The car has held up well in both city and highway use.

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  Azera 2006 - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Richard - June 7 - 2:46 pm

  This car that I now drive is one of the best cars that in over 55 years I have owned. Most every manufacturers top of the line automobile ( the automatic truck opener) that needed a visit to the dealer near my home has been the only time I needed to visit the dealer. On the highway, real good gasoline mileage and just average in city driving in the winter when we are visited by loads of heavy traffic from the snowbirds. I use only Mobil one oil and have never added a drop of oil between oil changes. My car being one of the first of this model did not come with a navigation system, but has every other item one could ask for.

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  Goes Like Stink - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By njoy - June 7 - 1:51 pm

  We bought our Azera new two years ago because an Azera passed our Mazda going up a steep hill. We werent used to that. Cant understand anyone who says this car doesnt go like stink. There were two models available and we got the one with the V6 3.8 engine (the cheaper model had a different motor -- the overview doesnt mention that so maybe a Canadian option) and all the bells and whistles. The ONLY vehicle that comes close is the Passat and we leave it behind on hills. The passing performance is simply spectacular which we need because we pass a lot of big trucks on icy roads. Fabulous car. More for comfort than performance? I think not.

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  2009 Azera Limited - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve P. - June 1 - 12:37 pm

  Just got the 2009 Azera Limited two days ago, thus far I am pleased with my decision. Being an old mechanic I had a hard time making the decision to buy a Hyundai. I always told my customers to buy Toyota, Honda, or Nissan, but after doing some research and driving the car I will add Hyundai to my list of cars I recommend. I was considering the Toyota Avalon Limited, but for about $6,000.00 less I got a comparably equipped Hyundai. The only difference I noticed was the Avalon had a quieter ride, but not enough so to justify the price difference.

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  A shadow in the night - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By HTEXAS70 - May 30 - 3:30 pm

  Have you ever been outside on a hot July summer night. The street is warm, and the wind is at a stand-still. Then all of the sudden a car whisp by and you dont even see it. That is what happpens when the new Hyundai azera comes through. People dont know what happened. The design is one of a kind. It has a 3.8 liter, or 3.3 liter. Enough hps to throw your head back. The leather is smooth. Really if it had a Honda or Toyota tag, the dealership could not get enough models in stock. So I recommend this car. You shoul go drive drive.

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  Lives up to all of the hype. - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Happy in Arkansas - May 21 - 7:28 pm

  I have had my Limited with the Ultimate package for just over a year now. Everyone who first sees it always asks what the car is. I got tired of explaining its a Hyundai Azera, so now I just tell everyone its an Infiniti. The car has been getting better and better gas mileage as the engine ages and since I put in a K&N air filter. I get between 28 and 32 MPG running 75 to 80 MPH now, where I used to get 24 to 28 for the first 10,000 to 15,000 miles at those speeds. I love the LCD tail lights and the overall look of the vehicle.