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 the Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Paul - September 11 - 4:34 pm

  Due to illness I drive very little. But my experience with the Hyundai Azera has been just fabulous. Ive owned Cadillacs, Mercedes, Volvo etc., but none as given me more pleasure than this car.

• 

  07 azera se - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By bob - September 11 - 11:50 am

  Great performance--22 around town and about 28 on hwy--dont trust the computer mpg calculations. Lots of compliments on styling etc.-- dealerships seem to want to please but the jury is still out on this one. I did buy a used tucson based on this azera performance.

• 

  3rd Update since purchase. - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By 3rd Update. - September 6 - 3:53 pm

  Just completed a 750 mile trip to Midlothian, VA from Columbus, NC. Car performed like a charm. Extremely comfortable. According to on-board trip computer, I averaged 29.7 mpg at highway speeds up to 70mph. Better then I ever imagined. Lay off the "heavy foot" and you will love the car.

• 

  A significant improvement - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Paul - September 6 - 3:56 am

  The best you can get for the price.

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  Azera versus Avalon - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By TR - August 30 - 6:54 pm

  Purchased an Azera Limited late July after researching car over a year. Overall, the car is a terrific value. Have been averaging 25 MPG thus far (combination of 60% highway/40% stop and go city). Compared base limited model to Avalon XL. Avalon has reclining rear seat, affordable six disc CD changer, knee airbag and a couple of other features. Compared to Avalon XL, Azera limited offered heated leather seats, 17 inch alloys, standard traction and stability control, active head restraints, rear side airbags, fog lamps, heated wipers, homelink and compass, rear sunshade and air quality system to name a few things, all for a transaction price of $1,000 less than my best deal on Avalon

• 

  WOW!!!! What a GREAT Car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Roger - August 22 - 3:34 pm

  I now have my Azera Limited for about 2 weeks. All I can say it what a truly great car it is. You sit back and feel like you are driving a $40-50,000 car. The features are excellent, but the drive is what really sold me. It is quieter than the Mercedes or BMW I previously owned. My Acura lease was up so I decided to see what the Azera was all about. On the test drive I could tell it was built well and was the car for me. It is very quiet and yet has plenty of power with its 263 HP engine. All my friends ask "what is this---it is beautiful". When I take them for a ride, they just cant believe how nice and luxurious it is. We are so glad we decided to get the Azera.

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  Hyndai Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Lynn Norsworthy - August 21 - 10:03 pm

  The first 2 months, 2000 miles, it drove and idled extremely smooth. A vibration or shake started at about 2 months. This has progressively gotten worse. The tires have been balanced twice and rotated once. Still the shake or vibration continues. It is in the steering wheel, the seat, and the floor board. The dealership says that it is driving normal. It also has started idling rough. Although it only started this about 2 months ago, the dealership says it, too, is normal.

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  Switcher to Azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Johnnie Godwin - August 19 - 7:24 pm

  After owning a fine Honda and a fine Maxima, I decided to renew research and test driving before selling my 2000 Maxima to one of my sons. I researched as if I were getting a PhD and was surprised to find the research, testing, and then ownership of the Azera has proved to be excellent.

• 

  AWESOME - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By sonnysideup - August 19 - 2:15 pm

  I bought this car in early 2006. Not really knowing what to expect, I was a bit shy about Hyundais reputation previously, but was willing to take a chance. I am overwhelmed at its performance & great looks. Well assembled, it will shame most cars on the road today. I prefer driving it over my Cadillac.

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  Steering Wheel - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By benji - August 16 - 10:40 pm

  I totally enjoyed test driving the car. The exterior trunk shape was not my fav but the interior design was perfect in every way. The only complaint that I had was that the test model steering wheel had two chips on the steering wheel. The car had 5000 miles on it and the owner/manager drove the car for 2 months. Now if two chips can happen in 2 months what is going to happen in 2 years? ItÂ’s not covered under warranty according the sales person. Test drove the Toyota Avalon and it is a superior vehicle in ever way though the $6500 difference is hard to justify. Though the seats, engine, and driving experience was better.