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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  Lots of research paid off - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Dick - March 9 - 6:09 pm

  From the initial test drive, the car didnt inspire a lot of "oh-wow!" comments, but it was an interesting design. Seats leave a little bit to be desired in terms of thigh support, and the leather stitching on the black (gray) leather is ugly. But, I basically love this car. Bluetooth works great. Trunk size is very good. I have some problems with the transmission at slow speeds, as I drive the Washington DC beltway each day. But, overall I would definitely buy this car again. Without doubt, this is one of the greatest values available.

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  Great in the sun not in the snow - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By junelle fisher - February 26 - 7:38 pm

  Car is very Nice love the comfort and design and very sporty not very good in snow and paint starting to chip near wheel Wells tires not good in rain or slush or very little snow steering wheel wood grain finish coming off like is chipping

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  Watch out for this car suspension! - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Carlos - February 6 - 9:16 pm

  The driving is fun. Powerfull car nice well finish lots of details making this car amazing. The suspension is not so great, is very stiff so if you dont like the feel of the road "Do not purchase this car" I cant wait to trade in for some other and remember I purchase this car not even 3 months ago.

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  Great Package of Value - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Dave V - January 26 - 7:03 pm

  This car can compare to vehicles costing twice as much. There are a very few minor quirks that will likely be worked out in future revisions, but overall this car is a top value for a discriminating car owner. Hyundai is going through the same evolution Honda & Toyota went through in their quest of the USA market share.

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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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  a superior car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Russ - September 21 - 4:30 am

  an excellent car. traded in a 2004 Pontiac GTP for it. is superior in most respects to Pontiac esoecially in comfort

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  azera - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By ron - September 4 - 10:02 am

  Love the car overall, however, lettering on headlight and windshield wiper switch very faint and almost illegible compared to other vehicles in Hyundai line, such as the sonata--trying to find out why--dashboard also replaced as it cracked.

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  A cheap Lexus! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By livewiremd - August 26 - 12:18 pm

  I have had this car for over 2 years now and am still impressed. I am also surprised that I see so many Sonatas on the road and so few of these! I was afraid to gamble on Hyundai after a bad experience in the early 90s but the warranty sold me. The first year warranty seems to replace ANYTHING (I didnt need to use it) and the roadside assistance package cant be beat. This car has a nice but a bit conservative look. The led tail lights make things stand out some. This car has a lot of power and it is easy to be going close to 100 without even feeling it. The car does have a little soft ride and corners a little sloppy for my taste but it is an impressive car overall.

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  His Seat Dont Fit - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By MaryLou - August 2 - 1:26 pm

  I bought this car and I love most everything about it, but I have a problem. My husband hates my drivers seat, he can not get it to go back far enough. I took it to the dealer, two times and they say its just the way it is, but after reading all the reviews, no one has complained about the seat, so that tells me, my dealer just blew me off or my husband is the only man who cant fit behind the wheel. I like this car and most everything about it, but I dont want to do all the driving, when we go on a trip. Can someone help?

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  Update - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Steve P. - July 20 - 11:26 am

  Just a quick update since my post of 06-01-2008. I am still happy with my decision. I have since had the chance to take the car on a thousand mile trip. The car rode very well and my MPG was 26 @ about 80 to 85 miles per hour. So thus far the car has worked as advertised, I am very pleased.