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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  1 Year with My 2016 Azera - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Joe N. - November 26 - 11:24 am

  Im now one year in with my 2016 Hyundai Azera Limited and I still love it! This a fantastic luxury automobile without the luxury price tag. Like others have stated, I dont know why Hyundai has not talked about this car. Ive never seen an ad for one and actually discoverd the Azera when I visited a Hyundai dealer a year ago to look at a Genesis. The salesperson recommended the Azera because I could get all of the Genesis luxury features at a significantly lower price point. Of course now that Hyundai is launching its luxury Genesis brand seperate from Hyundai they are not bringing the Azera back for 2018. This decision allowed me to buy my Azera at a deep discount which was a win for me. This car has everything you could ever want in a luxury sedan and its beautiful inside and out with sleek styling and a very well thought out cabin of comfort and conveniences. Living in hot Texas, I love my ventilated seats and automatic sun shade for the rear window. I dont think I can ever drive another vehicle that doesnt offer ventilated seats! My only gripe with this car was the oversensativity of the lane departure warning system. Luckily, the car gives you option to deactivate lane departure warning which I did. I mightve liked that feature more if it actually corrected the stearing rather than just beeping at you. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic control with the backup camera are terrific features. I would also have preferred the front seat adjustments to be placed on the side of the seats as in most cars rather than on the doors and slightly difficult to reach and adjust while also sitting back at the same time. You wont find a better luxury car in the price point.

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  Azare - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Booky - November 4 - 6:03 am

  The front seats are too short and that is why I gave it an 8 on the quality list

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  Good value...great car. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Ken in Charlotte - September 2 - 8:13 pm

  Six months and 7200 miles now, and I still love this car. Yes, there are a few things that could be done better, but overall, its a great car. Great value for the money; only concern I have is depreciation, but I think that, as Hyundais reputation continues to improve, that depreciation wont be an issue in a few years. Drove a Sonata on vacation last week, and liked it almost as well as the Azera - but Im spoiled by the interior room, quietness, and performance of the Azera. Id recommend either car, though. Fuel mileage is about the same for both cars - both had a V6. Azera is much faster. Just put a K&N air filter in my Azera - theres a noted difference in HP!!

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  Great mid size veh. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By tony - August 6 - 2:43 am

  This veh is wonderful! Drives great has better than average gas milage and plenty of pep. Handels like a sporty model and it looks great. Any one would be happy with this veh.

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  New Azera is quite a find - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By PF - July 24 - 7:30 pm

  I found the Azera early in the year when it was first released through reviewed automobiles on the web comparing cars at the Lexus-Avalon level of quality, performance and comfort. The automobile site reviews were so positive and both the look and technical info for the car on Hyundais web site so imnpressive that I went to a dealer to see it in person. It had just arrived at dealerships and I wouldnt have known about the Azera if I hadnt stumbled on to it during my web research. Its a great entry in to this class of automobile by Hyudai with a strong engine and comfortable ride. Its fun to drive and it looks great. Its a great car for the money.

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  Driving really is believing! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By SRI - July 16 - 7:33 pm

  A great car. Hyundai has hit a homerun with this car, no question. Forget the over priced, frequent visits to the dealer for squeaks, rattles, wind noise and misc. other problems we had with our Volvo S80. This car is much quieter and rides equally as good as the S80 for $10+K less. With the introduction of this car, I am certain there will be more Hyundais on the road. The car inspires confidence in the overall appearance, both exterior and interior and the warranty backs that confidence up.

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  The 2016 is even better... - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Woods46 - June 30 - 12:33 pm

  We had a 2014 Azera(base model) and were quite pleased with the car...but there were a few features that were not on that vehicle - mostly safety related - that I would like to have. We found a 2016 Limited with everything that we wanted. The drivers information and NAV systems have been significantly upgraded. Safety features like blind spot, rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control are a real plus. The 2014 is a good car, but we like the updates and the upgrade to the 2016 Limited model...well worth the value to us.

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  Good Value with a glitch - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By vmh - June 7 - 9:33 am

  I was impressed with the presentation, comfort, and features of this car. Initially considered because of its extreme quality rating, I liked the drive as well. One problem is the hesitation of the accelerator. The dealer indicated it cannot be fixed and it is a computer problem, but I find it hard to deal with rush hour traffic. The hesitation makes reacting a hazard. Also had a problem with the rebate check that took 5 weeks to show up. Otherwise, the car is loaded with great features.

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  New Owner Review - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Jo-Carol Prokop - May 3 - 8:33 am

  First 3 days after taking ownership our area received over 8 inches of rain, and of course I had a lot of driving to do. The car handled great even with water laying on the road. The auto- rain sensor wipers are great. The ECS feature is amazing. I also like the 2 person driver seat "memory" and the "folding" side mirrors. I am anticipating driving this winter to see how it hanles in the snow. I particularly like the sterring and turning radius, for such a large car the turning is phenomimal. The sunscreen is also great.

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  A Shockingly Luxurious Vehicle - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Gregory Dearth - April 11 - 4:52 am

  You get a lot for your money buying Hyundai. The Azera is an excellent example. The competition cannot come close to the size, speed, comfort or amenities of the Azera at the price or even at a higher price. One thing to note is that the Infinity sound system is pretty good but lacks a bit on the high end, thoughyou can make up for that using the equalizer. The functions of the stereo are quite common sense and well laid out withactual buttons for many functions. The competition seem to rely far too much on the touchscreen. I dont find that I have to use the touchscreen at all for most actions as real buttons handle most common tasks from running the climate control to changing the volume. A lot of perks also exist, such as the automatic headlights. Not only do you never have to turn your headlights on manually, but even the brights are automatic. If a car is approaching head-on the brights deactivate rather quickly and reactivate once the car has passed. The timing of this feature is absolutely perfect. You COULD also manually control the lights and bypass the automatic functions, but the computer and sensors handle this so well that you wont mind relinquishing those tasks. All of the tech is bypassable including the smooth and responsive automatic transmission. The option exists to use the stick shifter to change gears manually in a small mini gate to the left of the main automatic selection gate. This can really make the large sedan feel sporty, rocketing from zero to sixty in a respectable time under 7 seconds. Of course, one also has an economy mode. I was able to squeak out 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg in-town while still driving a bit aggressively and fast. It will hold 80 mph at 2000 rpm, so you have plenty of room to achieve higher speeds. At 80, the fastest I went, the sedan feels remarkably connected to the pavement while also somehow feeling a bit light. It is like flying nore than driving given the smooth suspension. But cornering ath higher speeds was nonetheless snappy and the body did not noticeably roll. The wet road handling is OK, though the wide tires feel uneasy in heavy rain and the wheel wells really fill up with an alarming effect if you hit a large puddle. Still, the car never hydroplanes, the braking and suspension instead compensating well for the excess power that might otherwise be problematic in unfavorable elements. It does indeed have that Asian import look (many are US built), but the exterior style is well executed and modern. Not a boring car to look at. Rather the playful fins sculpted into the rear harken back to the 1957 Chevy while the aggressive hood and fascia definately remind you that this vehicle exemplifies the future. Somehow the sculpted wavy lines all work together to make for a sporty yet elegant body. Vastly prettier tha an Audi or BMW, and more exotic than a Mercedes or Cadillac, the exterior will make the owner quite happy and satisfied. You dont seem to get used to looking at this car. It sticks out in a parking lot, unapologetically shaming more expensive luxury sedans for being so boring.