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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By FL - May 17 - 5:13 pm

  Just purchased this Azera! Wow, my wife had a Lexus, I had an Acura, and believe me, they dont even touch this car when it compares to the ride, handling, quietness and fun to drive!! I initially purchased this for me to drive, but my wife fell in love with it! Cant say enough good things about this car. Got the cloth seats which are very upscale, didnt want leather because too hot in the summer.

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  Love the Luxury of the Azera Limited - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Laura Welch - May 8 - 2:53 pm

  This is a new vehicle to us but after driving Accords and Chevys, is a real step up. Our model Azera is the Limited, Premium package so it is loaded and just plain luxury.

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  Great car, and at such low price - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Howie - May 2 - 4:56 am

  I had just purchased a new 06 Hyundai Azera Limited. I am an automachanic, and I would have never thought I would own a Hyundai, but I must confess, the Azera is quite amazing, even to my eye. I have had the car for almost a week, and I have fallen in love with it. It was a great buy, and Im glad I purchased it.

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  2012 Hyundai Azera - 2012 Hyundai Azera
  By Michael G - April 25 - 1:15 am

  I bought this used 2012 Azera just a week ago. I have only had this car a week and I absolutely love it. I am probably driving my friends crazy with that look at my new toy, look at it, lets drive somewhere attitude. Before the Azera I owned a 2005 Hyundai Sonata GLS which I bought in 2006. I loved that car and did my best to give it the TLC a car needs and it has lasted and lasted and still turned heads. But I was more than ready for a newer car with updated amenities and the 2012-2014 Azera model Really captured me. Also I never see this model and trim on the road which made me want it all the more. This car is simply gorgeous in every way its Pearl white with the black glass top and 19 inch wheels and a camel leather interior. I love the lines, the curves and the sharpness of the interior and exterior. I am over the moon with this one. Its super comfortable and very roomy. Im 62" as I sit in the driver seat I then get out and sit in the back seat to see how another tall person would feel, it sit has ample leg room. I love everything about my 2012 Hyundai Azera Special Edition. My only complaint is the GPS/voice command isnt very user friendly, but perhaps Im just not doing something right, I have only had it for a week.

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  Best Value - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Young Choi - April 20 - 12:30 am

  This car is the best value for that price. Better than Toyota Avalon, Lexus 300 series. Quiet & smooth riding enjoy of the luxury.

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  Killed a Charger! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By scapla - April 18 - 11:50 am

  I was on the fence, deciding between a Dodge Charger or the Azera. After driving both twice the choice was easy - Azera! Extremely comfortable, great ergonomics, and peppy to boot (0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds vs. the Charger at 6.3). Build quality and materials are very high quality and it has all the right nuances and amenities you would expect to find in a Lexus or Audi. My friend, who paid close to 50K for his Acura, was amazed by the Azera. Absolutely no buyers remorse at all. This is the first car Ive bought that I can easily see myself being happy with for 5 years.

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  comfort & safety - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Bernard Wohl - April 10 - 9:08 pm

  The car is comfortable, very roomy. The technology & electronic features are over whelming..Not easy to set up.

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  Hyundai Milestone - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By DASF - March 23 - 4:26 pm

  After having Caddys,Lincolns,Audis and most recently a 2006 Maxima I wanted something different. I never gave much thought to Hyundai until I saw the Azera.I went to the dealership on a Saturday morning and after a test drive and an overall review of the Azera Ltd. I walked out a new owner.I was somewhat skeptical at first until I drove the vehicle for a while. I am really impressed with it.The quality,ride,handeling,and style is as good if not better than any other car I have owned. It has qualitys that you will pay much more for from other manufactures. And the safty features... endless.

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  Quick but thirsty - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By big john - March 7 - 8:43 am

  Have had this car a little over a month with 2000 on it now. Goes like a bat out of hell but only averaging about 19 mpg in town. Dealer says they get better at about the 6k point. Well see.

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  My other Mercedes Benz - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By Frank Anthony - March 5 - 11:06 pm

  After owning 3 Mercedes E-Class sedans, we bought this car for $22,000 less and after driving it for 4 years and 43000 miles I say it is better than the Mercedes. It doesnt cost $2000 per year to maintain. Doesnt need new brake pads at 23,000 miles and tires at 30,000 miles and on and on. Now have 37,000 miles and it is 3 years old. definitely the least expensive car to maintain that I have ever owned. Cant say enough about the quiet comfortable ride.