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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  Its smooooth! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By limee - June 30 - 7:16 am

  I was looking for a comfortable cruiser. It fits the bill as far as thats concerned. Very comfortable with impeccable fit and finish and the plastics used are first class with a very nice feel. Got the loaded limited. I had to have all the gadgets!. The leather is soft and supple. The interior ambience is classy and soothing. Has nice touches everywhere on and in the car and the heated seats work great. The wind deflector on the sunfoof is very noisy at speeds. Not impressed with the fuel economy so far averaging 18.5mpg. (The computer is way over optimistic in that respect informing me its 22!) Like the fact it uses 87 octane though. My first Hyundai. I like it

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  2016 discount dreamboat - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Joshua - June 28 - 9:03 am

  Actually just picked this thing up today and have to say when they put this together they really thought of everything and then some. The outside appearance of this car is very elegant with sexy slooping lines and accents in all the right places. The interior is well thought out and even without the limited you get a truckload of features that comparable cars dont unless u spend thousands more. And theyve thought of nice small touches to make u notice how amazing it is. For instance when you put the car in park at night the floorboards illuminate so you can see things.the infinity sound system is nothing short of amazing and is very crisp, capturing everything. The motor is slightly underpowered for the car but definetly provides adequate pickup while the transmission provides smooth shifts. So far weve averaged 23.5 mpgs average with both hwy and city driving and being able to whisper to each other at highway speeds. To add to it handling is everything youd expect from a premium sedan and you can literally turn the wheel of the car with your pinky sitting still... so not for handling junkies but for those that want to enjoy the ride. Backseat room and comfort i feel is 2nd to none. There is so much room back there we had no 2nd thoughts aboht trading our 2017 Traverse on this. Plus the trunk is HUGE so llenty of room for storage. Great job hyundai and bring this baby back with unparalleled marketing to make it sell!!! Why u got rid of it i dont know... but most wont know what it is unless u explain it so market the crap out of it and bring it back (with an AWD 2.0T).

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  love at first site - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By rebecca - June 14 - 3:00 pm

  It took a few days to get used to the handling but now it is a joy to drive. Love the rear window shade, easy to park, turning radius a surprise, excellent trunk space, great car!

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  4 weeks, perfect score, some dislikes - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By ynottonyhart - May 24 - 5:26 pm

  just returned from trip from fl to ny with stops in ga, oh, pa, dc, va, sc. now have 3800 miles w/avg gas mileage overall of 24.2 mpg. gets 27.4-28.2 hwy @75mph. have golden beige with beige interior. carpets are too light and show dirt too easily. need more power outlets (gps, sat radio, phone chargers, etc.) headlights not adjusted (?) high enough or poor choice of bulbs. love the ride. love the look. love the quality. very, very quick car - beware - itll get ya a ticket right quick. i use cruise control as much as possible. cruise control is not as responsive as my 04 santa fe i traded in. overall, its a great car and with the warranty, i see no competition out there at any $

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  Sweet Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By jim johnson - May 14 - 2:20 pm

  This is my third Hyundai, a Tiburon and a Santa Fe preceded it. I feel its the best one yet. The fit and finish is excellent, the ride is super and were pleasantly pleased with the milage and performance.

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  Love the Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Christy - April 24 - 4:20 am

  This is a great car....very comfortable and fun to drive. It is smooth, quiet, and loaded with features. I like the sound system, power seats, tilt steering, auto lights, rain sensing wipers, etc. etc. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a car with wonderful fit and finish at a reasonable price.

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  Hard ride on rough roads of Northeast. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Daniel - March 31 - 4:33 am

  This replaces a 1997 Lexus ES300. It lacks refinement and ride of that car but is peppy, an exceptional value, and is very stylish. The directional handling is not as good as the nine year old Lexus. On smooth roads the ride is very quiet but on the rough pavement of the Northeast the Azera ride is hard. You hear and feel every bump, not typical of the firm ride on entry level luxury cars. I should done a longer test drive. There are several quirky items in the electronics including headlights, memory features, and dash light dimming. Overall, the Azera is a significant step forward for Huyndai but they are going to need 1 or 2 model years of refinements to make it great car .

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  I cant believe its not a Lexus or Audi - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John - March 22 - 4:30 am

  Audi performance with Lexus quietness. Even at 75 mph, I could hear my watch ticking. This vehicle performs and feels like an $50,000 car. Beautiful design added its value even further. This one was definately built to set new standards for its market niche.

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  Best sedan under $40K - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Jim - March 19 - 12:00 pm

  Compared to Maxima, Avalon, even Lexus ES and Infiniti G35, this Azera limited edition outperforms in a solid way. It is cheaper, but that doesnt mean that performance is worse. I feel that the quality and performance are even competitive with Lexus GS or LS series. Excellent car. If youre looking for a TRUE luxury car at a reasonable price, this is THE car.

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  Azera - Good Car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By bob - March 7 - 11:36 pm

  Excellent car - Excellent value. Good daily commuting car.