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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  Beautiful car - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Ruth Schulfer - February 27 - 4:05 am

  A great looking car and has a very smooth ride.

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  Nice - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Jim Griesbach - February 22 - 2:12 am

  Quiet, comfortable ride, loaded with useful features

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  Its all true better than written - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By John - February 12 - 8:40 am

  Only have had for a month but its as good as advertised great fit, finish,interior is flawless,great power,great dash access,cant find a flaw,have driven Mercedes the past 10 years the Azera is a better car the long term will tell but I dont expect anything but great preformance for the future.

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  after driving BMW for five years - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By pedro fonseca - February 10 - 8:56 pm

  it cost me 20,000 less thank my last BMW (330 convertible 2002) and have more option that my last car, I drive 524 miles in the week end and get 24 miles per gallon (regular) good stability in curves not as good as BMW, all accesories are very easy to use, interior is perfect, enough room for five, aotomatic air condition excelent I rate 10

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  2 month update - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Joe - February 4 - 2:06 pm

  Gas Mileage: 29.5 Flat highways with air on at 75 mph. Mountains: 28.3 mpg with air at 70 mph through the mountains of West Virginia. I measure city mileage by "operating time" because mpg does not work in the city - some cities have more lights and traffic than others. My City Operating time is now 11 hours on a full tank of gas. The Azera performs so well through the mountains and downshifting going up hills was rare. The ride was incredibly smooth. The air quality control system picks up quickly on bad exhaust and immediately turns off outside air.

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  Love the car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Joyce Armentrout - January 31 - 8:26 pm

  Love the car but I was used to the ride of a Lincoln Towncar. But I know I cant get that in a smaller car and I dont need a large car since my husband passed away.

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  Love my Azera - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Eleanor - January 6 - 2:23 pm

  I have always purchased Lincolns since 1992. Decided to try an smaller car this year. Tried the Azera and saw it had all the "bells and whistles" that the Lincolns had, handled well and suited me just fine.

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  The - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By John R - December 31 - 7:43 pm

  After driving this vehicle for a month I have one thing to say "Wow! This is a Hyundai?" This vehicle is very quick, and agile for its class. It has a great turning radius compared to its size, acceleration is terrific, and overall handling is smooth and responsive. I drive around 600-1000 miles a week and comfort is a big deal for me and with this vehicle I havent had to worry about it. The interior is very confortable and has many posture support features such as a lumbar and higher placed seats (Good for bigger people like me). The interior has a luxurious warm feeling to it and its spaciousness and an overall sharp looking vehicle makes it feel even better. Worth every penny!

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  Lots for the $$ - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Yorkie Girl - December 21 - 11:06 am

  Was set to buy an Avalon and was just browsing through the Hyundai parking lot when I ran across a gentleman driving a Lexus whose brother had just bought an Azera. Both men felt the Azera was just as nice as the Lexus but thousands cheaper. So I decided to drive one before finalizing my Avalon purchase. I am so glad I did. I have had my car a month now and love it. It rides so smooth. It is the most comfortable car I have ever had. The trunk is very spacious, fold down seats (which the Avalon does not have) come in handy. This is the first car I have bought in 26 years that is not a Honda or Toyota so it was quite a leap for me to buy a Hyundai. Time will tell regarding reliability.

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  My best auto in 50 years - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By mwitt1 - December 12 - 9:30 pm

  This car is well engineered and drives superbly. It is a dream come through in comfort. I just love it