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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  What a Great Car!!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Simon Steele - November 22 - 9:33 pm

  Did a lot of research on similar cars before purchasing - Toyota Avalon, Lexus and Ford 500. None of these cars offered all of the options for the price!! We got the Limited with the Ultimate package. Beautiful car........it was a hard sell to my husband who wanted a Lexus, but since he has driven over the past month, he loves the car too!! Great Warranty - watch out everyone Hyundai is on the move.

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  Great performer!!!! - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By Jason Smith - October 27 - 7:30 pm

  Great quality and performance. Dont be fooled by those name brands and pay thousands more for nothing. I mean this Azera is good or better than an Avalon or Acura TL... even a Lexus.

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  Best value/most luxury for my $$ - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Lee - October 25 - 10:03 am

  This is the 3rd Hyundai that I have purchased. My first was a 2003 Santa Fe, 3.5L, which I loved so much that I purchased a 2003 Elantra for my mother. She feels that the Elantra is the best car she has ever owned! I traded my Santa Fe when I decided to purchase a more fuel efficient vehicle because of the amount of driving that I do. I had only stopped into the Hyundai dealership to look at the new Azera model that had just become available.....and the rest is history. It only took me a test drive and I was hooked. The luxury that Azera Limited offers is far greater that the price paid. Did I mention that I LOVE this car?????????!!!

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  Buy it. - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Campbell - October 24 - 11:13 am

  Looked at all mid sized before buying. Best deal for the money. Best quality over all.

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  Luxury without guilt - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Dennis - October 23 - 6:46 am

  I can afford almost any normal car. I saw the 350 at an auto show a year ago and was prepaired to buy one in August. The dealer had several on the lot but made sure I knew a whole new version was coming out in the Fall, which was nice. I waited-actually until 12/13 for the first one to come in. The Azera was 50%+ better in all respects than the 350. Without the closeout discounts it costs $5000+ more than the 350, but worth it: performance features, size, looks. My co-workers (Lexus, BMW, Mercedes types) sneered when I said I was getting a Hyundai, But have shut-up as soon as they saw the Azera in person. I paid 5% less than sticker and think the car is grat AND a bargain.

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  What a ride!!!!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By J-Nut - October 20 - 7:40 am

  Purchased the car and took it for a test spin of 1,800 miles round trip. Needless to say the car and I bonded. I have never had so much fun driving. I actually look forward to driving and sometimes find myself looking for ways to make my drive time longer. The interior comfort is beyond perfection. The performance is outstanding. With 263 horses, who needs a sports car (which by the way the last two cars I owned were). I have owned a Hyundai in the past & sold it to a family member. Now 8 years later it still looks great. If this car performs as I expect, it will be in our family for a long time. Thanks Hyundai for a dependable and well appointed alternative.

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  Going back to Nissan! - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By MikeW. - October 18 - 11:11 am

  I had a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE and I loved it. What a super car and my oldest son recently turned it in to purchase his first Car. Back in 2013, just after I turned 50, I decided I would join my wife and get a new car. I liked the way the Azera looked, test drove it and decided to buy one. I wish I hadnt. The pros: the ride is decent, the car looks good, and it is roomy. The Cons: cheap interior(Trim on the steering wheel is peeling), the Bluetooth is (awful had to get it replaced once and people always complain it is hard to hear), Black soot is present in the exhaust pipes(Since Day 1 and I have seen other Azeras with the same issue) and the BIGGEST CON..the finish on all four 19" inch Alloy wheels is peeling and Hyundai(nor my dealer - Burns Hyundai in Marlton, NJ) will not replace them. The car will be sold shortly and I will be going back to Nissan.

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  Snazzy Azzy - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By Livewiremd - September 21 - 6:59 pm

  I am a previous owner of a new 2006 Azera Limited. That car was newly re-designed and different so I gave it a try .....with NO regrets! I still own that one and it is running trouble free at 160,000 miles with very minimal service of any type. I admit I sometimes skimped on oil changes too! When the newly designed 2012 model came out, I was so impressed by the "look" that I kept my eye on them. As an excuse to go shopping again, I gave my 2006 to my oldest and purchased a 2013 from a dealer with 44,000 miles. This car has it all! I looked and found a "midnight blue" which is spectacular! It actually looks like different colors depending on the angle of the sun. A bit hard to keep clean but it is beautiful and sets off the chrome accents around the car. The 2006 Azera came with the 3.8 L V6 while the 2013 has a 3.3 L GDI V6. The smaller engine seems almost as smooth and powerful as the larger but it has increased horse power and I can get 32 MPG highway at 80 MPH! The cabin is more like a jet airplane with great materials and feel. Seats are extremely nice and the AC cooled seats really give a nice effect when youre hot. There are a lot of options in this car and it took me a few weeks to learn them all. The technology package throws in the kitchen sink. The full size tinted panorama roof is IMPRESSIVE! This may overwhelm people who prefer more basic controls but I love them. The sound system is 550W and powerful. May think of upgrading the speakers. The car even has a cooled glove box!! One of my biggest complaints about the 2006 Azera was poor headlights, even with xenon bulbs. My 2013 has pure white HID low beams which really improve visibility. One thing to note is that in USA, a used Hyundai 100K mile warranty reduces to 60K but that still beats most makers and I had any warranty issues on the 2006 fixed immediately and for free every time. My main issues with the 2013 are (improved) but still numb feel at steering and road noise and feel on rough roads with the stock tires. If this car is as reliable as the 2006 then I will be back for a third Hyundai in the future. If you like to be unique and stand out in the crowd, and impress all who ride with you, this car has the most bang for the buck and can be found reasonably priced in the used market. This car is for someone who likes to be different from the crowd and I personally think the 2013 Azera looks better that the newer Hyundais or Genesis models.

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  New Car - 2016 Hyundai Azera
  By Matt Schock - September 21 - 2:00 pm

  Traded in 2013 Santa Fe Sport base model. Wanted something nice but also with a little more power. Drove the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger and the Impala. The Azera beats them all on value. You get a fully loaded car for the same price as their base models. I love this car and recommend to anyone looking for a full size sedan that is also a luxury sedan

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  Bought First Hyundai in US. Hyundais Ever Since - 2013 Hyundai Azera
  By Jim Stevens - August 25 - 8:51 am

  I and my family have owned Hyundais for over 29 years. Thats right "FOR OVER 29 YEARS. Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the introduction of its subcompact Excel. Our family has bought and enjoyed every Hyundai we have purchased since that time. We have owned over 8 Hyundais since their conception in the United States. Long story short, ALL have performed exceptionally well with minimal and or no repair required. They have improved exceptionally over the years and in my opinion, Hyundai is one of the best keep secrets in the automotive industry and one of the best vehicles on the road today. All of us are committed to Hyundai and will but nothing else. As far as my current vehicle, the 2013 Azera, FANTASTIC . Friends of ours have had their Chevy s and Fords in the shop multiple times for repairs. Not our Hyundais.