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:

• 

  Fabulous Car !!! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Sean - November 20 - 2:23 pm

  I cant believe it. Hyundai finaly raised a fabulous car. Ive tested several cars to trade my coupe. Azera was quieter, smoother and more powerful than other famous cars (Lexus ES, Acura TL, Toyota Avalon).

• 

  Great car for the money - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By MistrBackgammon - November 10 - 1:23 pm

  Overall this is a great car. Big comfortable well appointed interior. Great performance and mileage for such a large car. Wonderful seats, sound system, climate control, etc. Enormous trunk but opening designed to leak in rain. Mushy suspension which appears to be unfixable. Metal trim in console marginal, fake wood trim peels oddly. Warranty covered halogen foglight bulbs repeatedly, but when plastic panel under car falls off for no reason this was alleged to be "body damage" uncovered by warranty. Overall fit and finish excellent but Hyundai seems unwilling to support and stand by car at level which would expect with such a luxurious vehicle.

• 

  What-a-car - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By bigdave - November 6 - 4:08 pm

  I bought this car with 3k mi on it, original owners decided they wanted the Limited. I have the 3.3lt engine which provides 253HP. Very quick and nimble,20mpg in town and 30+ on the highway! Kind of wish i had the 3.8 engine but mileage would suffer. It could use a little more noise dampening and thats about it. Its a full size car, lots of room with a large trunk capacity. Terrific car!

• 

  Azera is an Excellent car - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By nthompson - November 4 - 3:46 am

  The finish quality is excelleny. The ride is superior and the noise level is one of the lowwest that I havent heard. There are many amenities on this car listed on the Edmunds web site as "not available". Check it out for yourself. The one thing I miss is a good GPS system.

• 

  Very Pleased Azera Owner - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By Azera owner - October 26 - 8:16 pm

  This car will not disappoint you. It offers many luxurious features at a fraction of the price in comparison to Lexus. It is truly a pleasure to drive. It is equipped with ample power for safe passing and responds well on hills and navigating turns. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a car with style and grace - it more than measures up to Lexus or BMW.

• 

  Best car I have owned - 2007 Hyundai Azera
  By R.Cherry - October 23 - 4:38 pm

  Of all the cars I have ever owned, be it new or used this is the best one of the bunch. Only problems I have to report are that after three months I couldnt get the XM radio to re-cycle and the pearl white paint seems to chip a little too much for my tastes. A dealer fixed the XM radio in less than a minute. One more thing, tires seem to have flat spots in them until they warm up. Otherwise a great car. I was impressed enough to buy my wife a 2009 Hyundai Sonata, solely on the strength of the Hyundai name. They have come a very, very long way since their first exports here years ago.

• 

  Few Faults With This One - 2009 Hyundai Azera
  By Lawton R. - October 15 - 2:35 pm

  Ive had the car 5 months, put over 5,000 miles on it, and have found two faults. Sunlight falls on the navigation/audio screen with near blinding effect, and substantial road noise occurs at interstate speeds. Thats it. I enjoy driving the car so much that I usually regret reaching my destination. Initially the ride was hard but the cause was simply over inflated tires. Unexpectedly at 5K miles I have had a significant uptick in mileage and now get well over EPA average. I am so "sold" on Hyundai now that I expect to move up to the very quiet Genesis with my next purchase.

• 

  The Azera-Look out Infinity and Lexus - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By Brad Hart - October 14 - 5:53 am

  I have 1500 miles on my Azera LE with the Ultimate package. The car is extremely quite even at speeds of 80 MPH. Smooth ride, tight handling, excellent acceleration,great sterio, refined interior design, flawless paint job and loads of space in the cabin and the trunk. Around town mileage 22, highway 25. Needs better front seat bolsters for curves. You cant beat the value of this car no matter what the Manufacturer or model.

• 

  The more I drive it, the more I love it! - 2006 Hyundai Azera
  By allmet33 - October 4 - 5:56 am

  I was already impressed with the Hyundai reliablity having traded in my 2002 Sonata GLS w/105k miles on it. Since day one...Ive truly enjoyed driving this new Azera. The ride quality, features, layout, fit and finish truly make this the best Hyundai to date! I love the fact that when you look at the Azera from different angles, it makes you think of other cars and yet...theres nothing on the road that looks like it. Pro - Bang for your buck. Simply put, what you get for your money is not going to be equalled by any other name plate in the industry. Con - That Hyundai is still taking knocks for their past failures, no matter the strides theyve made in product improvement.

• 

  Dont Believe the Hype - 2008 Hyundai Azera
  By toalie - October 1 - 8:11 pm

  After 6000 miles, I have had several problems, mostly electrical. The air bags were broken 1 week after purchase, and my driver seat moves backwards while driving. The finish of the dashboard is separating around the airbag housing. The car drives well, but I fear that it will be falling apart in a few years. After this experience, probably wont buy another Hyundai.