Hyundai Azera Review

The Hyundai Azera was re-introduced in 2006 as an all new model, replacing the existing XG series. With features normally found on more upscale brands, the Azera looks to compete with the best by offering luxury at a more affordable price.

See also the main fact sheets for the Hyundai Azera.

High Points

 * Many luxury features come standard
 * Affordable price
 * Powerful engine
 * Good acceleration
 * Roomy
 * Extensive standard safety features

Low Points

 * Handling can be choppy
 * Road noise at high speeds
 * Low fuel efficiency
 * Standard stereo has cassette player instead of CD

Performance and Handling
The Hyundai Azera is equipped with a powerful 263hp V6 engine, providing much more punch than the XG and making for fast acceleration, even at high speeds. In fact, the Azera makes its way from 0-60mph even faster than cars such as the BMW 530i and the Mercedes-Benz S430. Suffice it to say this car is deceptively fast.

Braking has proven to be effective, even when coming down from the aforementioned high speeds, and handling has been described as agile. Some reviewers report that the suspension, however, became problematic at times, sometimes bouncy and unsure. Overall, the ride is smooth, the engine is noteworthy, and responsiveness is satisfactory.

Gas Mileage
According to FuelEfficiency.gov, the Azera gets 19mpg in the city and 28mpg on the highway. The Azera obviously isn't known for its fuel efficiency, ranking just 24th in Autos.com's Mid-Size Car category. However, if it's any consolation, these figures still raise it a tad above the Hyundai XG series it replaced.

Safety
The Azera received high marks from the NHTSA in safety tests performed on the 2006 model. It earned scores of 4/5 stars in every category except front seat side impact tests, for which it received a 5 star rating. In addition, the Azera was tied with the Kia Amanti, Toyota Avalon, and Volkswagen Passat for the first place slot in the Mid-Size Car category for Safety.

Reliability and Maintenance
Because the Azera is a brand new model, reliability information for it will not be available for some time. However, even as the quality of Hyundai automobiles has risen in recent years, it still remains a notch below its main rivals, such as Toyota and Honda. The one thing that makes up for this is Hyundai's unrivaled vehicle warranty policy, which should help to defray any foreseeable maintenance costs for a good while.

Interior and Comforts
Roominess is the name of the game for the inside of the Azera. Unlike many cars of today, the comfortable spaciousness doesn't end with the driver and front passenger seats. The rear seat also has plenty of legroom as well as headroom and is wide enough to seat three comfortably. The trunkspace is also quite generous and easily accessible from the fold down rear seats.

Instrument displays and dashboard controls are also laid out to create an open feeling. They're easily accessible and attractive to boot; the Limited, for example, is available with a wood grain trim. Interior seating is stitched in cloth for the SE and leather for the Limited, and while it is comfortable, some reviewers have stated that in tight turns, the driver's seat doesn't quite hug the body enough to provide security.

Some of the nicer conveniences that may be found standard in the Azera include dual zone climate control; 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo system; power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats; cruise control; and steering wheel-mounted stereo controls.

Exterior
The exterior of the new Azera is an improvement over the bland stylings of its predecessor. Its lines are sleek and elegant, and it wouldn't look out of place in a lineup alongside more upscale cars such as the Acura TL, Lexus GS, and even the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S350. The front and rear displays have a sophisticated appeal to them, and the wheels are large and clean, complementing the Azera's profile nicely. Hyundai has certainly come far in its designs over the past few years, and the look of this newest flagship seems to be an indication of where they are headed with future models.

Some of the exterior features buyers can opt for are wheel locks, a sunroof, power folding outside mirrors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Fog lights and body colored heated mirrors are standard.

Styles and Options
The Hyundai Azera comes available in two trims: the Azera SE and Azera Limited. A 3.8L 263hp V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission powers both of them, and both are equipped with an impressive array of standard features. Some of these features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, fog lights, dual zone temperature control, and a 6-speaker stereo.

In addition, the Limited possesses a few extra standard features and has access to some options that are not available on the SE. These include 17" wheels, power folding outside mirrors, leather seating, and an integrated memory system for the driver's seat, steering wheel, and mirrors.

There are two optional packages available for the Azera. While both the Premium Package and the Ultimate Package are available with full access to options for the Limited, only the Premium Package with a more limited option selection is available for the SE. Some of the options available through these packages are a sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a 10-speaker stereo system upgrade.

Main Competitors

 * Honda Accord
 * Toyota Camry
 * Dodge Charger
 * Volkswagen Passat
 * Nissan Altima
 * Toyota Avalon