2006-2008 Hyundai Azera: Road Test

Hyundai's refined V6 furnishes snappy takeoffs and works with a silky, responsive automatic transmission for quick passing sprints with little delay in downshifting. The manual shift gate is useful for hill-and-dale driving. A test Azera Limited accelerated to 60 mph in a brisk 6.2 seconds. For a sizable sedan, fuel economy isn't bad. In city/highway driving, Azeras have returned 19.9 to 21.5 mpg. Mostly highway driving resulted in an average of 24 mpg. Hyundai recommends premium-grade fuel, however. Ride quality mimics the plush feel of the impressive Toyota Avalon, but Azera is harsher over small bumps and falls well short of all-around composure. On uneven surfaces, don't be surprised to find wallow and float occurring Steering/handling scores better. An Azera corners with decent grip and modest body lean. Steering takes appropriate light effort and delivers good road feel. Standard antiskid/traction control is a peace-of-mind plus. Strong brakes are easily modulated. Quiet running is another virtue. Coarse-surface tire thrum is noticed, but it never annoys. Wind rush rises with speed, but doesn't intrude much, either. The V6 emits a raspy, if classy, growl at full throttle, but is otherwise hushed. One test Azera's suspension made an occasional clunking sound. Hyundai's logical, stylish dashboard puts large, clearly-marked gauges and switchgear within easy view and reach. The steering wheel masks the in-dash ignition switch, but includes buttons for audio and climate systems. Attractive cabin materials are not quite Lexus-level, but there are enough padded surfaces and careful detailing to belie Azera's price. A navigation system has not been available, but Hyundai said it would offer one in the near future. Front legroom is plentiful. Headroom is ample despite relatively high-set seats, which combine with a rather low dashtop and large windows for fine all-around visibility. The driving position is easily tailored with the standard power seat, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and (if installed) the Limited's optional power-adjustable pedals. Seats are nicely contoured for good overall support. The backseat yields adult-worthy head and legroom, plus good foot space. Legs won't be crowded with front seats pushed well back, but cabin width may slightly squeeze three grownups. Entry/exit is trouble-free. Trunk volume is unexceptional but efficiently shaped, easily accessed, and expandable via standard fold-down rear seatbacks. Covered sickle-shaped trunklid hinges sit well outboard, and steal little cargo space. Good cabin storage includes a large bi-level console bin, plus front-seatback pockets offsetting the tiny door map pockets.

Value for the Money
Azera tops its class for standard safety features and warranty coverage, while offering impressive room, refinement, luxury amenities, and build quality. Indifferent handling and ride control take it down a notch, but overall, this Hyundai stacks up well against such target rivals as the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima, as well as the Buick LaCrosse and Ford Five Hundred. Considering that it costs less than those models when comparably equipped, the Azera starts to sound like a winner.