Strengths

Affordable price; smooth ride; spacious interior and trunk; extensive warranty.

 

Changes

For 2009, the luxurious Hyundai Azera increased its steering weight and has a new grille with more chrome.

 

Value

The 2009 Azera competes in the full-size sedan category with the likes of the Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. With base prices starting at $24,970, it's a genuine value, with luxury features that rival those in vehicles costing significantly more. With especially roomy rear seating and a smooth, comfortable ride, it's an ideal vehicle for family duty or road trips.

 

Overview

Two different Hyundai Azera models, GLS and Limited, are offered for 2009. The GLS starts at $24,970. The Limited starts at $28,920. Both come with a very generous amount of equipment compared to sedans in their price range. Fog lamps, LED taillights, speed-sensitive wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone climate control are all standard.

The GLS features a 3.3L, 234-horsepower, V6 engine, while the Limited steps up to a 263-horsepower, 3.8L DOHC V6. Both engines have continuously variable valve timing and a variable intake system to help increase throttle response without reducing fuel economy. A 5-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control is the only transmission available. A 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension with a multi-link setup in back, helps bring a smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling. The suspension and steering has been tuned for flatter handling and better compliancy over rough roads.

The base GLS seems upscale with handsome styling cues that include body-color sills and rocker panels, big 17-inch alloy wheels and LED tail lamps and brake lights. Other equipment includes a HomeLink garage-door opener, power front seats and automatic headlamps. An optional Premium Package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof to the GLS.

The top-of-the-line Limited gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power rear sunshade, side-mirror turn signals, a power sunroof and an upgraded, 315-watt, ten-speaker sound system with XM satellite radio and MP3 compatibility and a 6-disc CD changer.

Many of the safety features offered in more expensive vehicles are included on the Azera, including electronic stability control, safety pretensioners, anti-lock brakes, 8 air bags and active front head restraints.

An LG navigation system, with touch-screen functions and points of interest, is now available on the Limited, and comes paired with an upgraded 12-speaker, 11-channel, 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 sound system. The Ultimate Package brings this, plus a power sunroof, power-adjustable pedals, woodgrain trim, rain-sensing wipers, and memory settings.

As other Hyundai models, the Azera is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain, and 5 years of roadside assistance.