Hyundai Azera: A sleeper among large sedans

Overshadowed by two other vehicles in the stable of vehicles manufactured by Hyundai, the Azera may soon rise to the level of its in-house competitors thanks to a new design and some notable upgrades.

The 2015 Hyundai Azera is an attractive, full-size sedan that adds a little style to a segment that’s known for being a bit stodgy when it comes to the looks department. The Azera, which slots between the Sonata and the Genesis in the Hyundai lineup, is using a modest redesign this year that could help brand the sedan to the heights of the two aforementioned cars.

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Hyundai continues to build its reputation by manufacturing stylish vehicles that have lots of performance, are loaded with standard features, and are offered at a reasonable price. The Azera has all those qualities.

Despite improvements, it won’t be easy for the Azera to surpass some of its notable competition, like the Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300, Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, and Kia Cadenza, which closely resembles the Azera.

2015 Hyundai Azera

• Performance: 3.3-liter, V6, 293 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 19-28 mpg
• Estimated price: $34,000 to $38,200
• Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain: 10 years/100,000 miles; roadside assistance: 5  years/unlimited; corrosion: 7 years/unlimited

Hyundai revised the front and rear styling of the Azera and added a hands-free trunk opener for 2015. More significantly, Hyundai also added many of the standard features from its 2014 Limited model to the base Azera this year, giving it much more overall value.

Among the new standard features for the 2015 Azera are two great safety additions: the blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert systems. Other new standard features are hands-free automatic trunk opening, a navigation system with an 8-inch screen, and illuminated doorsill plates. In addition, the center dashboard control panel has been revised.

Performance is certainly one of the selling points for the Azera, a robust 3.3-liter, V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. It’s plenty quick, evidenced by its ability to go 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The fuel economy is about what one might expect, estimated at 19-28 mpg.

Several facets that might be lacking for some car buyers is the Azera doesn’t come with an all-wheel drive option and there’s no available four-cylinder, hybrid or turbocharged model, which has become common-place for some manufacturers.

From a driving standpoint, the Azera offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room for all five passengers. Its six-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly and drivers will enjoy the handling capability. A knock on the Azera is the ride can be unsettling on bumpy roads.

Azera’s interior features an upscale appearance, with a high-functioning center stack that’s sophisticated but also not too tough to master. The seats are perforated leather and are both heated and ventilated. However, Hyundai did cheapen the interior by utilizing some plastic material. The trunk is a spacious 16.3 cubic-feet.

For the price (starting at approximately $34,000), the Azera provides a lot of value. It’s a fine all-around large sedan that has a stylish appearance, excellent performance, good comfort, and comes with Hyundai’s standard 10-year/100,000 mile drivetrain.