The New Honda Element Dog Friendly Package is...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Hyundai Azera Bottom Line

April 8, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

At TheCarConnection.com, editors have test-driven the 2009 Hyundai Azera and bring you a definitive assessment. To provide the most information possible for a smart purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also searched the Web for the best insights and input from reviewers and critics.

Likes:

  • Spacious backseat
  • Strong acceleration
  • Light-touch controls
  • Lots of available features

Dislikes:

  • Excess body motion
  • Anonymous styling
  • Fuel economy lags
  • Not class-leading in safety

Buying Tips:


Keep it simple with the Azera by going without leather and some of the major options and you’ll be especially happy with this model’s value for the dollar.

The 2009 Hyundai Azera is somewhat limited in its mission, but it does it well. The front-wheel-drive Azera appeals to those who value ride comfort over handling, and interior space over style statements. It’s in many respects the most faithful interpretation of what Buicks have been in the recent past.

The styling of the Hyundai Azera is anonymous but competent. New wheel designs and a tweaked chrome grille are switched in for 2009, and inside, the Azera now offers new wood and metal grain accents.

The Azera GLS gets its power from a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 horsepower. It can achieve 18 mpg city, 26 highway. The Azera Limited has a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 hp and achieves fuel economy of 17/26 mpg. A five-speed automatic incorporates Shiftronic for manual gear changes.

The driving experience in the 2009 Hyundai Azera is characterized by light steering, lots of wheel motion, and plenty of body roll. It's how big cars used to handle, and while it's not sloppy, it's almost devoid of any sporting feel.

The Azera is a big, rather heavy sedan—which plays a role in its handling. Fortunately, however, the large size means that the Azera has an impressive 44 inches of front-seat legroom and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers—as much as (or more than) some traditional-brand luxury cars that can cost twice as much. TheCarConnection.com has seen some obvious gaps between interior trim pieces and some assembly issues in past Azera test cars, but the materials themselves are of good quality.

The 2009 Hyundai Azera sports features like a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, an electrochromatic mirror with compass, HomeLink garage door opener, and power driver and passenger seats. The Premium package on the GLS includes leather heated seats and a sunroof, while top-of-the-line Limited models get 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, wood trim, a power rear sunshade, a sunroof, and an Infinity audio system. For 2009, Hyundai offers new iPod/USB inputs and a fresh audio display screen.

Available options include a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, power-adjustable foot pedals, rain-sensing wipers, and an LG navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity is available, though only as a port-installed option.

The Azera has four-star front impact crash protection and five-star ratings for driver-side impact protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All 2009 Azera sedans have eight airbags and active head restraints.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Hyundai Azera, also consider:

Reason Why:

Interior space, a comfortable ride, and reasonably strong acceleration—along with safety—mean everything in this class, and the Azera shows well on most counts. Nearly identical to each other, the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable both sport V-6 power similar to that in the Azera, but they have available all-wheel drive and top crash-test scores all around; the Taurus and Sable also handle surprisingly well. The Toyota Avalon has an enviable reputation for quality behind it, along with a nice compromise of ride quality and control. The Buick LaCrosse is powered by a V-6 and has a little less room than the other cars here, but its smooth powertrain and improved styling make it worth considering. The Chevrolet Impala leads sales, and while it feels less luxurious, its roomy backseat and big V-6 keep it in the running.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Hyundai Azera is somewhat limited in its mission, but it does it well. If interior space and a cushy ride are priorities, the Azera should be on your shortlist.

At TheCarConnection.com, editors have test-driven the 2009 Hyundai Azera and bring you a definitive assessment. To provide the most information possible for a smart purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also searched the Web for the best insights and input from reviewers and critics. Likes:Spacious backseatStrong accelerationLight-touch controlsLots of available featuresDislikes:Excess body motionAnonymous stylingFuel economy lagsNot class-leading in safetyBuying Tips: Keep it simple with the Azera by going without leather and some of the major options and you’ll be especially happy with this model’s value for the dollar. The 2009 Hyundai Azera is somewhat limited in its mission, but it does it well. The front-wheel-drive Azera appeals to those who value ride comfort over handling, and interior space over style statements. It’s in many respects the most faithful interpretation of what Buicks have been in the recent past. The styling of the Hyundai Azera is anonymous but competent. New wheel designs and a tweaked chrome grille are switched in for 2009, and inside, the Azera now offers new wood and metal grain accents. The Azera GLS gets its power from a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 horsepower. It can achieve 18 mpg city, 26 highway. The Azera Limited has a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 hp and achieves fuel economy of 17/26 mpg. A five-speed automatic incorporates Shiftronic for manual gear changes. The driving experience in the 2009 Hyundai Azera is characterized by light steering, lots of wheel motion, and plenty of body roll. It's how big cars used to handle, and while it's not sloppy, it's almost devoid of any sporting feel. The Azera is a big, rather heavy sedan—which plays a role in its handling. Fortunately, however, the large size means that the Azera has an impressive 44 inches of front-seat legroom and more than 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers—as much as (or more than) some traditional-brand luxury cars that can cost twice as much. TheCarConnection.com has seen some obvious gaps between interior trim pieces and some assembly issues in past Azera test cars, but the materials themselves are of good quality. The 2009 Hyundai Azera sports features like a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, an electrochromatic mirror with compass, HomeLink garage door opener, and power driver and passenger seats. The Premium package on the GLS includes leather heated seats and a sunroof, while top-of-the-line Limited models get 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats, wood trim, a power rear sunshade, a sunroof, and an Infinity audio system. For 2009, Hyundai offers new iPod/USB inputs and a fresh audio display screen. Available options include a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, power-adjustable foot pedals, rain-sensing wipers, and an LG navigation system. Bluetooth connectivity is available, though only as a port-installed option. The Azera has four-star front impact crash protection and five-star ratings for driver-side impact protection, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). All 2009 Azera sedans have eight airbags and active head restraints. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Hyundai Azera, also consider:Buick LaCrosseChevrolet ImpalaFord TaurusMercury SableToyota AvalonReason Why:Interior space, a comfortable ride, and reasonably strong acceleration—along with safety—mean everything in this class, and the Azera shows well on most counts. Nearly identical to each other, the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable both sport V-6 power similar to that in the Azera, but they have available all-wheel drive and top crash-test scores all around; the Taurus and Sable also handle surprisingly well. The Toyota Avalon has an enviable reputation for quality behind it, along with a nice compromise of ride quality and control. The Buick LaCrosse is powered by a V-6 and has a little less room than the other cars here, but its smooth powertrain and improved styling make it worth considering. The Chevrolet Impala leads sales, and while it feels less luxurious, its roomy backseat and big V-6 keep it in the running. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Hyundai Azera is somewhat limited in its mission, but it does it well. If interior space and a cushy ride are priorities, the Azera should be on your shortlist. At TheCarConnection.com, editors have test-driven the 2009 Hyundai Azera and bring you a definitive assessment. To provide the most information possible for a smart purchase decision, TheCarConnection.com has also searched the Web for the best insights and input from reviewers and critics. ...

Other Choices:

Interior space, a comfortable ride, and reasonably strong acceleration—along with safety—mean everything in this class, and the Azera shows well on most counts. Nearly identical to each other, the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable both sport V-6 power similar to that in the Azera, but they have available all-wheel drive and top crash-test scores all around; the Taurus and Sable also handle surprisingly well. The Toyota Avalon has an enviable reputation for quality behind it, along with a nice compromise of ride quality and control. The Buick LaCrosse is powered by a V-6 and has a little less room than the other cars here, but its smooth powertrain and improved styling make it worth considering. The Chevrolet Impala leads sales, and while it feels less luxurious, its roomy backseat and big V-6 keep it in the running.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Hyundai Azera from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Azera

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Azera

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Hyundai Azera near you

See the Hyundai Azera in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy