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2009 Hyundai Azera Performance Review

April 8, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a little bouncy and a little harsh
Kelley Blue Book

the car feels predictable and secure around turns and the steering has a slick, accurate feel
Edmunds

it falls well short of all-around composure
ConsumerGuide

Most reviewers find that the 2009 Hyundai Azera offers good performance for the big sedan’s likely buyers—that is, it can get up to speed easily but doesn’t need to handle particularly well.

The 2009 Hyundai Azera is available in two different varieties: the GLS and the Limited, both with V-6 power. As Cars.com indicates, "the Azera GLS has a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque." Meanwhile, the Azera Limited has a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque. Cars.com reports that either engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission that "incorporates Shiftronic for manually selectable gear changes." For buyers who can afford it, the 3.8-liter is well worth the $4,000 or so it will cost to buy a Limited rather than a GLS. Kelley Blue Book, however, reports that "the standard 3.3-liter V-6 may not be as powerful as the available 3.8-liter, but it does offer acceptable levels of performance and smoothness."

Edmunds explains, "We've timed an Azera Limited at 7.1 seconds for the 0-60-mph run." However, Edmunds notes, "Although this Hyundai never feels as athletic as cars like the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300, acceleration is brisk, and there's always ample power on tap from the V-6." Automedia finds much to like about the union of the larger V-6 engine and the automatic in the 2009 Azera: "They make a nice couple. The V-6 flagship sails easily down the highway, with plenty of power on tap for passing and on-ramp merges. The transmission gets from gear to gear smoothly, with a manumatic mode for do-it-yourselfers."

In either case, fuel economy isn’t quite as good as that of other sedans in the Azera’s class. The EPA rates the 2009 Hyundai Azera with the smaller V-6 at 18/26 mpg, while the 3.8-liter gets 17/26 mpg.

Handling in the 2009 Hyundai Azera is cushy and isolated, which is similar to what drivers will find on most cars in this class. "The Azera's handling is on the soft side," Edmunds reports. "However, the car feels predictable and secure around turns and the steering has a slick, accurate feel."

Conclusion

The V-6 engines in the 2009 Hyundai Azera offer plenty of smooth ramp-merging power; handling is expectedly soft.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:a little bouncy and a little harshKelley Blue Bookthe car feels predictable and secure around turns and the steering has a slick, accurate feelEdmundsit falls well short of all-around composureConsumerGuide Most reviewers find that the 2009 Hyundai Azera offers good performance for the big sedan’s likely buyers—that is, it can get up to speed easily but doesn’t need to handle particularly well. The 2009 Hyundai Azera is available in two different varieties: the GLS and the Limited, both with V-6 power. As Cars.com indicates, "the Azera GLS has a 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 234 hp and 226 pound-feet of torque." Meanwhile, the Azera Limited has a 3.8-liter V-6 that makes 263 hp and 257 pound-feet of torque. Cars.com reports that either engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission that "incorporates Shiftronic for manually selectable gear changes." For buyers who can afford it, the 3.8-liter is well worth the $4,000 or so it will cost to buy a Limited rather than a GLS. Kelley Blue Book, however, reports that "the standard 3.3-liter V-6 may not be as powerful as the available 3.8-liter, but it does offer acceptable levels of performance and smoothness." Edmunds explains, "We've timed an Azera Limited at 7.1 seconds for the 0-60-mph run." However, Edmunds notes, "Although this Hyundai never feels as athletic as cars like the Nissan Maxima and Chrysler 300, acceleration is brisk, and there's always ample power on tap from the V-6." Automedia finds much to like about the union of the larger V-6 engine and the automatic in the 2009 Azera: "They make a nice couple. The V-6 flagship sails easily down the highway, with plenty of power on tap for passing and on-ramp merges. The transmission gets from gear to gear smoothly, with a manumatic mode for do-it-yourselfers." In either case, fuel economy isn’t quite as good as that of other sedans in the Azera’s class. The EPA rates the 2009 Hyundai Azera with the smaller V-6 at 18/26 mpg, while the 3.8-liter gets 17/26 mpg. Handling in the 2009 Hyundai Azera is cushy and isolated, which is similar to what drivers will find on most cars in this class. "The Azera's handling is on the soft side," Edmunds reports. "However, the car feels predictable and secure around turns and the steering has a slick, accurate feel." ConclusionThe V-6 engines in the 2009 Hyundai Azera offer plenty of smooth ramp-merging power; handling is expectedly soft. 2009 HYUNDAI AZERA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "graceful four-door lines" Car and Driver: "nondescript, almost generic mid-size sedan look" Edmunds: "good-looking faux wood and metallic piping" On the outside, the 2009 Hyundai Azera is fairly anonymous, according to reviews ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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See the Hyundai Azera in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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