2011 Hyundai Azera vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

For shoppers looking for this type of car, ride comfort, a quiet cabin, and more traditional luxury features rank above all else.

The Toyota Avalon is probably the Azera’s top rival; it has an enviable reputation for quality and strikes a slightly better compromise between ride and handling.

Then there’s the all-new Buick LaCrosse, which steps away from absolute comfort toward a slightly sportier character overall.

The Buick also offers more tech features in addition to those traditional luxury-sedan extras.

The Ford Taurus rides quite well and, with a 2010 redesign, has become more of a performance sedan, but it’s still comfortable inside.

Those planning to carry adults in the backseat should be aware that Ford reduced rear headroom in redesigning the Taurus.

The Chevrolet Impala is another alternative, but the Impala feels decidedly behind the times, with decade-ago levels of refinement and obsolete-looking interior appointments.