
The Lexus ES 350 has long been the pick for those who want the creamiest, most isolated luxury-sedan experience; but the Azera comes close in many respects—and it surpasses it, in our opinion, in design.
Meanwhile, the more affordable Toyota Avalon makes a straightforward appeal based around comfort, but with the Azera's more fashionable look and wider equipment, the Avalon can feel a little unexciting.
The Acura TL is quite exciting to drive and handles very well—even in its base form—but its back seat isn't as roomy.
There's also a higher-performance model with an excellent SH-AWD (all-wheel drive) system.
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse gets an all-new eAssist mild-hybrid system, paired with a four-cylinder engine, and now achieves 37 mpg on the highway.
The Ford Taurus is the largest vehicle of this bunch on the outside, yet somehow its interior feels like one of the smallest; next year a new version of the Taurus is in the works, with a more efficient turbo four-cylinder engine as well.
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Quick Specs | ||||
With real design appeal, confident performance, and a true luxury-car ambiance, the new 2012 Hyundai Azera brings far more sophistication to the showroom, but doesn't lose its carry-over attributes of comfort and value for the money. |
The 2012 Acura TL is a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with a host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan. |
As a sophisticated, roomy, tech-savvy premium sedan—now with up to 36 mpg—the 2012 Buick LaCrosse hits the mark for a lot of shoppers who want luxury on a limited budget. |
The 2012 Ford Taurus is handsome, safe, and well-equipped, but it's not as big inside as its big-car exterior suggests. |
A classy, comfortable near-luxury sedan, the 2012 Toyota Avalon has a more modern look but traditional big-car handling and smooth performance. |
MSRP From | ||||
$32,000 | $35,705 | $30,170 | $25,555 | $33,195 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Large | Mid-Size | Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Large |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan | 4-Door Sedan Automatic 2WD | 4-Door Sedan Base FWD | 4-Door Sedan SE FWD | 4-Door Sedan (GS) |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Hyundai Azera vs. 2012 Acura TL | 2012 Hyundai Azera vs. 2012 Buick Lacrosse | 2012 Hyundai Azera vs. 2012 Ford Taurus | 2012 Hyundai Azera vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon |