Hyundai Azera Sedan-2013

PREVIEW

Think of the 2013 Hyundai Azera as a sensible, run-of-the-mill full-size sedan disguised in a sleekly styled package. Descriptors like "spacious," "well-equipped," "long warranty" and "easy to use" may not get the blood pumping, but when accompanied by sleek styling inside and out, sensibility suddenly doesn't seem so dull.

Fresh off last year's complete redesign, the Azera not only boasts an elegant exterior, but a cabin that looks as if it should have a luxury badge. Its abundance of standard features helps the illusion as well, though a few too many hard plastic pieces ultimately betray it.

Behind the wheel, the 2013 Hyundai Azera isn't exactly memorable, but it certainly delivers what you'd expect for the segment. The suspension soaks up pavement irregularities to create a comfortable ride, while the handling instills confidence without being what we'd call involving. Similarly, acceleration won't get the neighbors' attention, but is definitely strong for the segment.

If there is a significant problem, it's the price, which is the highest of any full-size sedan. That may seem odd for a Hyundai, but the reason is that aforementioned long list of standard features. Technically, it provides plenty of value for the price, but not everyone needs or wants high-end items like a navigation system, heated rear seats or a chilled glovebox.

Its rivals come in cheaper, less-equipped trim levels, while also possessing their own share of desirable attributes. The all-new 2013 Toyota Avalon is more refined and offers a hybrid model. The Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300 are more enjoyable to drive, while providing different engine options as well. Hyundai's own Genesis sedan may not have the Azera's good looks, but it does possess a higher-quality cabin and better driving dynamics. While we like the Azera a lot, we're all for checking out these excellent competitors before signing on the dotted line.

FEATURES

The 2013 Hyundai Azera is offered in a single, well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment), 60/40-split-folding rear seats, heated front and rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a chilled glovebox, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a navigation system, a touchscreen interface, BlueLink emergency communications and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player, an iPod/USB audio interface and HD radio.

The only Azera option is a Technology package, which adds 19-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, a power rear sunshade, manual side window sunshades, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver seat memory functions, power-adjustable driver thigh support, ventilated front seats, interior ambient lighting and a premium Infinity 14-speaker sound system.

INTERIOR

In some ways, the full-size Azera looks a lot like a larger version of the automaker's midsize Sonata. The interior design is similar, though the standard leather upholstery gives the cabin a definite luxury sedan vibe. The one thing that detracts from this impression is the extensive use of cheap-feeling hard plastics.

The interior's principal attraction, other than the long list of upscale standard features, is its roominess. All but the very tallest adults will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and backseats, something few of the Azera's competitors can claim. The trunk is equally large at 16.3 cubic feet, a number that makes it one of the biggest in the full-size sedan segment.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2013 Hyundai Azera gets a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered and sends power to the front wheels.

In Autoexpress performance testing, the Azera accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is quicker than average for a large sedan. Fuel economy is about average for the segment, at an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 23 mpg in combined driving.

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Hyundai Azera Sedan-2014

PREVIEW

If there were an automotive equivalent of an "Easy" button, the 2014 Hyundai Azera might be it. Not only is it easy to select a trim level that suits your budget, this full-size car is easy to drive, easy to live with and, yes, easy on the eyes. As such, it's easy to understand why the Azera is a popular choice with consumers searching for a large sedan.

The stylish-looking Azera is very well equipped considering its pricing, with popular features such as keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity as standard equipment. This year's new Limited trim piles on luxury-car items like ventilated seats, xenon headlamps, an upscale surround-sound audio system and a navigation system. No matter which trim level you choose, the Azera offers generous seating accommodations, a sizable trunk and the smooth ride that most people will expect from this class of car. At the same time, this Hyundai handles respectably for its size and holds its own around tight turns. Finally, the Azera's sole powertrain -- a smooth-operating V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission -- is well suited to this large car's purpose.

As competent as the 2014 Hyundai Azera is at transporting people and their possessions, there are a number of other large sedans that perform just as well. The Toyota Avalon has a slightly more refined interior and offers a more fuel-efficient hybrid model. The Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler 300 are a little classier, while providing available all-wheel drive and different engine options as well. There are also two new entries this year: the handsome Chevrolet Impala and the Kia Cadenza, which is mechanically related to the Azera.

Finding the best large sedan for you won't exactly be easy given the number of worthy entries. But among this group we have no problem recommending Hyundai's Azera.

FEATURES

The 2014 Hyundai Azera is a full-size five-passenger sedan that's offered in base and Limited trim levels.Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats (with driver lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a chilled glovebox and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Electronic features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 6-inch touchscreen interface, a rearview camera, Hyundai's BlueLink emergency communications and a six-speaker audio system with satellite radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Azera Limited adds xenon headlamps, power-folding mirrors, a power-adjustable steering wheel, an upgraded gauge cluster, a 10-way power driver seat with memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient interior lighting, an upgraded 14-speaker surround-sound audio system, HD radio, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display and a navigation system.

Limited buyers may add the Premium package consisting of 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, rear parking sensors and manual side and powered rear sunshades.

INTERIOR

In some ways, the full-size Azera looks a lot like a larger version of the automaker's midsize Sonata. The interior design is similar, though the standard leather upholstery gives the cabin a definite luxury sedan vibe. The one thing that detracts from this upscale impression is the extensive use of cheap-feeling hard plastics. Both the standard touchscreen interface and the larger one found in the Limited model are easy to use, though some people may wish for an additional knob controller to make radio tuning or map panning easier.

The interior's principal attraction, other than the long list of standard luxury features, is its roominess. All but the very tallest adults will find plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear seats, and accommodating four 6-footers at once is a legitimate proposition. The trunk is equally large at 16.3 cubic feet, making it one of the biggest in the full-size sedan segment.

UNDER THE HOOD

The 2014 Hyundai Azera has a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and it sends power to the front wheels.

In Autoexpress performance testing, the Azera accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which is a good time but par for the course among large sedans. Fuel economy is also average for the segment, at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway).

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