2011 Hyundai Azera is a great value. The Azera doesn’t offer a big, thirsty V8 engine. Overall, the Azera is a practical, comfortable large sedan with a features list that approaches entry-level luxury car status, but has a sub-$30,000 price tag.
The 2011 Hyundai Azera is available in two trims: a base-level GLS trim, which is very well-equipped for a base model, and a Limited trim that adds luxury features
The Hyundai Azera is a full-size luxury sedan offering from Hyundai. Despite the increase in power, new EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera GLS are improved to 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway.
The Azera Limited delivers more performance due to its 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, which was also improved and delivers 283 horsepower and 263lb-ft of torque. The Azera comes standard with dual front automatic climate controls, solar control glass, power seats for driver and front passenger, as well as woodgrain and metalgrain interior accents. An AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system that includes a four-channel, 172-watt internal amplifier and six speakers comes standard in the Azera GLS. An available Infinity audio system includes a 7-channel, 315-watt amplifier with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers (standard in Limited trim levels).
The Azera with "Premium Package" adds leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and a power sunroof to an already loaded standard equipment package.
The "Navigation Package" includes the LG navigation system and premium 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 surround sound audio system. The six-disc CD changer is replaced by the navigation system.
It also offers a power tilt and slide sunroof, power adjustable tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, integrated memory system (power driver seat, exterior mirrors, and power tilt and telescopic steering wheel), woodgrain steering wheel and door pulls, and rain-sensing wipers.
For 2011, the Hyundai Azera gets an all-new six-speed automatic transmission; additionally, both its 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter engines have been tuned to improve both power and fuel efficiency, with decent increases on both fronts. The Azera's sheet metal receives updated front and rear styling. Feature content is one area in which the Azera exceeds expectations. Even base models come generously equipped with amenities such as steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and heated side mirrors. The range-topping Limited model adds luxury-car mainstays like heated leather seats and a sunroof without an exorbitant increase in price; an Azera Limited starts at just over 30 grand, making it less expensive than a base-model Toyota Avalon.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Hyundai Azera is a full-size sedan that is offered in GLS and Limited trim levels.
The optional Premium package adds a sunroof, leather upholstery and five-level heated front seats.
The Azera Limited includes all of the above plus a larger engine, power-folding mirrors, a power rear sunshade, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat memory functions, a wood-trimmed steering wheel and a 10-speaker Infinity stereo. The 2011 Hyundai Azera GLS is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 260 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The Azera Limited sports a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 283 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is only slightly lower at 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 Hyundai Azera includes traction control, stability control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, rear outboard side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The Azera has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Azera its top score of "Good" for its protection of front passengers in frontal-offset crashes and a score of "Acceptable" (the second-highest rating) in side-impact testing.
The Azera's tall seating position may limit headroom for taller drivers, but aside from that, the cabin is quite spacious. When larger items need transporting, the 60/40-split rear seats fold down to further increase cargo capacity.
Driving Impressions
Despite the budget-friendly price tag, the 2011 Hyundai Azera delivers an impressive amount of refinement.