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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Hyundai Azera

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Hyundai Azera

Overview

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2012 Hyundai Azera Review

By Jason Allan, KBB.com Editor

Inside and out, the all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera is arguably the best-looking car in the large-sedan class. It's also among the most powerful and most fuel-efficient. It offers the best features (many of them standard) and still qualifies as a terrific value. If only it drove better. Moving Azera toward the sportier side of the category highlights suspension and steering shortcomings not uncommon in the Hyundai lineup – it's neither the most fun nor the softest-riding car in the class – but from a bang-for-the-buck perspective, the 2012 Azera is untouchable.

You'll Like This Car If...

It's stylish, powerful and fuel-efficient, but the 2012 Hyundai Azera's clearest competitive advantage is its unique combination of features and value. If you like modern goodies and saving a buck, start your large-sedan search at the Hyundai dealer.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The new Azera doesn't have the floaty, uncontrolled ride that afflicted its predecessor, but the suspension remains a weak spot. If you're all about highway ride – or struggle with occasional bouts of sport sedan grandeur, even – you can do better in the segment.

How It Ranks

#22

out of 28

MPG

#4

out of 28

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The Azera needed a total makeover, and Hyundai delivered. The name and the badge are essentially all that remain from the previous model.

Driving the Azera

2012 Hyundai Azera Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The least impressive thing about the 2012 Hyundai Azera – at least when fitted with the larger 19-inch wheels – is how it drives. The engine and transmission combination is...

smooth, responsive and powerful, but the Azera's ride, handling and steering all leave something to be desired. The large sedan manages road imperfections with less poise than its competitors, and the fuel-saving electric power steering system makes for a car/driver relationship with little chemistry. The Azera can leave you feeling exposed where you want cover, and out of touch when you want a direct connection. Do these shortcomings amount to deal breakers? Not for most buyers. Just be sure to take a good test drive, and consider the 18-inch wheels (you'll save some money when the time comes for new tires, too).

Favorite Features

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
One of our favorite features is actually a collection of many: the new Azera's impressive roster of standard features.

CLIMATE-CONTROLLED SEATING
Heated front seats are increasingly common across all segments, but the 2012 Hyundai Azera's ventilated, cooling front seats and its even rarer heated rear seats are nice touches.

2012 Hyundai Azera Details

2012 Hyundai Azera Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Especially when upgraded with the Technology Package, the 2012 Hyundai Azera's passenger cabin isn't just the most appealing in the category, it puts some luxury cars to shame. It offers more convenience and infotainment technologies than any of its competitors, good front seats (not a Hyundai trademark) and nine airbags including a driver's knee airbag that helps keep the driver seated upright and properly positioned in case of impact.

Exterior

Stylish sheet metal, integrated exhaust outlets and crisp LED lighting all around – daytime running lights, taillights and side-mirror-integrated turn indicators – all contribute to the Azera's sporty, class-above charisma.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Hyundai Azera has one of the category's higher starting sticker prices – $32,875 with destination – but also boasts the most impressive list of standard equipment. Highlights include a navigation system with 7-inch screen and backup camera, keyless entry and push-button start, front and rear heated leather seats, BlueLink telematics with OnStar-like safety and convenience services, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, plus iPod/USB and auxiliary audio ports. If you're not interested in all the high-tech goodness and don't want to pay for it, the 2012 Ford Taurus is available with fewer features starting at $26,350.

Optional Equipment

We're fans of simplified pricing setups, and the 2012 Hyundai Azera's is particularly uncomplicated. Either you go with the base model outlined above, or you spend another $4,000 – a grand total of $36,875 – for an appealing group of upgrades that includes a panoramic moonroof, ventilated (cooling) front seats, Infinity premium sound system, Xenon headlights, sunshades for all three rear windows, power driver's seat cushion extension (added thigh support for longer legs), seat position memory with power-adjustable steering wheel, rear parking sensors, and 19-inch wheels.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Hyundai Azera features a powerful and efficient 3.3-liter V6 engine that sends power to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. It's among the category's more impressive powertrains.

3.3-liter V6
293 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg

Pricing Notes

Even when Hyundai started making good cars, lagging resale values tainted their appeal to financially savvy car shoppers. Those days are almost completely in the rearview mirror, and Hyundai's most recent entries are enjoying above-average resale values. Along with one of the best warranties out there and a long list of appealing features, those improved resale expectations help qualify the 2012 Hyundai Azera – even starting at $32,875 – as an exceptional value.

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2012 Hyundai Azera Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 8 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.4/10

Quality

9.8/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

10.0/10

Great Value, Great Looking

By Mike (MO) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Feature Rich and Easy on the Pocketbook."

Cons: "Faux Carbon Fibre Trim looks like it."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My very first Hyundai and I am not disappointed. I traded in my 2008 Infiniti M35X (my 4th Infiniti) and haven't missed a thing. The Azera is knock-out gorgeous, is loaded with features, has a comfortable and quiet ride. As icing on the cake I have a 56 mile a day round trip commute and have been averaging 26 - 27 mpg. This is a significant increase over the 20 - 21 mpg with the M35X. the seats are first rate. Get the technology package as it is well worth the extra bucks and the 19" wheels look great. I am very happy with my decision and do not regret one bit "trading down"."

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