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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

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

#28

out of 33

MPG

#5

out of 32

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 16 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.7/10

Quality

9.7/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

10.0/10

Great car for the money!

By catman (NC) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

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: "Very fun to drive!"

Cons: "Voice command could be better."

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

"Get it loaded and it will have plenty of toys! Love the bluelink also for remote starting the car on hot days. The front seats are both cooled and heated. Very comfortable!"

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Cant Find A Better Value

By Mike (NY) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Int & Ext Design, Standard Features, Quiet ride"

Cons: "Looks sportier than it drives"

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

"The 2013 Hyundai Azera is an amazing car for the price you pay. The base model comes standard with features like heated front and rear seats, navigation, back up camera, xm radio, leather seats, and keyless start to name a few. It has tons of room and a very spacious trunk. I traded in my 2011 Sonata for it and I am happy about the upgrade. It doesn't drive as well as my Sonata Turbo, but it holds up well enough. The best part is you can easily negotiate the price down on the Azera, as dealers have a hard time moving them for some reason. I got mine for $900 under invoice. After the $750 I got from Hyundai, I paid bout $29250 on a sticker price of $33350. You are not going to get more in a car for $30k."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Cant Find A Better Value

By Mike (NY) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Int & Ext Design, Standard Features, Quiet ride"

Cons: "Looks sportier than it drives"

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

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Cant Find A Better Value

By Mike (NY) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Int & Ext Design, Standard Features, Quiet ride"

Cons: "Looks sportier than it drives"

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

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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You feel good pulling up to a Benz at the light.

By MarkC (NY) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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

"I didn't know this modle existed before i saw it in the showroom. I was looking at the Sonata and wow i saw it for the first time. Beautiful lines and the interior just took the cake. It pulls a little on agressive take offs but otherwise the handling is very good. Gas milage is not the greatest but Hyundai is sending a gas card to off set that somewhat. (for the life of the vehicle) SWEET! I could not have done any better than this, especially for the cost. Its just a car but i do love it,truely I DO."

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Value, Comfort and Style! Need I Say More?

By AzeraLvrinSC (SC) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Beautiful Design, Comfortable Ride, Value Leader"

Cons: "Dated or Absent Technology, Middling Suspension"

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

"Though I've only owned the Azera for a short time, I've been looking at everything on the market in this size class for several months and found the combination of style, feature content and comfort an extremely compelling argument for the big Hyundai. I got my 2013 Azera Technology for $31,380 - a little better than $6K discount from the MSRP, including a $750.00 dealer incentive. With the technology package features, I would have paid nearly $9K more than the full-price of the Azera if I had purchased the Lexus ES, and then would have seen myself coming and going at every street corner or mall parking lot in the nation! I purchased the Porcelain White Pearl with Chestnut Brown leather interior - a color combination that's not even available on the Azera's direct competitors. It's visually stunning with supple leather that appears fit for vehicles two price classes higher. I think this is the BEST iteration of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language, eliciting looks and comments everywhere I go. Add to the mix a 293hp V6 engine that still gets 29mpg on the highway and it's a winning combination. So what's not to like? Well, the "technology" package unfortunately doesn't have a system like Ford's Sync or even corporate cousin Kia's UVO system, meaning the navigation system and voice controls are lower-tech. In addition, there's no BLIS, Lane Departure Warning or Advanced Cruise Controls systems available. For a near-luxury vehicle, these are really becoming must haves, as the upcoming 2014 Kia Cadenza demonstrates. What does it have? Heated & Cooled Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats, an Automatic Rear Sunshade (a must in Sunny South Carolina), and Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system that allows you to get real time updates on your vehicles systems (even start the car remotely via your cellphone), get destination updates, restaurant recommendations and emergency service at the touch of a button. It works and works well, although it is a fee-based service... The suspension is the only real fly in the ointment as it appears Hyundai, while aping the suspension tautness of European models, forgot that those models are taut for a reason, meaning the vehicle isn't especially composed when being whipped through the corners; however, this isn't going to matter to 99.8% of their customers, so it's unlikely to matter to you either. ;) All in all, I have been STUNNED by the amazing strides Hyundai has made in the quality, features and desirability of their products. I anticipate having and enjoying the Azera for many years to come."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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