2013 Hyundai Azera Review

MPG-o-Matic 2013 Azera Review Summary: The 2013 Hyundai Azera is slotted between the Sonata and Genesis in Hyundai’s line-up. It aims to upset the apple cart, by delivering a whole lot of luxury at a rather remarkable price. Whether you’re in the market for a large Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Buick, or Lincoln, you’d do well to cross-shop the Azera. While it’s not as thrifty with fuel as a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid, or Volkswagen Passat TDI, the Azera’s comparatively low acquisition costs and 100,000 mile warranty make it a compelling choice for budget-minded folks shopping for a large luxury sedan.

The front-wheel-drive Azera is equipped with a 3.3-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) 24-valve DOHC V6 engine which produces 293 horsepower (HP) and 255 foot pounds of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The official fuel economy estimates for the 2013 Hyundai Azera are 20 city / 29 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We covered hundreds of miles in our Black Onyx Pearl review unit and did a wee bit better than the official mileage estimates, with an average of 31.3 MPG on the Interstate highway and 23.7 MPG combined with late winter temperatures ranging from the twenties through the forties. We did most of our driving with the Active Eco system on.

Our test vehicle was equipped with 18-inch “Hyper-Silver” alloy wheels, clad with optional Hankook Optimo H426 245/45R18 grand touring all-season tires, and was delivered with under 3000 miles on the odometer. The Optimo H426s are not rated as low-rolling-resistance tires. Owners may want to try the Continental PureContact/EcoPlus or Michelin Primacy MXM4 when the time comes for a tire change. The 2013 Azera is equipped with a generously sized 18.5 gallon fuel tank and is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Highway driving range is quite good.

The Azera is fitted with four-wheel-disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). 12.6-inch discs are used on the front, with 11.2-inch discs on the rear. The Azera tips the scales in the 3,605 to 3,825 pound range, depending on options.

The Azera’s cabin appointments are remarkable for the price point, with high-quality materials and leather upholstery that’s wonderfully soft to the touch. Heated seats (front and rear), and a ten-way power-adjustable drivers seat are standard; choosing the Technology Option package ups the ante with twelve-way driver seat tweaks that include seat cushion length adjustment, front bucket seat ventilation, and an integrated driver memory seat system that includes a power adjustable steering column. The enormous panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof opens up the interior to the great outdoors.

A center-mounted monochrome display provides simultaneous data on average fuel economy (numeric) and instant fuel economy (via a thermometer-style gauge). The display also provides data on average speed, elapsed time, two trip meters, and distance to empty.

The steering wheel is wrapped with soft-touch leather and provides a full array of controls. A navigation system, rearview cam, hands-free Bluetooth (including streaming audio), BlueLink telematics, and a 450-watt audio system are standard. Our tester was outfitted with the Technology option package, upping the ante with a 550-watt Infinity sound system. There are 12 volt outlets at the base of the dash with one next to the USB input and the other by the passenger footwell. iPod support is excellent. The glovebox is ventilated, just in case you want to keep your chocolate bars cool in the middle of August.

The rear seating area is one of the Azera’s best attributes. You’ll find 37.3 inches of headroom (when equipped with the panoramic sunroof) and 36.8 inches of legroom. There are manual side sunshades on the rear door windows. An power rear sunshade is included in the Technology Option package.

The trunk provides 16.3 cubic feet of storage area, with sixty-forty fold down rear seats allowing for longer items. The passthrough area is a tad tight and the seats do not fold down completely flat.

All-in-all, the 2013 Hyundai Azera delivers a high-level of luxury and comfort at a remarkably low price point. This is more than just a shot across the bow for the more expensive luxury marquees (and they’re all more expensive). It’s a direct hit that has us asking just one question … How long will it take for Hyundai adapt the hybrid system from the Sonata?

Azera Pricing Information:

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: $32,250.00
Added Features:
Technology Package: $4,000
19-inch Hyper Silver Alloy Wheels/P24540R19 Hankook tires
Panoramic tilt-n-slide sunroof
HID Xenon headlamps
Rear parking assist sensors
Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and amp
Ventilated front seats
Drivers seat cushion extension
Power rear- and side-window (manual) sunshades
Integrated driver memory seat system
Power adjustable tilt/telescopic steering column
Interior ambient lighting

Carpeted floor mats: $100.00
iPod cable

Inland freight and handling: $875.00

Total Price: $37,225.00

Parts Content Information:
US/Canadian Parts Content: 2%
Major Sources of Foreign Parts Content: Korea – 89%
Final Assembly Point: Asan, Korea
Country of Origin:
Engine – Korea
Transmission – Korea

– by Daniel Gray