Hyundai->ke201 is doing well these days. Its sedan lineup includes classy models ranging from bargain transportation to Lexus->ke47- and Mercedes->ke187-rivaling luxury. With a total of five separate, true-sedan designs, you’d be forgiven for forgetting about the middle-child Azera.

Flanked by the Elantra and Sonata below, and the Genesis and Equus above, the Azera hangs precariously somewhere in no-man’s-land looking for buyers craving just the right about of options, luxury, and price. Never mind it shares those same options and levels of luxury with the Sonata and Genesis – all packaged within a design that share nearly identical exterior and interior dimensions.

Perhaps that is why Hyundai has lowered the Azera’s asking price in 2014 while bumping up its standard features. Nevertheless, the Azera soldiers on another year with Hyundai’s second slowest sales numbers (only the $61,000 Equus sold fewer) in hopes of building a market for itself. Don’t hear it wrong, the Azera is a great car with plenty of features and standard equipment making it competitive within its class. Its only major downfall is obscurity within its own lineup.

With that said, clicking past the jump will give an in-depth view of the 2014 Azera and the options and amenities that make it the competitive sedan you’ve never heard about.

Click past the jump for more info on the 2014 Hyundai Azera

2014 Hyundai Azera

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Hyundai Azera
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 293 @ 6400
  • Torque: 255 @ 5200
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Azera is clearly a Hyundai with many design aspects tying it back to the brand. The slotted chrome grille flanked by jewel headlights give a warm, friendly appearance to the front fascia. A nice belt-line runs from the headlights through the door handle and back over the rear taillights. A second and higher “hip” line forms over the rear door handles and further accents the parallel belt-line running just below.

Out back, the Azera concludes with clean lines and integrated chrome exhaust tips. Overall, the Azera is a clean-looking, modern sedan that – not considering its middle-child syndrome – just barely suffers from blandness. Otherwise, it’s an attractive package.

Dimensions:

Base

Limited

Wheelbase

112.0 in.

112.0 in.

Overall length

193.3 in.

193.3 in.

Overall width

73.2 in.

73.2 in.

Overall height

57.9 in.

57.9 in.

Track, front (18-inch wheels)

63.2 in.

63.2 in.

Track, front (19-inch wheels)

-

63.1 in.

Track, rear (18-inch wheels)

63.3 in.

63.3 in.

Track, rear (19-inch wheels)

-

63.1 in.


2014 Hyundai Azera - Standard Exterior Features:

- Headlights, jeweled projector-lens with LED accent lighting

- Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) LED type

- Front fog lights

- Automatic light control with delay off feature

- Manual-folding side mirrors, body-color with turn signal indicators

- Side mirrors, heated with timer

- Driver blind spot mirror

- Bumper, body-color

- Grille, chrome

- Chrome body-side moldings

- Chrome window belt molding

- Door handles, chrome-insert

- Solar control glass

- Front windshield, 2-speed with variable intermittent, speed sensitive

- Integrated chrome-tipped dual rear exhaust

Interior

Yet another aspect design aspect that eludes our understanding is the interior similarities between the Hyundai sedans. The Azera seems to model after the less-expensive Elenatra while the Sonata, Genesis and Equus all share a similar, more refined look. Again, it does not affect the Azera itself when considered solely by itself, outside the Hyundai sedan lineup.

Good-quality materials fill the cabin and fit and finish are respectable. Ergonomics work well, and buttons, knobs and other controls are well-placed. A standard navigation system helps keep you on track while the optional Infinity 550-watt, Logic-7 Surround Sound system with 14 speakers and an eight-inch subwoofer helps pass the time.

Rear seat passengers enjoy 36.8-inches of legroom – two inches more than the Sonata and two inches less than the Genesis. An optional power rear sunshade and manual side shades help keep backseat passengers cool. Leather seating is standard equipment.

Up front, the driver enjoys a 10-way power seat with integrated temperature controls. The instrument cluster looks much like other Hyundai’s with two analog gauges on either side of a small center information screen. The center stack is thoughtfully laid out and organized with real buttons for the most used features -- something we can take for granted anymore. The shifter feels nice in the hand and the leather boot gives it a classy look.

An optional panoramic roof floods the cabin with light while doing a good job of keeping UV rays out, keeping passengers shaded. Ambient mood lighting helps set a calm tone in the cabin at night while the instrument cluster and center stack repeat the cool glow. Overall, the Azera is a nice place to be. Thoughts of an extended road trip aren’t scary with the comforts and amenities offered in the car.

Base

Limited

Base

Limited

Head room

40.3 in.

40.3 in. (38.3 in.)

Front (with panoramic sunroof)

37.6 in.

37.6 in. (37.3 in.)

Rear (with panoramic sunroof)

Leg room

45.5 in.

45.5 in.

Front

36.8 in.

36.8 in.

Rear

Leg room

58.3 in.

58.3 in.

Front

56.4 in.

56.4 in.

Shoulder room

Leg room

54.6 in.

54.6 in.

Front

54.2 in.

54.2 in.

Front

107.0 cubic ft.

107.0 cubic ft.

Rear

16.3 cubic ft.

16.3 cubic ft.

Hip room

123.3 cubic ft.

123.3 cubic ft.


Front

- Air conditioning with cabin air filter

- Heater

- Floor console-mounted rear vents

- Dual fully automatic climate control

- Rear window defroster, electronic with timer

- Roof trim, cloth

- 3D carbon fiber appearance interior accents

- Door sill scuff plates (premium metal grain)

- Door trim, simulated leather inserts

- Door handles, chrome

- Door armrest, integrated

- Door pockets with bottle holder

- Sunvisors with extension and illuminated driver/passenger vanity mirror

- Premium cut-pile floor carpeting

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

- Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, cruise controls, and Bluetooth® phone controls

- Leather seating surfaces

- Front seats, multi-adjustable bucket

- Seatback pockets

- Driver’s seat power adjustable lumbar support

- 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar

Drivetrain

The Azera is powered by a 3.3-liter, direct injected V-6 producing 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic with Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC manual control. Power delivery is smooth and uneventful – something to be lauded. The EPA rates the Azera’s fuel economy at 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. Those aren’t stellar numbers, but considering the Azera’s place in the lineup, along with its 3,605-pound curb weight, it does all right.

The engine itself features some advanced technologies. The direct fuel injection system operates at 2,200 psi while variable valve timing operates four valves per cylinder. The Lambda II engine has an all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and roller timing chain.

Base

Limited

Base

Limited

Dual-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) DOHC V6

Dual-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) DOHC V6

Engine Type

Aluminum block / aluminum cylinder heads

Aluminum block / aluminum cylinder heads

Materials

3,342cc

3,342cc

Displacement

293 @ 6,400 rpm

293 @ 6,400 rpm

Horsepower

255 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

255 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

Torque

92.0 × 83.8 mm

92.0 × 83.8 mm

Bore and Stroke

4

4

Valves per cylinder

11.5:1

11.5:1


Suspension and Brakes

Base

Limited

Base

Limited

Leg room

MacPherson Strut SACHS ASD shock absorbers and 24-mm stabilizer bar

MacPherson Strut SACHS ASD shock absorbers and 24-mm stabilizer bar

Front

Multi-link SACHS ASD shock absorber and 17-mm stabilizer bar

Multi-link SACHS ASD shock absorber and 17-mm stabilizer bar

Suspension

Front

Rack and pinion, power-assisted, engine-RPM-sensing

Rack and pinion, power-assisted, engine-RPM-sensing

Rear

14.5:1

14.5:1

Steering

2.9

2.9

Type

36.5 ft.

36.5 ft.

Overall Ratio

Turns, lock to lock

Dual-diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted braking system

Dual-diagonal, split circuit, power-assisted braking system

Leg room

12.6-in.

12.6-in.

Front

11.2-in.

11.2-in.

Turning circle (curb to curb)

Four-wheel, four-channel, and four-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and TCS

Four-wheel, four-channel, and four-sensor with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and TCS

Brakes/Tires/Wheels

P245/45R18

P245/45R18

General

-

P245/40R19


Prices

The Azera comes in two trim levels: the Azera and Azera Limited. Staring price for the 2014 Azera is $31,000 even. That price represents a $1,250 decrease from the 2013 model year. Jumping up to the Azera Limited inflates the asking price to $34,750. Keep in mind, those prices are before any dealer incentives and trade-in values.

2014 Azera Models

Engine

MSRP

Azera

3.3L GDI V6

$31,000

Azera Limited

3.3L GDI V6

$34,750


Competitors

2014 Toyota Avalon

New for 2014, the Avalon represents a solid step forward for the model. A beautiful new interior is anything but forgettable with lots of features and technology. Front and rear legroom is amazing and the trunk is large enough for fit everyone’s golf bags. Exterior styling is also refreshed in line with Toyota’s new corporate look.

The Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 making 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates the Avalon at 21 mpg city 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. Starting price for a 2014 model begins at $31,340.

2014 Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES is a very classy sedan. Its interior is a supple environment full of leather and wood surfaces. Obviously a step above the Avalon, the ES is more refined. Fit and finish are good with controls that aren’t only easy to use and intuitive, but that look good and propel Lexus into the future with innovation.

The ES is powered by the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Avalon and achieves the same EPA-rated fuel economy numbers. Starting price for the ES350 is expectedly higher than the Avalon’s at $36,620.

2014 Nissan Maxima

The Maxima is the sportier of the competitive trio. It’s powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. The manner in which it delivers power to the ground is also sportier, inherently making the Maxima feel faster. The Maxima’s interior reflects its sporting nature as well. Fit and finish are good, but not on par with the Lexus.

The Maxima has a base starting price of $31,200, moving it closer to the Azera’s asking price. Fuel economy is lacking, however, at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

2014 Azera

2014 Maxima

2014 Avalon

2014 LaCrosse

2014 Taurus

2014 ES 350

2014 Acura TL

Engine

3.3L V6

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

3.6L V6

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

HP

293 @ 6400

290 @ 6400

268 @ 6200

304 @ 6800

288 @ 6500

268 @ 6200

280 @ 6200

Specific Output (HP/liter)

88.8

82.9

76.6

84.4

82.3

76.6

80.0

Horsepower

255 @ 5200

261 @ 4400

248 @ 4700

264 @ 5300

254 @ 4000

248 @ 4700

254 @ 5000

Torque

19 /29 /23

19 / 26 / 22

21 / 31 / 24

18 / 28 / 21

19 / 29 / 23

21 / 31 / 24

20 / 29 / 23


Conclusion

Overall, the Azera is a great car. It offers stylish transportation with decent power and fuel economy. It has luxurious amenities and features in line with its competition. A healthy list of standard features also adds to the car’s value. Where the Azera falls short is its visibility. It falls in the crack of Hyundai’s own model lineup – and its sales figures show that. Hopefully for Hyundai, a newly lowered MSRP will boost sales for the diamond-in-the-rough sedan.