Known as the Hyundai Grandeur in other parts of the world, the Azera->ke1036 was introduced in 1986 as the company's flagship model. Initially a boxy, rebadged Mitsubishi Debonair, the Azera became a model entirely developed by Hyundai->ke201 in 1998, when the third-generation car, now downgraded to a midsize, was launched. The fourth-gen model debuted in North America in 2006 and remained Hyundai's flagship offering until 2009, when the full-size Genesis->ke2924 took over. The Azera was significantly redesigned for 2012, when it received the company's "fluidic sculpture" styling language and an updated, 3.3-liter V-6 that generates 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. As we venture into the 2015 model year, Hyundai is introducing a revised version of the fifth-gen Azera in an attempt to keep its sedan->ke142 fresh.

Changes are far from massive, but I can understand not going too far with this facelift. The Azera is only three years old and Hyundai is likely already working on the next-gen model, which should be a far cry from the current sedan if the company's current strategy is any indication of the future. Meanwhile, let's have a look at the updates Hyundai has prepared for its midsize four-door.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Hyundai Azera.

2015 Hyundai Azera

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Hyundai Azera
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 293 @ 6400
  • Torque: 255 @ 5200
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

At first glance, the 2015 Azera is identical to the 2014 model, but take a closer look and you'll notice a few nips and tucks. Up front, the most notable changes are visible in the front apron, where a new set of fog lights have been added. Complementing the new LED units are black inserts flanking the lower grille, giving the Azera a sportier appearance. These two features, however, are only available on the Limited model, meaning the base car keeps the standard fog lamps of the 2014 model. A redesigned grille has been fitted, now sporting slightly thinner horizontal blades that seem to float within the frame.

Around back, only the rear bumper is different for 2015, while a set of redesigned 18-inch wheels replace the standard rollers. In addition, the Limited model gets the few extra goodies that came with the Premium Package in 2014 as standard equipment for 2015.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

112.0 Inches

Overall length

193.3 Inches

Overall width

73.2 Inches

Overall height

57.9 Inches

Track, front/rear

63.2/63.3 Inches


Side by side comparison

Interior

2014 Azera interior pictured

Step into the cabin and the 2015 Azera greets with with a revised center stack and an eight-inch color LCD display for the navigation system. The illuminated door-sill plates available for the Limited model are now offered as standard for any Azera. Other than that, the sedan's cabin remains identical to its predecessor, meaning it offers good-quality materials, decent fit and finish and well-placed buttons and knobs.

As far as convenience and safety features go, the 2015 Azera now comes with standard Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, which Hyundai claims its a segment-first feature. Added standard equipment includes a hands-free Smart Trunk opener and the company's brand-new Blue Link system with Vehicle Safeguards Alerts In-Vehicle App. The revised app allows parents to monitor teen drivers by receiving their vehicle’s speed, hours of operation and movements via e-mail or text message.

Drivetrain

While the exterior and interior have their fair share of upgrades, the 3.3-liter, Lambda II, V-6 engine remains unchanged. The direct-injected six-banger cranks out the same 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque as its predecessor and mates to the familiar six-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control. No need to be disappointed though, as the Azera remains the best vehicle in its class as far as horsepower per liter ratings go at 88.8 ponies per liter displaced by the V-6 unit.

As a result, the Azera is far from slow, needing only 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start. Sure, those numbers aren't exciting by any stretch of the imagination, but the performance is quite decent given the sedan's 3,600-pound curb weight.

As far as fuel economy goes, the 2015 Azera returns the same mileage as the 2014 model. The sedan is good for 19 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg combined, significantly less when compared to competitors such as the Toyota Avalon, rated at 21/31/24 mpg.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

Dual-CVVT (Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing) DOHC V-6

Materials

Aluminum block / aluminum cylinder heads

Displacement

3,342cc

Horsepower

293 HP @ 6,400 RPM

Torque

255 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm

Bore and Stroke

92.0 × 83.8 mm

Valves per Cylinder

4

Compression Ratio

11.5:1


Prices

Hyundai has yet to reveal pricing for the 2015 model as of 11/11/2014, but expect the revised Azera to retail from around $32,000 for the base model and $36,000 for the Limited version.

Competition

Toyota Avalon

Brand-new for 2014, the Toyota Avalon comes with an emotionally styled exterior design, improved dynamics and a more refined and comfortable interior. Also fitted with plenty of innovative technology, the redesigned Avalon represents Toyota's first step toward attracting younger buyers, a trend that followed with the Camry and the Corolla. Highlights include a three-color display screen for the multi-information display, HDD Premium Navigation, and impressive amounts of legroom front and rear.

The Avalon is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 generating 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates the Japanese sedan at 21 mpg city 31 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined, placing it above the Hyundai Azera. The Avalon retails from $31,340.

Chevrolet Impala

The 10th-generation Impala is the more stylish proposition in this segment, one that builds on a nearly 50-year-old heritage. The redesigned Impala is larger and more upscale than the previous model, sits on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the Cadillac XTS and comes with a choice of three drivetrains.

The base model is motivated by a 2.5-liter, inline-four unit making 195 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque, while the available 3.6-liter V-6 churns 305 horses and 264 pound-feet of torque. The third powertrain option is a 2.4-liter with eAssist "hybrid" that cranks out 182 ponies and 172 pound-feet. Fuel efficiency ratings go as high as 31 mpg highway for the 2.5-liter version, also superior to the Azera's. The Chevrolet Impala starts from $27,535, while the top-level LTZ trim with the V-6 fetches at least $36,580.

Conclusion

Hyundai is doing well these days, especially as far as its sedan lineup is concerned. However, the Azera isn't exactly a sales hit, which explains why the Koreans didn't bother much with this 2015 facelift. The Azera remains one of the more affordable sedans of its segment, but the fact that it still lags behind in terms of fuel economy is likely to cancel the slight upper hand that comes with the sticker. Hopefully Hyundai is elbows deep into developing a brand-new Azera that's more appealing design-wise and more fuel efficient.