2016 Hyundai Azera: A Refined and Spacious Sedan
The 2016 Hyundai Azera stands as a testament to Hyundai's commitment to offering well-equipped, comfortable, and stylish sedans. Slotting above the Sonata in Hyundai's lineup, the Azera aimed to provide a more premium experience with a focus on passenger comfort, a smooth ride, and a generous array of standard features. It offered a compelling alternative in the large sedan segment for buyers seeking value and refinement.
Highlights
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Engine: Under the hood, the 2016 Azera is powered by a robust 3.3-liter V6 engine, delivering a healthy 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, providing confident acceleration for both city driving and highway cruising. The V6 offers ample power for effortless overtaking and a relaxed driving demeanor.
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Safety Features: Hyundai equipped the 2016 Azera with a comprehensive suite of safety features, emphasizing occupant protection and driver assistance. Key features include:
- Advanced Airbag System: A multi-stage system including front, front side-impact, and roof-mounted curtain airbags for all outboard passengers provides a robust safety net in the event of a collision.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of steering control.
- Traction Control System (TCS): Works in conjunction with ESC to limit wheel spin during acceleration, improving grip on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Uses sensors to alert the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles from either side when backing out of a parking space.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts the driver audibly and visually if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Uses radar and camera sensors to detect potential forward collisions and provides a warning to the driver.
- Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed as needed.
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Summary of Trims: The 2016 Azera was offered in two well-appointed trim levels, ensuring a high level of standard equipment from the outset.
- Azera: The base trim provided a luxurious experience with features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable steering column.
- Azera Limited: Building upon the base trim, the Limited model added even more premium amenities. These typically included ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, HID xenon headlights with LED accent lights, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance features like Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (if not already standard on the base).
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious and Comfortable Interior: The Azera is renowned for its cavernous interior, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, making it an excellent choice for families or those who frequently transport adults.
- Smooth and Quiet Ride: Hyundai tuned the Azera for a refined and isolated driving experience. The suspension effectively soaks up road imperfections, contributing to a quiet and comfortable cabin, perfect for long journeys.
- Stylish Exterior Design: The 2016 Azera sported a distinctive and elegant exterior design with flowing lines and a sophisticated presence that set it apart from many of its competitors.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2016 Hyundai Azera generally translates to a comfortable and relatively hassle-free experience. The V6 engine, while potent, is known for its reliability. Routine maintenance will involve oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements, typical for any vehicle. Hyundai's extended warranty coverage, often a strong point, can offer peace of mind for newer owners.
Insurance costs for the Azera are likely to be in line with other large sedans in its class, influenced by factors such as driver history, location, and chosen coverage levels. Due to its safety features and luxury appointments, comprehensive and collision coverage are advisable.
Potential Considerations
While the 2016 Azera excels in many areas, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Not the Most Engaging Drive: While the ride is exceptionally comfortable, the Azera's focus is squarely on refinement rather than sporty handling. Drivers seeking a more dynamic and engaging driving experience might find its steering a bit light and its overall chassis less responsive compared to some German or Japanese rivals.
- Fuel Economy: The powerful V6 engine, while smooth, does come with a trade-off in fuel economy. It is not the most fuel-efficient option in the large sedan segment, so those prioritizing maximum MPG may want to look elsewhere.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the 8-inch touchscreen offers navigation and connectivity, some reviews noted that its responsiveness could occasionally lag compared to more modern systems.
- Availability of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems: While available, not all advanced driver-assistance features were standard on every trim, so careful attention to the specific vehicle's options package is recommended if these are high priorities.
Overall Summary
The 2016 Hyundai Azera represents a compelling value proposition in the large sedan segment. It offers a potent V6 engine, a wealth of standard and available luxury and safety features, and an incredibly spacious and comfortable interior. Its smooth ride and quiet cabin make it an excellent choice for long commutes or family road trips. While it may not appeal to driving enthusiasts seeking sharp handling or those prioritizing the absolute best fuel economy, the Azera delivers a refined, well-equipped, and stylish package that provides a strong sense of premium quality for its buyers.