2017 Hyundai Azera: A Refined and Comfortable Sedan
The 2017 Hyundai Azera represented Hyundai's foray into the large, near-luxury sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of sophisticated design, ample power, and advanced technology. Positioned as a more upscale alternative to the Sonata, the Azera aimed to provide a comfortable and quiet ride for discerning drivers. This model year also marked the final production year for the Azera, making it a potentially attractive option for those seeking a well-equipped and refined used sedan.
Highlights
The 2017 Hyundai Azera distinguished itself with several key attributes:
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Engine: A robust 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque served as the sole powertrain. This engine, paired with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power for confident acceleration and effortless highway cruising. The FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) layout was standard.
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Safety Features: The Azera came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies, designed to enhance driver awareness and mitigate potential collisions. Key features included:
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): Alerts the driver when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, aiding in safe lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): Warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Notifies the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal engaged.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): The FCW system warns the driver of a potential frontal collision, and AEB can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or reduce the severity of an impact.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Allows the vehicle to maintain a set distance from the car ahead, automatically adjusting speed.
- High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
- Standard rearview camera: Aids in parking and low-speed maneuvers.
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Trim Summary: The 2017 Azera was available in two well-appointed trims, each offering a distinct level of luxury and features:
- Azera (Base Trim): Even the base model offered a premium experience with features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, a premium audio system, and a power-adjustable steering column.
- Azera Limited: Stepping up to the Limited trim significantly enhanced the luxury quotient with features such as ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free smart trunk, HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlights, and premium interior accents.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Spacious and Quiet Interior: The Azera boasted a roomy cabin with comfortable seating for five adults. Extensive sound deadening contributed to a remarkably quiet and serene driving environment, perfect for long journeys.
- Elegant Styling: The Azera presented a sleek and sophisticated exterior design, characterized by its flowing lines and premium detailing.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen interface was intuitive and easy to navigate, providing access to navigation, audio, and connectivity features.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Hyundai Azera typically translates to a comfortable and refined experience. Its large sedan platform provides a smooth ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively, making it ideal for daily commuting and long-distance travel. The V6 engine offers more than enough power for merging onto highways and overtaking, while the transmission shifts seamlessly.
Maintenance: As a Hyundai, the Azera generally benefits from a good reputation for reliability. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and tire rotations, will be standard. Due to its V6 engine and larger size, maintenance costs might be slightly higher than smaller Hyundai models, but are generally considered competitive within its segment. Owners can expect to follow Hyundai's recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2017 Azera will vary based on individual factors like driver history, location, and chosen coverage. However, as a larger, more feature-rich sedan with a V6 engine, it may command slightly higher insurance rates compared to smaller, less powerful vehicles. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking can sometimes contribute to lower premiums.
Potential Considerations
While the 2017 Hyundai Azera offers many attractive qualities, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Fuel Economy: The powerful 3.3-liter V6 engine, while providing strong performance, results in less competitive fuel economy figures compared to some of its four-cylinder or hybrid rivals in the segment. Drivers prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency might find other options more appealing.
- Rear Visibility: The Azera's sleek, coupe-like roofline, while contributing to its stylish appearance, can result in slightly compromised rearward visibility due to the smaller rear window and thicker C-pillars. The standard rearview camera and available blind-spot monitoring significantly mitigate this concern, but it's something to be aware of.
- Front-Wheel Drive Only: Unlike some competitors that offered all-wheel drive, the 2017 Azera was exclusively available in a front-wheel-drive configuration. This might be a consideration for buyers living in regions with frequent snow or ice.
- Aging Technology: While well-equipped for its time, the infotainment system and certain driver-assistance features might not be as advanced or seamlessly integrated as those found in newer luxury vehicles. However, for most users, the Azera's technology remains perfectly functional and user-friendly.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Hyundai Azera stands out as a sophisticated, comfortable, and well-equipped large sedan that offered a compelling value proposition. Its powerful V6 engine, refined ride, spacious interior, and comprehensive safety features made it a strong contender in its class. While its fuel economy and lack of AWD might be drawbacks for some, the Azera remains a solid choice for those seeking a quiet and luxurious driving experience with a focus on comfort and elegant styling. As the final model year, it represents a culmination of Hyundai's efforts to offer a credible alternative to established luxury brands.