Pros: Peppy acceleration; sweet-sounding engine; classy interior; lengthy list of standard equipment
Cons: Ride quality and composure doesn’t measure up to class rivals; available sunroof’s housing cuts into rear-seat headroom; some desirable features are available only in an expensive option package
CG Says: The 2014 Hyundai Azera’s minor updates include retuned steering, a new gauge cluster, additional standard equipment, and a starting-price drop of $1250. The Azera is something of a “step-up” vehicle in Hyundai’s lineup. It’s bigger, fancier, and more powerful than its Sonata sibling–not unlike the relationship of the Toyota Avalon to the Toyota Camry. Azera is executed well enough in every respect that it is a worthwhile competitor to the Avalon, Buick LaCrosse, and Chrysler 300, even if it can’t quite match those cars in ride composure. Also, we wish Hyundai would offer at least some of the Technology Package’s features separately, since the package’s $4K price tag makes Azera a less compelling value.
