Hyundai Announces 2017 Azera Changes

Other than three new colors, not much has changed on the 2017 Hyundai Azera, a J.D. Power Initial Quality Study segment winner.

2017 Hyundai Azera

Coming off a fresh win in J.D. Power's 2016 Initial Quality Study in the large car segment, the 2017 Hyundai Azera represents something of a "tweener" in the brand's sedan lineup. Large in both accommodations and luxury accoutrements, it slots above the midsize Sonata front-driver and below the more luxurious (and now a stand-alone brand) rear-wheel-driven Genesis models.

Despite its middle child status, we consider the current Azera, with its swoopy first-generation "Fluidic Sculpture" design language, to be the brand's style leader as it easily outshines the more staid "Fluidic Sculpture 2" found on the new, more restrained-looking Sonata. Better yet, it also receives a healthy dose of the luxury touches found in the upscale Genesis lineup.

Based on the same platform that underpins the Sonata, the Azera is 2.5 inches longer and 0.2 inches lower than its midsize sibling. And while its width is about the same, the Azera's wheelbase is longer by about 2 inches and its base curb weight tips the scale at 434 pounds heavier.

Every bit as striking as the exterior, the Azera's airy interior, with an EPA passenger volume of 106 cubic feet, makes liberal use of leather, and soft-touch surfaces. Fit and finish is a class above showing a mix of materials and finishes that you'd normally expect to find in a vehicle costing thousands more.

2017 Hyundai Azera features

Like last year, the 2017 Azera comes in two monospec trim levels – base and Limited. Standard features on both models include auto-up/down power windows (all), locks and heated outside mirrors. A leather interior, tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise, audio and phone control, leather-wrapped shift knob, cloth roof, A, B and C-pillar trim, remote keyless entry with proximity sensor and push-button start, heated power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a cooled glove box are also standard. 2016 upgrades to the base model carry over include an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and an Infinity 550-watt sound system with 8-inch subwoofer.

To that list, the Limited trim adds HID headlights, smart cruise control with stop/start capability, an electronic parking brake, power folding outside mirrors, 2-position driver's seat memory, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and interior ambient lighting. Like last year, Limited models also receive 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, power rear window sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades.

2017 Hyundai Azera Engine

Like last year, there's only one engine available, but it's a nice one: Hyundai's all-aluminum Lambda II 3.3-liter direct-injected V6 that produces 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and a maximum 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. It's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2017 Hyundai Azera colors

Like we said, the only changes for 2017 are to the Azera's color palette. Pewter Gray Metallic, Venetian Red Pearl and Moroccan Pearl carry over. In late availability, Eclipse Black will be replaced by Nocturne Black, Diamond White Pearl will give way to Hyper White, while Starlight Silver will be supplanted by Ion Silver.