As one of the most well-known automakers in the world, Hyundai produces a wide range of diverse cars for all kinds of drivers. Some cars, however, may be completely rebuilt or even abandoned depending on factors like sales figures, new models, or even a change in the company’s strategy. Is Hyundai building a 2018 Azera because several of its 2018 model year vehicles have already on the roads?
In reality, the Hyundai Azera is no longer being produced for the 2018 model year. From 2006 to 2017, Hyundai produced the Azera, a powerful and opulent sedan that belonged to the company’s sedan lineup. In reality, the 2017 Hyundai Azera delivers 123.3 cu. ft. of cargo space in addition to 293 standard horsepower from its 3.3-liter V6 engine and standard equipment like navigation and a rearview camera.
The wildly popular Elantra and Sonata models are all that’s left for Hyundai in the sedan market. The Elantra offers new practical innovations through its Popular Equipment Package, while the Sonata underwent a complete redesign for 2018. Both models saw significant upgrades.
Now that you are aware that Hyundai won’t be producing an Azera for the 2018 model year, get in touch with Apple Valley Hyundai to learn more about upcoming Hyundai models. Feel free to take a test drive in your preferred Hyundai model at our dealership right now if you’re in the market for a new car.
In This Article...
After the 2017 model year, a large automobile waves goodbye.
For years, the Hyundai Azera was able to go unnoticed, but no longer. The big sedan will no longer be sold by Hyundai in the United States, presumably as a result of the model’s competition from other models in the lineup.
The company noted the updated midsize Sonata as an example in a recent release, saying “Over the last few years…the Hyundai and Genesis line-ups have continued to strengthen the appeal of their models.” True, the 2018 Sonata has an upgraded interior and exterior that will help it catch up to more expensive models like the Azera.
Hyundai also seemed to hold Genesis accountable for the Azera’s demise. The carmaker claimed that the Genesis brand was “continuing to widen the appeal of its mid-luxury G80 and premium luxury G90 models with qualities appealing to purchasers placing the Azera on the periphery of purchase consideration.”
Hyundai sold 1,792 Azeras for the first half of the year as opposed to 2,573 during the same period in 2016. During the first half of this year, Genesis sold 2,253 units of the G90 and 7,666 copies of the G80.
The Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Ford Taurus are its rivals in a declining market segment in which the Azera operates. The Azera has a ton of standard amenities and a large interior, but its handling feel and driving personality are lacking. The conservative cruiser made by Hyundai will be discontinued after the 2017 model year.
Why Hyundai Is Discontinuing the Azera
Hyundai is going through a transition right now, especially in America. The American range of the Korean brand is changing as a result of the release of its three-fold Ioniq models and the launch of its luxury Genesis sub-brand last year. It’s time to “out with the old and in with the new,” much like with the company’s USA CEO who was fired.
Hyundai has stated it will discontinue the Azera from its portfolio after 2017 in an effort to streamline its options and concentrate on playing to its advantages.
Hyundai discontinues the Azera sedan for the American auto market.
Hyundai, a Korean carmaker, is discontinuing the Azera sedan for the American market since sales declined and the business focused on its new premium brand.
The Azera, which was initially intended as an expensive vehicle, lost popularity when Hyundai turned its attention to the pricey Genesis lineup.
The industry-wide switch from passenger cars to crossovers and sport-utility vehicles amid low petroleum prices and shifting design tastes was perhaps the final nail in the coffin.
Hyundai stated that the Azera was “on the fringe of purchasing consideration” for many buyers. The final model available at American dealerships will be for the 2017 model year.
In the sales figures, that evaluation is clearly visible. In the first half of 2017, the company sold 1,792 Azera units, which is a decrease of 30.4% from the same period in 2016.
The Azera luxury sedan, which offers superb elegance, comfort, and substantial amenities at a highly appealing price point, has been a popular model in the Hyundai line-up for a number of years, according to Hyundai. “However, the Hyundai and Genesis line-ups have continued to boost the appeal of their vehicles over the last few years.”
Genesis models like the G80 and G90 were increasingly recommended to high-end consumers by the firm.
The Azera, which had been in competition with full-size vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, and Chevrolet Impala, the company claimed, also appeals to customers of the mid-size Hyundai Sonata.
Hyundai also announced on Wednesday that it would stop producing the tiny Accent hatchback.
The New Hyundai Azera: Don’t Touch, Just Look
We’re sorry to start the week off with this depressing announcement, but Hyundai will not be selling the Azera shown above in the United States. Three images of the most recent Azera have recently been made public by Hyundai’s Korean headquarters. It’s likely that Hyundai added some excitement to this big sedan, but we’ll never know for sure.
The news struck us as though Hershey’s had announced the end of its Symphony chocolate bar line, a semi-premium offshoot from a non-premium brand that very few people buy. Azera sales in the United States did have some significance in the early 2000s, peaking at over 26,000 in 2006. However, sales of this generic Toyota Avalon rival totaled just 5,500 units in 2016.
Strangely, the front and back of the new Azera resemble a somewhat underdressed Genesis G80 and a Dodge Charger, respectively. The Azera may no longer be necessary since that the Genesis brand is competing on its own as a Lexus-emulating brand.
But Azera lovers, all may not be lost. According to Hyundai’s U.S. division: “We are now considering the potential of launching a U.S.-specific model that represents the needs of customers in North America, taking into account the significance of Hyundai Motor’s flagship model in international markets. In due course, more information will be released.”
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What was the Hyundai Azera’s successor?
The Hyundai Grandeur, known in Korean as hyeondae geuraenjeo, is a front-wheel-drive executive sedan that Hyundai has been producing and selling since 1986. The Hyundai Grandeur served as the company’s premium model in South Korea from 1986 to 1996 before the Hyundai Dynasty debuted. The Grandeur has been marketed under many nameplates around the world, most prominently as the Hyundai Azera, and has undergone five generations with intermediate restylings. Up until the Genesis sedan arrived, it served as the top model for Hyundai in the US and Canada. After the distinct Genesis brand was introduced, the Grandeur/Azera took back its position as the company’s flagship.
The Azera is no longer sold in the US and Canada as of the 2017 model year. In South Korea and the Middle East, the sedan was still offered.
What caused the Azera to be retired?
Hyundai is officially discontinuing the Azera, which is bad news for fans of full-size Korean four-door sedans. For those who aren’t familiar, the Azera was somewhat akin to a Korean Toyota Avalon (and if you are, we don’t blame you). Greater in size and capacity than a Sonata, but not quite as opulent as a Genesis vehicle, and priced accordingly.
Hyundai stated in the Azera’s official obituary that the Sonata’s recent resurgence and the growth of the Genesis premium brand were to blame for the vehicle’s demise. The Azera’s time in the automaker’s portfolio had come to an end as those two models simultaneously moved deeper into its market. At least, it is the stated justification. We believe that the Azera’s poor sales performance was the underlying cause of its demise. Only 4,942 Azeras were sold in the US last year, according to Carscoops. There are not many Azeras there.
The starting price of a Hyundai Azera, which is equipped with a 293-hp, 3.3-liter V6, is $34,100. On a new or used example of this recently deceased system, however, we imagine one may get some rather substantial reductions. If you want yours to have that new car fragrance, just don’t hang around for too long.
There is still the Kia Cadenza for those of you huge Korean sedan veterans (you guys exist, right?).
A Hyundai Azera is what kind of vehicle?
This model of the Hyundai Azera is much more attractively polished and is more sleek and sophisticated than its predecessor.
Although the Azera’s handling has improved, its lack of agility and poor ride quality fall short of the standards set by its appearance and the class it is seeking to compete in.
Electronic stability control, antilock brakes, traction control, and a rearview camera are all considered standard safety features.
As options, the vehicle can be equipped with parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, and lane-departure warning.
Although this Azera continues to be reasonably priced and is appropriately laden with features, our testers felt it no longer offered a good deal.
The Azera, Hyundai’s first almost-luxury vehicle, is a well-finished big sedan with a roomy back seat.
It is elegant and comfortable, with a quiet interior, good handling, and a relaxing ride quality.
Outside visibility is excellent, and there are several conveniences available, including optional power adjustable pedals and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags are included in the standard safety equipment.
When tested with the standard curtain and side airbags, IIHS side-crash test results for vehicles manufactured between 2006 and 2011 were satisfactory.
Are Hyundai Azera vehicles dependable?
Overall, the Hyundai Azera is quite reliable with a reliability score of 78.2. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Keep in mind that not just compact or subcompact vehicles in the same class as the Hyundai Azera are included in this comparison; all automobiles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.