Over four decades, Hyundai has built a strong reputation in the U.S. market for reliability and quality. More recently, the company has expanded into the luxury segment, notably with the creation of its Genesis sub-brand in 2015. One of Hyundai’s attempts at a luxury vehicle that didn’t achieve great commercial success was the Azera, also known as the Grandeur.
The fifth generation of the Azera, sold from 2012 to 2017, was the last generation sold in North America. Despite its relatively low popularity, it presents a compelling option for prospective used car buyers seeking a touch of luxury without the premium price. Fifth-generation Azeras can now be found for as little as $7,000, although those in better condition with lower mileage can fetch closer to $20,000. Let’s delve into the history of the fifth-generation Azera and the Azera model in general, as adding one to your garage can be a great way to experience a luxury car without paying the high price.
Meet the Fifth-Generation Azera
The fifth-generation Hyundai Azera was introduced in 2011 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and was sold between the 2012 and 2017 model years. It fit into the Hyundai lineup between the Sonata and the Genesis and was sold in its home market of Korea under the name “Hyundai Grandeur.” Even the most recent examples of the fifth-gen Azera are approaching a decade old. Like any used car, it’s important to watch out for potential mechanical issues before buying. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the most frequent complaints involve issues with steering and the braking system. Therefore, it’s wise to keep an eye out for these potential problems if you consider adding an Azera from this generation to your garage.
5th-Gen Hyundai Azera In Numbers
- Engine: 2.4L inline-four / 3.0L-3.3L V6
- Horsepower: 178-293 hp
- Torque: 171-325 lb-ft
- 0-60: 7.4-9.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 130-143 mph
Powertrain & Performance
The fifth-gen Azera offered several powertrain options, including a 2.4-liter inline-four engine, various V6 engines, a hybrid, and a diesel option. All engines came with a six-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version, known as the Grandeur Hybrid, was exclusive to the South Korean market and paired the 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor that produced 46 hp.
Design
The Azera’s fifth generation featured a significantly refreshed design compared to its predecessor, including a larger grille, differently shaped headlights, and narrower taillights. The 2014 facelift refined these elements, adding a sleeker, more modern edge. The grille was also redesigned with vertical lines rather than horizontal ones.
Interior & Tech
If onboard tech is a priority, consider a used Azera from the 2014 model year onward. The mid-cycle refresh introduced several new and upgraded features, including a 6-inch infotainment display, an updated gauge cluster with a color display for the trip computer, a new navigation system with an 8-inch display (on the Limited trim level), and power-folding side mirrors (also on the Limited trim).
An Overview Of The Grandeur/Azera
While the “Azera” version of the Hyundai Grandeur was sold in North America across its third, fourth, and fifth generations, the broader Grandeur model has a long history dating back to the mid-1980s.
The first generation debuted in 1986, a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Debonair. In 2021, Hyundai transformed a first-gen Grandeur into a restomod project, equipping it with an electric powertrain and renaming it the Grandeur EV as part of its “Heritage Series” of restomodded cars. The second generation was also a rebadged Debonair, marketed as the “New Grandeur” and developed in collaboration between Hyundai and Mitsubishi. Like the first-gen model, this car wasn’t sold in the North American market.
In 1998, the third generation arrived, and for the first time, the Grandeur was available in North America. However, it wasn’t yet rebadged as the Azera; it was sold in export markets as the Hyundai XG. Unlike the previous two models, the XG was a standalone model developed entirely in-house by Hyundai.
The Azera name was introduced in 2006 with the arrival of the Grandeur’s fourth generation, which shared a platform with the Sonata. Although this model was exported to Europe, it never officially reached the UK, though some imported cars (used by Hyundai executives) later appeared on the local used car market.
The fifth-gen model arrived for the 2012 model year and remained in production until 2017, with an update in 2014. After its discontinuation, two more generations followed, neither of which were sold in North America. Due to slow sales, Hyundai made the decision to pull the Azera from the North American market, instead focusing on its home territory.
The sixth-gen model was unveiled in 2016, followed by a hybrid variant in 2017. The latest generation of the Grandeur is the seventh, which is still available today. It was introduced in 2022, featuring a significant redesign and technological upgrades.
More Hyundai Luxury: The Equus
Another model in the Hyundai family that focused on luxury and comfort is the Equus, a full-size luxury car first released in 1999. The first generation of the Equus was not sold in North America, although it was tentatively introduced to US-based consumers at the 2001 New York International Auto Show, in an effort by the company to gauge commercial interest. Like the early generations of the Grandeur/Azera, the first-gen Equus was the product of the Mitsubishi-Hyundai collaboration.
In 2010, a second generation was launched, built on a new, in-house-developed platform with an updated design. This version was sold in North America, with several custom versions, including a limousine and an armored car.
Going Upmarket: Hyundai and the Genesis Brand
Hyundai’s most prominent foray into luxury is the Genesis brand, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Years before Genesis became an independent venture, Hyundai used the name in its Genesis executive sedan. First introduced as a concept car in 2007 at the New York International Auto Show, the Genesis was subsequently launched for the 2008 model year. It achieved a good degree of commercial success, and the concept for the second generation was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2013. The production version was unveiled in Seoul soon after. The car was sold as the Hyundai Genesis until the 2016 model year. In November 2015, the company announced that it would become part of a new luxury marque.
The car’s name was changed to the Genesis G80 and is still in production. The Genesis G90 full-size luxury car was launched simultaneously. Genesis has become Hyundai’s luxury division, having sold over one million units as of 2024 and now has its own racing team, Genesis Magma Racing. As of 2024, the brand became independent of Hyundai, providing greater creative freedom for its projects and electrification strategy.
