2008 Hyundai Azera Exterior Review [ 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Specs

Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

A popular conclusion among reviewers was that the Azera exterior is tasteful, with a classic and sophisticated look. At the same time, however, many reviewers found the look bland and unexciting.

Kelley Blue Book writers admire the Azera's "lovely lines and classy look," saying it would not be out of place in a line-up of more expensive sedans with its "look-at-me" appeal.  With its trapezoidal grille and centered Hyundai logo, the Azera is "an attractively sculpted car," reports The Washington Post, with exterior lines that are "classic, clean and sophisticated." USA Today finds the styling of the Azera the first thing noticed, with "an amalgam of pleasing influences, making up in grace what it might lack in originality." The 2008 Hyundai Azera comes in two different trim levels, the Azera GLS and the Azera Limited. The Azera Limited adds luxury touches like a power rear sunshade, leather seats, heated front seats, wood trim, and an Electroluminescent instrument cluster.

At the same time, a number of reviews are indifferent to the Azera's exterior. Although recognizing its exterior improvements, many found it bland and unadventurous. Motor Week says the "more organic" look of the Azera is very conservative and less likely to attract buyers who are interested in the "more adventurous Maxima." New Car Test Drive finds nothing new or striking about the Azera's look, but recognize its "proportional flow that both catches and pleases the eye." Car and Driver finds the Azera look to be "nondescript" and "slightly dull", and our own U.S News reviewer Rick Newman finds the styling clean, but does not outstanding.