Over the course of its four decades of presence in the US market, Hyundai has built up a reputation for reliability and quality. In more recent years, the company has also branched out towards the more upmarket end of the industry, with the creation of its Genesis sub-brand in 2015.
However, there is one Hyundai attempt at building a luxury car that did not result in great commercial success. It remains a great option for prospective used car buyers who want a little luxury without breaking the bank. The car in question can now be found for as little as $7,000 (examples in better condition and with lower mileage get closer to the $20,000 mark).
The Hyundai Azera Used Values, And What You Need To Know
The fifth-generation Hyundai Azera (2012–2017) is one of the best-kept secrets on the used car market, offering staggering value for budget-conscious luxury seekers. Overshadowed in its day by the Toyota Avalon and Hyundai’s own Genesis, the Azera suffered from steep, badge-induced depreciation. Today, that slow initial sales run is a major win for second-hand buyers.
On the used market, a well-maintained fifth-gen Azera can often be found for a fraction of its original $32,000+ sticker price. For the cost of a stripped-down, high-mileage economy car, buyers step into a remarkably quiet cabin loaded with near-luxury features. Standard and available equipment includes ventilated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker Infinity sound system, and a power rear sunshade.
The 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
Mechanically, its smooth 293-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine and conventional six-speed automatic transmission are famously robust, avoiding the costly complexities of modern turbocharged or dual-clutch setups. While it won’t deliver a sporty drive, the Azera excels as a serene, reliable highway cruiser. For those willing to look past the badge, it represents an unbeatable blend of premium comfort, rock-solid reliability, and low financial risk.
More Hyundai Luxury: The Equus
Another model in the Hyundai family 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 arrived, based on an all-new platform developed in-house by Hyundai and featuring an updated design. This version was also sold in North America; several custom versions were introduced to the market as well, including a limousine-bodied variant and an armored car.
Going Upmarket: Hyundai And The Genesis Brand
Hyundai’s most famous venture into the world of luxury comes in the form of a dedicated sub-brand, the Genesis marque, which is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. Years before Genesis was established as an independent venture, Hyundai made use of the name in one of its models, the Genesis executive sedan. The Genesis was first launched in concept form in 2007 at the New York International Auto Show, and was subsequently launched for the 2008 model year.
The model enjoyed a good degree of commercial success and, in 2013, the concept that would become its second generation was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production version of the second-gen Genesis was unveiled in Seoul shortly afterwards.
The car was sold under the name Hyundai Genesis until the 2016 model year; in November 2015 the company announced it would become part of a new luxury marque that would take its name. The car’s own name was changed to the Genesis G80, and is still in production today. Another vehicle from the same line, the Genesis G90 full-size luxury car, was launched at the same time. Genesis has now grown into Hyundai’s luxury division, with over one million units sold as of 2024 and a racing team of its own: Genesis Magma Racing. As of 2024, the brand also achieved independence from Hyundai, giving it greater creative freedom to pursue its own projects and electrification strategy.
Sources: Hyundai, NHTSA
