I'm starting this topic over at the Sonata forum as well. It should be interesting to hear the reasons why people chose one model vs. the other, or if they even considered one while they were shopping for the other.

Please, try to keep it constructive here - both are great cars, so no put-downs.

I wonder how many sales of the Azera come at the expense of a Sonata sale, and vice versa...we'll see.

By the way, yes I drive a Sonata, but I've tested an Azera a few times with my dad - he's definitely getting one soon, probably an '07. I think it's a wonderful machine, so I'm probably not as biased as you might think I am. :thumbsup:

Here's a link to the thread at the Sonata forum if you're interested:
http://www.hyundai-forums.com/t10292-sonata-vs-azera.htm


:liebe011:

This post has been edited by mc229: Jun 5 2006, 02:42 PM

I traded in my '06 Sonata for an Azera.

The Azera wasn't out when I bought my Sonata, and the XG350 just didn't quite do it for me. I sat in an Azera at the Chicago Auto Show, and was very impressed with its looks, both inside and out, I liked the specs, and most especially I liked the interior. Despite the specs, it's much roomier than the Sonata. Backseat room was also an issue. But the most striking difference was how much more comfortable the driver's seat is. The Sonata seat felt small. Sure there was room, but the seat was short and narrow. The Azera fits my body like a glove.

When I brought the Sonata in for its first oil change, I took the opportunity to drive one. It has more power than the Sonata, but it's not as jumpy. The Sonata had a tendency to jump off the line, and even with the TC, would spin in even the slightest wet road conditions. The Azera has power, but is more refined. Especially at the low end. I do get a little bit of torque steer, but not the jumpiness I had with the Sonata.

And there's little details, like the extra toys, and just the look of the interior. I have the black leather with wood trim, vs. the fake carbon-fiber/grey leather in the Sonata. It just looks so much better. I know looks are subjective, but I also like the exterior lines of the Azera much better. It's a little more distinctive than the Sonata.

I took a hit on the trade, losing $4K from what I paid for the Sonata, but got the Azera below invoice ($25,150 for a Limited/Premium). Money per se wasn't a huge deal, I was more concerned with value, and both have that in ample proportions. Even with the $4K loss on the Sonata I paid less than I would have for an equivalent Avalon or other comparable auto, but I did get over four months of good use out of the Sonata.

I went to a local Hyundai to test drive an '06 Sonata, as i had seen a few around & thought they looked great, did a litle research & found that they were getting fabulous reviews. While I'm in the showroom I notice the Azera, and it took my breath away.
I fully intended to test drive the Sonata and be pleasantly surprised. I was very pleasantly surprised and impressed with the Sonata.

Bottom-line- 2 months later I'm driving the Azera. I flew out to Great Lake Hyundai and they gave me a great deal on an '06 SE Premium...so I have an Azera for Sonata money. It's a great car and tremendous value. These cars are destined to go up in price once the public catches on...

We have both, 2006 Sonata LX6 and a 2006 Azera Limited with Premium Pkg. We are a 2 car family and formerly leased 2003 Acura TL's. After doing the research I opted to replace my Acura when it came off lease with the Sonata back in Jan. I love the car but my wife found it very uncomfortable due to the relatively firm leather seats. Her back wouldn't adjust to the front passenger seat which because it is manual could not be readily adjusted. When our 2nd Acura came off lease last month I bought the Azera, Pearl White, Limited and she has grown to really enjoy driving it. We use it whenever we are driving together. It's a totally different vehicle. An entry level luxury sedan that has "boulevard " manners. Both cars are incredible values with the best warranties in the business, 5 years roadside service and excellent safety features. Unbeatable in every way. Each has its own unique characteristics and so meet somewhat different expectations and wants in an auto. Way to go Hyundai! :whistling:

I could have save a lot of money buying the Sonata but after test driving both the Azera won hands down. The Azera has a better ride, more options, looks better, more powerful. If you want a Sonata purchase a Acord. Same body style... looks just like an Accord. If you want a nice car with some style purchase an Azera. The car just has what every person wants for less than a Acura, Lexus, or Toyota offers.

The blue light in the sky pals.

The Azera is larger inside, especially in the back seat. It may be a little faster, too, based on road tests in C/D, R&T etc.

I got my limited ultimate azera for the same price as a fully loaded sonata. Made sense to me to get the bigger/nicer car.

I would have bought the azera if they offered the bigger rebate, you are right the azera is faster but i was kinda shocked when they told me the lease price as 20 grand and the out the door price as about 24000, so i stucked with the sonata which suits my needs but i love the azera zooming on the highway.