Hello, I'm on the hunt for an Azera 2008 or 2009 and this is my first posting. Good to be here. As an oldtimer who believes less is often more, what would I be missing if I opt for the GLS model beside raw power? Many thanks!

The gas mileage is better on the 3.3. The power is pretty good on the 3.3 too. I drove a 3.3 for a month. But drawbacks are many if you dont get an Ultimate. I took my GLS back and got a Limited. Instrument panel, Tire and rim size (Hey they are the only thing touching the road-never cheap out on tires) and the ability to have the seat retract when you take the key out of the ignition- (my favorite feature) (part of the memory seat feature.) Leather seats are really nice too. The folding mirrors are needed when parking in San Francisco. Electric tilt steering wheel- I use it every time I drive. I have a 2007 so they may have modified some of these features and what vehicle they come on since my 07. Compare its features to a Lexus. You will have all their features but you didn't spend all that money. And 10year/ 100K warranties are cool too. I would think a Sonata V6 and Azera GLS are similar except the Azera is a little bit bigger. The Azera Limited takes you to the next level. Get the gizmos and enjoy life.

I'm fairly certain the 3.3 isn't available in the Azera after MY 2007... is it? Maybe I missed the boat!

I don't know about in the U.S. but in Canada where Platering is located the 2009 Azera only comes in one trim with the 3.8 - no options to add - no in-dash navigational system - no memory seats.

Still, it's a sweet ride. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif)

This post has been edited by TheWidowsSon: Jun 12 2009, 08:46 AM

You'd be missing a lot less in the GLS if you get an '09 than an '08.

For '09, the GLS added two of the features that made the Limited a no-brainer choice: decent-looking and properly sized wheels, and the snazzy electro-luminescent gauges on the dash. The lack of these two are deal-breakers for me; without them, the pre-'09 non-Limiteds are ugly strippers.

Most GLS's in '09 have the leather/sunroof package. With it, they're visually almost indistinguishable from the Limited. I hate sunroofs, but without it the cloth Azera interior looks oodles cheaper.

The Limited, even without the Ultimate package, still has several features that the GLS lacks: 3.8 rather than 3.3 engine, power rear sunshade, in-dash CD changer with more power and more speakers, and maybe one or two others I'm spacing on. The Ultimate package widens that gap very considerably, with or without nav.