Used car guide · Elgin Hyundai
Hyundai Sonata vs. Hyundai Azera: Which Used Sedan Fits?
Hyundai sold the Azera as its large sedan above the Sonata through the 2017 model year. Today both are used cars, while the Sonata continues new. Here is how they compare using the makers' figures.
Quick answer
The Azera is the bigger, more powerful car: a 3.3-liter V6 with 293 horsepower, rated 20 mpg city and 28 highway by the EPA for 2017. The 2016 Sonata's standard 2.4-liter four made 185 horsepower and was rated 25 city and 36 highway, with a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo on Sport and Limited 2.0T trims. If you want V6 power and a quieter, larger cabin, look for an Azera. If you want lower running costs, a wider choice of used cars and the option of buying new, the Sonata is the one.
Side by side, as new
| 2016 Hyundai Sonata | 2017 Hyundai Azera | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Mid-size sedan | Large (full-size) sedan |
| Standard engine | 2.4L GDI four-cylinder, 185 hp | 3.3L GDI V6, 293 hp |
| Other engines | 1.6L turbo (Eco), 2.0L turbo (Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T, 245 hp), Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid | None; one engine |
| EPA estimate, standard engine | 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined | 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined (Limited: 19 / 28 / 22) |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic (7-speed dual-clutch on Eco) | 6-speed automatic |
| Trims | SE, Eco, Sport, Limited, Sport 2.0T, Limited 2.0T | Azera, Azera Limited |
| Sold new today? | Yes, the Sonata continues | No; 2017 was the last U.S. model year |
EPA figures from fueleconomy.gov. Horsepower is Hyundai's rating for each car.
Power and fuel economy
The Azera's V6 is the reason to choose it. It out-powers even the turbocharged Sonata and does it without turbo lag. The price is fuel: the EPA rated the 2017 Azera at 23 mpg combined, against 29 combined for the 2.4-liter Sonata and 31 for the Sonata Eco. Over 12,000 miles a year that gap is roughly 100 to 150 more gallons of regular gas.
Size and comfort
Azera
Hyundai's large sedan: a longer body, a quieter cabin and a higher level of standard equipment, including leather, heated front seats and a larger standard audio system on most years.
Sonata
A mid-size sedan with a trunk and rear seat that compete with the Azera's in practice. More trims mean more choice in the used market, from basic SE to turbocharged Limited 2.0T.
Warranty on a used car
Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty covers the original owner only. A second owner gets powertrain coverage through the 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, which most 2016 and 2017 cars have passed. Certified pre-owned Hyundai models add their own coverage.
What to check on either car
- Service records: both engines use direct injection and like regular oil changes. Ask for the maintenance history.
- Recalls: look up the VIN at the NHTSA recall site or ask us to check it.
- Tires and brakes on the Azera: the heavier V6 car wears both faster than a four-cylinder Sonata.
- Turbo Sonatas: confirm the car has had its oil changed on schedule; a turbo engine is harder on oil.
- Infotainment: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay arrived on these cars around 2016 and 2017 and depend on trim. Test your phone before you buy.
The Sonata today
If a new car is in the picture, the 2026 Sonata offers a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, an available all-wheel-drive SEL Sport, a 290-horsepower N Line and a hybrid rated up to 47 mpg city and 56 highway (Blue). See the 2026 Sonata interior or browse Sonata inventory.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Azera still made?
Not for the U.S. market. 2017 was the last model year sold here; the Sonata continues as a new car.
Which is bigger, the Sonata or the Azera?
The Azera. It was Hyundai's large sedan, positioned above the mid-size Sonata.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Sonata. The EPA rated the 2016 Sonata 2.4L at 29 mpg combined and the 2017 Azera at 23 mpg combined.
Does the Hyundai warranty transfer to a second owner?
The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is for the original owner. Later owners have powertrain coverage through the 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty.
Find the right one at Elgin Hyundai
Used Azeras come up now and then; used and new Sonatas are always in stock.
Sources
Figures were checked against the sources below on October 13, 2026. Equipment varies by trim and year; confirm on the specific car.
- 2016 Hyundai Sonata fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- 2017 Hyundai Azera fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- 2017 Hyundai Azera, vehicles on display, Chicago Auto Show
- America's Best Warranty: coverage terms, Hyundai Motor America
- How Much Is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata? (Sept. 22, 2025), Cars.com
- Hyundai Announces 2026 Model Year Changes (news release), Hyundai Motor America
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