The next step up from Hyundai’s Sonata, a more standard family-focused mid-sized sedan, the Hyundai Azera takes things in a different direction.

It’s more upscale -- designed to look more appealing inside and out, and while it can still function as a family car it definitely won’t look like one from afar.

I recently spent some time driving a 2014 Hyundai Azera Limited, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

When you get into the Azera, you’re in the territory of a full-sized sedan (more in line with the Ford Taurus and Nissan Maxima, among others).

The design features a stylish, glass-roof look that stands out at first sight. It sort of looks like a luxury car, but it won’t cost you nearly as much as a Lexus, for example.

You get plenty of room inside the vehicle, with ample seating for five, plus an abundance of trunk room.

The ambient lighting inside is a nice touch, as is the comfortable, quality leather seating and overall quality of materials used in the vehicle.

ENGINE, HANDLING, OVERALL RIDE QUALITY

The numbers from under the hood in the Azera are as follows: You’re getting a 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 293 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque, some pretty impressive numbers.

What’s interesting about the drive is where it does well compared to other Hyundai vehicles. I also recently drove a 2014 Sonata with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine, and that vehicle flew away from a stop light and left others in the dust, despite having less overall horsepower than the Azera..

The Azera takes a different approach with its V6, non-turbo, engine. It’s still a powerful ride, but it’s not going to get you off the line quickest like the Sonata’s turbo engine did. Instead it has a more sustained power that will be more noticeable when you use it for passing when already under powe. It’s not a speed demon off the line, more like a steadily powerful demon.

Handling was impressive in both the Sonata and the Azera that I tested, with the Azera still responding well despite being a bit larger. The ride was quiet inside, and road noise/bumpiness are kept to a minimum.

One thing to note about the Azera: It’s only offered as a front-wheel drive, and it would be nice if they could offer an all-wheel drive version in the future -- like some of its competitors in this full-size sedan category.

MPG

I got about 23 mpg while driving the Azera. This was in line with the official numbers -- 19 city/29 highway/23 combined.

TECH

You get plenty of tech features in the Azera Limited, including
-- Bluetooth connectivity
-- Heated seats in both front and rear
-- Proximiity key entry and push-button start

-- Bluelink telematics system (a very helpful assistant available with the push of a button)

-- Heated and power-folding side mirrors

-- 90-day satellite radio trial

-- 8-inch touchscreen/Navigation/rear camera

-- Dual automatic temperature control

-- Optional power rear sunshade (good if you are transporting kids in the back)

-- Optional rear parking assistance system

PRICE, BOTTOM LINE

The 2014 Hyundai Azera Limited starts at $34,750; though by the time options were added my test vehicle made it $37,905. Other trim levels of the Azera are available for less (base model starts at $31,000).

The Azera is for the Hyundai customer who wants a bigger vehicle and a more luxury look in their ride, but still a decent price, and is more concerned about sustained power than with being the quickest from a start.

The Sonata with its turbo engine was perhaps a bit more fun to drive, but the Azera has a lot more elegance and grace to it.

Matt Myftiu can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or on Twitter @MattMyftiu.