The 2016 Hyundai Azera Limited’s refined V6 power and luxurious features come at a cost of 22 MPG combined. This isn’t a car for hypermilers, it’s for those seeking a comfortable, spacious sedan with enough power to effortlessly cruise the highway or handle city traffic, and who accept the cost of fuel for that kind of driving experience.

City and highway performance

The Azera’s 3.3L V6, combined with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic, gets a respectable 19 MPG in the city. Stop-and-go driving will naturally reduce fuel economy, but the engine’s readily available torque means you don’t have to push the engine hard to maintain speed. The Azera performs better on the open road, achieving 28 MPG on the highway. This figure is good for comfortable long-distance driving and shows the car’s ability to maintain speed without much engine effort.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Hyundai Azera Limited at $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with about 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The EPA calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of testing. Your actual fuel costs may change depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a useful comparison, real-world fuel economy can vary. Factors like aggressive driving, heavy traffic, and weather conditions all change fuel consumption. Azera owners who drive smoothly, anticipate traffic, and drive at consistent speeds can often get close to or even exceed the EPA’s highway figure. However, drivers who accelerate quickly or often drive on congested city streets should expect to drop closer to the 19 MPG city rating. This car responds best to a relaxed and deliberate driving style.

How it compares

The Azera’s fuel economy is about average compared to other large sedans from 2016. The Toyota Avalon, for example, offered slightly better economy with a combined 24 MPG. A Buick LaCrosse with its standard V6 also got a combined 25 MPG. However, the Azera’s MPG is better than a car like the Chrysler 300, which got 19 MPG combined with its V6 engine. The MPG difference is least important to buyers who want a lot of interior space and ride comfort, but anyone should consider all Hyundai fuel economy data before buying. Of course, the AZERA MPG across all years has more to offer when weighing your options.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Hyundai Azera’s automatic transmission can downshift too quickly, especially when going uphill or accelerating. Manually upshifting using the shift lever can help keep the engine in its most efficient range, which reduces fuel consumption. Learn to anticipate hills or passing situations and stay in a higher gear.

Correct tire inflation is important for good fuel economy. Check your tires regularly and make sure they are inflated to the pressure listed on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel, especially with the car’s 18″ alloy wheels.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo impacts handling and decreases fuel efficiency. Remove any items you don’t need, like golf clubs or heavy luggage, to reduce weight and improve MPG.

Avoid aggressive driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel. Drive smoothly and maintain a consistent speed to maximize fuel efficiency by reducing sudden bursts of torque from the V6 engine.