It’s time for the comparison we have all been waiting for: Lexus LS500 vs. Hyundai Azera. The best in the full-size sedans category from both Lexus and Hyundai. There are better sedan options, of course, but these two are on another level in terms of practicality, affordability, and performance.
Yes! You can buy a base variant S-class after paying over AED 700,000, or you can be smart about it, follow our guidance, and choose from either the Lexus LS500, which is worth almost AED 455,000 or the Hyundai Azera, worth AED 190,000. Which one would be the perfect fit for you? We’ll find out in a bit as we compare both of these cars’ performance, interior, safety, and driver assistance features. But before that, let’s study a little more about Hyundai and Lexus.
Lexus
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury vehicle division, is known for crafting premium cars and SUVs that combine high-end performance with cutting-edge technology and refined comfort. In the UAE, Lexus models like the LX, RX, and ES are top-rated for their reliability, advanced features, and elegant design.
Lexus vehicles stand out for their smooth and powerful engines, intuitive interiors, and durability, making them a top choice among luxury car enthusiasts. With a strong presence in the UAE market, Lexus offers an extensive lineup tailored to meet the region’s demand for comfort, status, and robust engineering suitable for city drives and desert terrain alike.
Hyundai
Hyundai has become a leading car brand in the UAE, known for offering affordable, reliable, and well-designed vehicles that cater to diverse driving needs. Models like the Hyundai Tucson, Elantra, and Santa Fe are viral in the UAE for their fuel efficiency, advanced features, and appealing designs.
Hyundai cars are recognized for providing excellent value, combining cutting-edge technology, safety features, and stylish interiors at competitive prices. In the UAE, Hyundai’s lineup covers everything from compact cars to SUVs, making it a preferred choice among families, young professionals, and commuters who seek quality and performance in an economical package.
Lexus LS500 vs. Hyundai Azera – Editor’s POV
We’ll get to the interior and performance after this, but exterior-wise, both of these cars are shockingly good-looking. We can’t say one looks better than the other. Sure, the Azera seems a little more futuristic. If you own an Azera, it definitely looks like you are working undercover or you’re Dwayne Johnson. If you own the Lexus, it will seem like you commit tax fraud on a regular basis and you are on your way to gambling all of your son’s college funds. We don’t promote these things, but it does feel cool, right?
Performance
Let’s compare these cars’ performance stats side-by-side:
| Specs | Hyundai Azera | Lexus LS500 |
| Engine | V6 | V6 |
| Forced Induction | NA | Twin-Turbo |
| Displacement | 3470cc | 3500cc |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Auto | 10-Speed Auto |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | Rwd |
| Power | 295 hp | 416 hp |
| Torque | 358 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Weight | 1700 kg | 2235 kg |
These stats justify the more than double price tag of the Lexus LS500 from the Hyundai Azera. Yes, the Lexus is heavier, but it’s more powerful too. The front-wheel drive Hyundai Azera is straight-up boring and not fun, unlike the LS500’s rear-wheel drive.
Interior
Let’s indulge in what these cars are best at:
| Specs | Hyundai Azera | Lexus LS500 |
| No. of seats | 4 | 5 |
| Seat Material | Nappa Leather | Semi-Aniline Leather |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | Yes |
| Multimedia | 12.3″ Full TFT LCD | 12.3” Infotainment Display |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | Panoramic + Moon roof |
| Sound System | Bose Premium Sound System | Mark Levinson Premium Audio |
| Seat Functions | Heated + Ventilated | Heated + Ventilated |
| Boot Capacity | 515 liters | 480 liters |
The Hyundai Azera is close, but the Lexus LS500 wins in terms of the interior. It offers rear passenger entertainment, a Rear Seat Relaxation system, a powered moonroof, soft-close doors, and a Mark Levinson 23-Speaker Premium Sound System.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Let’s have a look at the safety and driver assistance features of both of these vehicles:
| Features | Hyundai Azera | Lexus LS500 |
| Airbags | 9 | 10 |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Smart Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Power Steering (EPS) | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | Yes | Yes |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist (HSA) | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control (TRC) | Yes | Yes |
| Heads-Up Display (HUD) | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Assist | Yes | Lane Tracing Assist |
| Lane Change Assist | No | Yes |
| 360 Cameras | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
From these tables, it is clear that the Lexus LS500 indeed justified its price tag, but the Hyundai was still quite close despite having less than half the Lexus price. If you are on a budget, the Azera may be a sensible option, but if you want to maintain your comfort, the Lexus LS500 has it all and more.