Overview & Reviews

The Hyundai Equus fittingly stands as a dark horse in the large luxury class with its competitive performance, extensive equipment roster, world-class quality and extraordinary value pricing. Lexus and Infiniti took a similar approach back in the day, and now it's Hyundai's turn. For about $60,000 when new, the Hyundai Equus offers the space, comfort and amenities of fully optioned high-end sedans costing $90,000 or even more.

Even if the Equus isn't quite as performance-oriented or impeccably built as European thoroughbreds, Hyundai is betting potential drivers will care more about the enormous cost savings. Not only that, but the Hyundai Equus appeals with its remarkably quiet and limousine-like cabin, top-drawer amenities, long warranty and unique dealer service program.

Current Hyundai Equus
The Hyundai Equus is a large luxury sedan that is based on Hyundai's previous-generation Genesis platform, but it's been enlarged to provide limousine-like interior room. Under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8 generating 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There are two trim levels, Signature and Ultimate. The base Signature trim includes premium features like various driver warning systems (lane departure, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic), adaptive cruise control, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sunroof and keyless ignition and entry. Inside you'll also find a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated and ventilated power front seats, heated power-reclining rear seats, premium leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power window shades, navigation, a multimedia controller, Bluetooth, Blue Link telematics and a 17-speaker Lexicon audio system with iPod interface, satellite radio and six-CD changer.

The Hyundai Equus Ultimate's added highlights include power soft-close doors, a power trunk lid, a head-up display, forward- and surround-view cameras, power rear sunshades, ventilated rear seats with power lumbar and headrest adjustments, rear vanity mirrors and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system.

The Equus' interior is substantially nicer than what you'd expect in other Hyundais and is acceptable at its price range; however, the newer Genesis sedan is a bit nicer and any of the similarly priced or sized entries from Japanese and European makers are far superior.

Nevertheless, the Equus Ultimate trim is still intriguing with its first-class rear compartment offering a limolike ambience unmatched by other sedans at its price point. Up front, a large LCD screen and straightforward multimedia and climate controls make it relatively easy to manage the extensive high-tech features.

While the Equus V8's output looks good on paper and is perfectly capable in most situations, acceleration from a stop is not quite as energetic as you'll find in other V8-powered flagships due to its modest torque rating. Once underway, this Hyundai responds like a slightly more willing Lexus LS 460. An aggressive BMW killer it isn't, but we think there are plenty of luxury sedan shoppers who'll be more than happy with the Equus' relaxing ride, spacious cabin, myriad creature comforts and undeniable value proposition.

Used Hyundai Equus Models
The Hyundai Equus debuted in the 2011 model year. These first-year examples were powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 5.0-liter engine was new for 2012. Apart from lacking slightly refreshed interior and exterior styling, a few high-tech features (telematics and blind-spot/rear cross-traffic warning systems) and a three- (rather than two-) passenger rear seat for the Ultimate version, these pre-'14 Equus models are otherwise similar to the current offerings.

User Reviews:

• 

  Hyundai Equus Signature - 2011 Hyundai Equus
  By clingenpeel - March 22 - 5:21 pm

  I took delivery of My Signature On Jan 7. It has been a great car to drive. On a trip over the mountains it got 23.3 on regular.b On a trip over flat terrain it go 27,6 mpg. To all the biychers out there, my other car is a Mercedes S Class. The ammenities are the same except the Equus does not have a power trunk lid or automatic door closers. I feel like I just saved $40000

• 

  Excellent value for the price, amazing deal - 2011 Hyundai Equus
  By sushibricks - March 10 - 11:33 am

  Family recently purchased the car. Weve seen the previous generation Equus and saw how popular it was in Korea and decided to give this newer Equus model a try. Two words: Amazing improvement. This model cannot be compared with the previous models. The interior design improved greatly, in fact, Im actually pretty satisfied with the interior improvement. Theres even a fridge! The rear seats have plenty of space, they definitely added more space back there because the previous models were a bit uncomfortable if u were in the back seat. Car is very quiet, has plenty of power. If you need a car similar to BMW 7, Benz S Class, or Lexus at a much cheaper price, then this cars the way to go

• 

  Unbelievable value - 2011 Hyundai Equus
  By losyaxons - March 8 - 10:07 pm

  I have been driving BMW 7 series for the last twenty years and now have a new Equus Ultimate model and cannot imagine a better value. It has the same features as any of the available flagships for 30-40k less. As Hyundai gains market share, it will certainly appreciate in value. Opportunities like this rarely come along. I am in love with this car! Thank you, Hyundai

• 

  Great Price Performance - 2011 Hyundai Equus
  By paul1940 - January 23 - 10:24 pm

  I saw this car at the State Fair few months ago and have waited for test drive. I have driven about two weeks now and I absolutely love it. I thought my previous L***** is a quite car but this car is even quieter. This car might be the quietest car. All the features that I can find other luxury cars for this price is incredible. That is why I called the title "great price performance." For the reliability, the dealer said I get free maintenance for 5 years. There is no perfect car in the world but the price and performance (features, reliability, build quality, etc) is way better than any other luxury car I ever drove (L***** and B** 5).

• 

  Dissapointed with my buy, please dont make the same mistake - 2011 Hyundai Equus
  By brodyhoover - January 15 - 11:04 am

  Its a little too early to buy Hyundai as a luxury car. It has great inside features that many top brands have. However, the car is way too long and wide. Its external appearance is "ugly." You cant tell that it is luxury car from its external appearance. I traded mine in for a Lexus LS 460 and I am much happier with it, although the price is higher. It offers a better external and interior. Hyundai has a long way to be considered a luxury car, but I think this is a start.

• 

  excellent!!!!!!! - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By dave - November 5 - 2:02 am

  Upgraded from a sonata turbo I Ive never looked back. Handles vey well and the ride is oh so smooth!!! steering can be a bit better, wish gas mileage was better as well, but I guess I should expect that having a v8. I also wish their was an awd option, but thats me just nit-picking. What are you waiting for, go buy one already!!!!!!!

• 

  never buy in your life hyunadi Equus - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By raj - November 16 - 10:16 am

  stay away from this vehicle.The major problem is with service.Buyers think they are buying a premier car,however the dealerships are not geared to a premier experience.The dealerships are not familiar with this car,and service is generally poor.My car was in the shop for long periods,parts were readily avail in one year my car in shop for 6 month even diner doesnt know about any thing they change every things problem is still there However, the critical fault of the Hyundai Equus is that it handles and drives very poorly.It also has a weak chasis that cannot handle.My car swayed and vibrated at and the dealers could not fix it. My wife just would not drive it on the highway because it drives so poorly. Stay with Lexus and/or Mercedes , never buy equus worest car

• 

  Couldnt believe I bought a NEW car! - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By Bob E. - July 4 - 3:02 pm

  Im a long time Lexus used car guy who usually buys from eBay. Ive had incredible luck doing that and have kept my 1990 LS-400 for 403,000 miles and my 2002 LS-430 for 215,000 miles. I like to keep up with all maintenance through a good friend who has an auto repair shop so getting lots of miles out of a car is my standard practice. This time around, I just got an itch for a newer car and started looking for a used 2013 LS-460 which was the next one in my Lexus progression. I was really appalled when I drove one though because I realized Lexus had departed from their quiet elegance/nice ride with road feel to a blinged-up stone boat with no road feel at all and way too many needless gadgets/buttons. I then gave up on Lexus and started looking around for a Ford, Infinity, Lincoln or Buick equivalent of my idea of a really nice car. None of those really fit my vision so I thought Id see what Hyundai had to offer. I used the CarProUSA.com recommended dealer of Weisner Hyundai in Conroe, Texas and took a test drive in a Genesis. It was OK but not really far enough into the "luxury" concept that I was hoping for. Ron Clark, my sales guy, suggested I try the Equus to see if I liked it. I looked at the sticker price and thought there would be no way I would ever pay THAT much for a car, new or used. I really liked driving the Equus and thought I was finished since the price was so high but Ron was able to make me an unbelievable deal on the 2016 Equus and I just couldnt resist. Having the price I was going to pay for a used car and the wonderful, no-pressure honest sales approach by Ron made me happy with my purchase. Since I like to keep a car for hundreds of thousands of miles, I am concerned with the unknown of Hyundais longevity but their 10 year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty says they are pretty confident about their car. That helps me feel more confident as well. I also got complete standard maintenance for 3 years and they even come to my house to pick up my car while leaving a loaner during service. That is pretty hard to beat for us mere mortals. I may be singing a different tune in 5 years but this experience was far beyond my expectations and Im betting the long term story will be as good. From what I understand, Equus, as a model, is being ended this year but essentially the same car will be the 2017 Genesis G90 as Hyundai breaks the upscaled Genesis brand out similar to the way Toyota did with Lexus in 1989. That doesnt bother me at all because I was given such an incredible deal on a really nice car. Heck, I was going to buy a used car with unknown longevity anyway so getting a new one with a long warranty sure works for me.

• 

  New to Hyndai products - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By Paul Griffin - March 18 - 8:59 pm

  Car is a real good deal for what you get in it. Ride is great and no noise while driving. Would like to get better gas mileage. Just had the car for 2 months.

• 

  Luxury BMW type car without the price and more - 2016 Hyundai Equus
  By Jeff - June 19 - 10:41 pm

  Be sure to get all the incentives. The sticker in our car was almost 70 grand but after drilling them for all the incentives we walked out with the top of the line car for under 50 thousand what a steal. The car spoils me every time I drive it!!!! I love it.....Update, just went down and test drive the Audi A8. Sorry brand lovers but the Audi does not have the look or feel of the luxury Equus. I am not a brand guy. I go with the best car all around for the money. When I had my Audi I never once had someone come up and say " wow thet is a beautiful car what is it" i get that at least twice a week. Look inside the A8 then look inside thw Equus Ultimate. It clearly screams better quality and more options. The price tag was 35 thousand more for the A8 which isnt half the car. Now I know all thw brand loving Audi people are gonna post all kinds of things after reading this. Just k ow I owned the Audi I wanted another one but thank god I found this Equus first it is truly a highway cruising comfortable car with every bell and whistle. If your not that guy that has to say hey look at my Audi then for sure save the extra 30 grand and buy another car, two for one and you will be an Equus fan and will get over the brand name really fast. I love this car and have so much fun making people try to guess what it is. Thier guesses are usually I dont know a Bently, mercedes, etc. Then watch them call you a liar when you tell them Hyundai makes it...LOL