It’s only fair to start this guide by equipping readers with the proper pronunciation – the luxury Hyundai with the funny name is said “ek-wuss.” With that out of the way, this sedan with the odd moniker may not have the name respect of Lexus or Audi but the car is a bold and fairly successful attempt to rival the Europeans in their dominance of the market segment. With features and architecture that are balm to the senses and a hefty dose of pony power under the hood, the Equus may not have the price tag of the big guys but it does have a lot to offer budget-minded individuals with refined sensibilities.
Key Features
The base Equus is outfitted with a generous suite of standard features including a 17-speaker Lexicon Surround Sound audio package, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with massage feature, and front seat heating and cooling.
Changes for 2012
The 2012 model year offers a ramped up 429 HP engine with direct-injection and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Ultimate package now brings with it rear power window shades.
What We Like
What’s not to love about rear reclining (60/40 split) seats? Plus, they’re heated – a rarity in standard features even within the luxury segment. With the Ultimate trim option the back turns from a three-seater into two, the split goes 50/50 and gets cooling as well, and the rear passenger’s side offers its occupant a lovely massage.
What Concerns Us
While the Equus rivals even BMW’s 7-Series for power, and offers a host of attractive features that make it a first-class ride, it may be just too difficult for some to overcome the name badge. No matter how fancy the sedan, the brand has a reputation for, gasp, affordability. But for those who want the comforts and don’t care what anyone else thinks, the Equus is a great bargain.
Available Models
The Equus sports a 5.0L V8 with 376 lb.-ft. of torque, 429 HP, and fuel economy of 15/23 mpg.
Major Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Equus.
Common Issues
While complaints are rare, there have been multiple reports of an issue with the exhaust system producing excessive amounts of soot. In one case the soot was present in the trunk. No fix has been determined for this problem.
