The 2014 Hyundai Equus is a large, comfort-oriented rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, offered in two trims: Equus Signature and Equus Ultimate. Both come with a 5.0L V8 engine, as well as a long list of luxury and safety features that closely match the offerings of other top luxury sedans. The 429-horsepower V8 "Tau" engine in the Equus incorporates high-pressure direct injection, dual continuously variable valve timing and tuned induction to produce a remarkable combination of power and efficiency. An 8-speed automatic is mated to the V8 and allows manual control and a wide span of ratios. Although the Equus is clearly geared more toward comfort than performance, its powerful engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, stiff structure and user-selectable suspension allow some latitude for enthusiastic driving. The combination of a 5-link rear suspension geometry and continuous damping control (CDC) helps keep the wheels firmly in contact with the road surface, without bringing too much harshness into the cabin. The air suspension system includes a selectable Sport setting if you want a stiffer feel for curvy roads, as well as a new Snow mode for optimal control in wintry conditions. The big 4-wheel disc brakes as well as electro-hydraulic power steering and a reasonably tight turning circle help give the Equus a tidy, manageable feel on the road.
The Equus comes with a total of nine airbags, including roof-mounted side-curtain bags that cover those in front and in back, plus a driver's side knee airbag. It's also loaded with some of the top safety technology, including a lane departure warning system, smart cruise control and parking-assist cameras. Standard intelligent cruise control includes an engine stop/start function for use in stop-and-go traffic.
With soft leather, real wood trim, leather-wrapped, French-stitched seats and even a suede-like Alcantara headliner, all in a quiet, isolated cabin, the Equus is every bit a luxury car. Front seats are heated and cooled and are soft, wide and supportive. A massage function is included for the driver's seat. Base Equus Signature models include nearly all the bells and whistles, including the air suspension, front and rear parking assist, smart cruise control, HID headlamps, adaptive front lighting and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. A Lexicon Logic 7 surround-sound system is also included and features 17 speakers, 13 channels and 608 watts of power. The system includes HD Radio, XM satellite radio and full iPod integration.
Equus Ultimate models bring the Equus into limousine territory by including a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 9.2-inch high-resolution displays, a refrigerator, cooled and reclining rear seats with outboard power lumbar support, power rear headrests, rear-seat massage adjustable leg support, a power trunklid and automatic power door closure assist and a forward-view parking and cornering camera system.
The Equus' refined cabin is highlighted by a 7-inch LCD center display on Signature models and a 12.3-inch center display on Ultimate models, with driver menus accessible through steering wheel haptic controls.
Spacious Interior
Comfortable Ride
Strong V8 Performance
Lavish Trims And Details
Strong Safety Record
Equus Ultimate Offers Prestige Luxury For Tens Of Thousands Less Than Others In Its Class
For 2014, the Hyundai Equus luxury sedan features several updates. Outside, the car has new 19-inch turbine-blade polished wheels, along with a revised front fascia and grille, new side mirrors and standard LED fog lamps. Meanwhile, the interior has a redesigned instrument panel, center stack and center console, new ivory leather upholstery and premium wood trim. In Ultimate models, rear outboard seating now features power lumbar support.
Mechanically, the Equus sports a revised suspension tuned for both enhanced ride comfort and handling, with a Sport mode benefitting from firmer damper tuning and a new Snow mode for winter driving. An automatic power door closure assist is new on Ultimate models.
Finally, new technologies include a larger, 7-inch LCD center display on Signature models and a 12.3-inch center display on Ultimate models, with driver menus accessible through steering wheel haptic controls. Dual 9.2-inch high-resolution displays for rear seat entertainment replace the previous single display. Standard intelligent cruise control now includes a full stop/start function for use in stop-and-go traffic.
The Equus is Hyundai's luxury flagship, aimed directly at top models from other luxury brands -- including the Lexus LS and Jaguar XJ -- but costing thousands less. The V8 in the Equus, at 429 horsepower, is Hyundai's most powerful engine ever -- and more powerful than the engines in the Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S550. The 8-speed automatic transmission enhances the Equus' performance while still managing to return an EPA-estimated 24 mpg highway. There are yet other reasons why the Equus stands out from the luxury pack, and they're not all value-related. According to Hyundai, the Equus has more leg, head, and shoulder room, both in front and in back, than the Lexus LS 460. It's also a standout for safety features, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
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