2016 Hyundai Equus: Affordable Luxury Sedan Review
In a segment traditionally dominated by well-established luxury brands, the 2016 Hyundai Equus emerges as an intriguing alternative. Designed to rival some of the most iconic names in the premium automotive market, such as the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Lexus LS, the Equus offers a refreshing combination of sophistication, comfort, and performance.
Unlike many vehicles that rely heavily on brand image, the Equus seeks to earn respect through substance. From its elegant exterior to its meticulously crafted interior, the 2016 Equus delivers a true luxury experience without the inflated price tag often associated with its competitors.
More than just a statement of Hyundai’s capabilities, the Equus is a reflection of how luxury is evolving—focusing not only on prestige but also on practicality, technology, and long-term ownership value. For drivers who are open to exploring premium quality beyond the usual badge, the 2016 Hyundai Equus makes a compelling case. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at what makes this vehicle stand out, from its design and performance to its feature-rich offerings and overall value.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 2016 Hyundai Equus reflects a quiet sense of prestige and confidence. Its overall aesthetic is clean, balanced, and purposefully understated—tailored for those who appreciate elegance without the need for excess. At first glance, the Equus impresses with its long, stately proportions. The elongated hood, gently sloping roofline, and well-proportioned rear give the vehicle a commanding presence on the road. High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights and LED fog lights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to the vehicle’s sophisticated appearance.
Along the sides, the Equus exhibits a strong shoulder line and subtle chrome detailing that run the length of the body, emphasizing its sense of motion even while standing still. The design avoids unnecessary complexity, which helps maintain a timeless look—an essential quality for a vehicle in the luxury segment. The LED taillights are elegantly shaped and framed by chrome trim that ties into the vehicle’s overall design language.
Interior Luxury and Comfort
Step inside the 2016 Hyundai Equus, and you're immediately welcomed into an environment crafted with luxury, comfort, and thoughtful attention to detail. The interior layout is clean and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on symmetry and driver-focused ergonomics.
The dashboard is designed with minimal clutter, featuring a large 9.2-inch display at the center for infotainment and navigation functions. Controls are logically arranged, allowing the driver to access features with ease and confidence. This model includes an executive-class rear seating experience with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats, complete with lumbar support and a massage function. The generous legroom and available rear-seat entertainment system, including dual monitors and a rear console with controls, make the Equus an ideal choice for those who prefer to be chauffeured or travel in unmatched comfort.
The climate control system is another standout feature, offering tri-zone automatic temperature control to ensure personalized comfort for all passengers. Every detail, from the stitching on the seats to the placement of storage compartments, has been carefully considered to promote a sense of relaxation and prestige.
Engine Performance and Ride Quality
Under the hood of the 2016 Hyundai Equus lies a powerful and refined 5.0-liter V8 engine, designed to deliver strong acceleration and smooth cruising. Producing an impressive 429 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, this engine offers more than enough strength to move the large luxury sedan with confidence and grace. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain delivers seamless gear shifts that enhance both responsiveness and efficiency.
What sets the Equus apart is not just its power, but how effortlessly that power is delivered. Whether accelerating from a standstill or merging onto a highway, the V8 engine responds with quiet authority. It’s not aggressive or overly sporty—rather, it provides a composed and dignified performance that aligns with the luxury character of the vehicle. The engine note is smooth and well-muted, adding to the overall sense of refinement inside the cabin.
In terms of ride quality, the Equus truly excels. Thanks to its advanced electronically controlled air suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), the sedan glides over uneven pavement with minimal disruption to passenger comfort. The suspension automatically adjusts to driving conditions, offering both comfort in everyday driving and added firmness when cornering or driving at higher speeds.
Noise insulation is another highlight. The result is a whisper-quiet cabin that allows drivers and passengers to enjoy conversations, music, or simply a peaceful ride. Fuel efficiency, while not the primary focus for a V8-powered luxury sedan, is reasonable for the segment.
Infotainment and Technology
The 2016 Hyundai Equus stands out not only for its luxurious cabin and refined driving experience but also for its impressive suite of infotainment and technology features. Designed to enhance convenience, connectivity, and entertainment, the technology found in the Equus rivals that of many well-established luxury brands—delivered with Hyundai’s signature user-friendly approach.
The interface is thoughtfully laid out, with crisp graphics and a logical menu structure that makes it easy to access and control essential functions. Physical buttons for frequently used features such as volume, navigation, and climate settings further enhance the usability, especially when driving. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and wireless audio, while USB and auxiliary ports provide additional options for connecting external devices.
In terms of audio, the Equus features a premium 17-speaker Lexicon surround sound system. Known for its clarity and immersive quality, the Lexicon system delivers a rich listening experience, whether you're enjoying classical music, talk radio, or your favorite podcast. Audio settings can be customized to suit personal preferences, with crystal-clear acoustics throughout the cabin.
For rear-seat passengers, especially in the Ultimate trim, Hyundai offers a dedicated rear-seat entertainment system. This includes dual 9.2-inch monitors mounted on the back of the front headrests, along with a separate rear console that allows passengers to control media playback, climate settings, and seat functions.
Safety Features
When it comes to luxury, true peace of mind extends beyond comfort and technology—it also includes a strong foundation of safety. The 2016 Hyundai Equus was engineered with this principle in mind, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features and structural enhancements designed to protect all occupants. Whether driving in busy urban areas or cruising on the highway, the Equus aims to provide confidence and security at every turn.
Standard on all models is a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift outside its lane without the use of turn signals. Another notable feature is the Blind Spot Detection system, which uses sensors to monitor areas that may not be visible in the side mirrors. When another vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the system provides both visual and audible warnings to the driver, helping reduce the risk of side collisions during lane changes.
The Equus also includes a Pre-Safety Seatbelt mechanism that automatically tightens the seatbelts in anticipation of a potential impact. This feature, paired with the available Smart Cruise Control system, adds an extra layer of precaution. Smart Cruise Control not only maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead but can also slow down or bring the vehicle to a complete stop if necessary, making highway driving safer and less fatiguing.
Backing up and maneuvering in tight spaces is made easier and safer with the inclusion of a Multi-View Camera System. This technology provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view around the vehicle, giving drivers a clear perspective of their surroundings to avoid obstacles and pedestrians. Front and rear parking sensors further assist with low-speed maneuvers, offering audible alerts as the vehicle approaches nearby objects.
Additional safety features include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Together, these systems work seamlessly to enhance vehicle control, improve braking performance, and ensure optimal tire pressure—all critical factors in accident avoidance and vehicle safety.
Hyundai reinforces this impressive list of features with a strong commitment to customer confidence through its industry-leading warranty program. The Equus is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, offering reassurance that safety and reliability go hand in hand.
