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Used 2012 Hyundai Equus Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
45 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Equus, so we've included reviews for other years of the Equus since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

2011 Ultimate review - Great Job Hyundai!

jfortino, 12/27/2011
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful

I have owned 2 Lexus, 2 Acura, Lincoln Navigator and am turning in my Jaguar XF Premium Lease. I have test drove many cars looking for a premium luxury sedan. I took a chance on the Equus after researching for over 2 months and a number of test drives. After taking delivery and putting on 1000 miles - I am stunned at the quality of the vehicle. I was very unsure of my decision to move on a Hyundai, but relied on many of the reviews here and other places. The fit and finish is superb, and contrary to most professional reviews, the exterior of the vehicle is very sharp - I have already had a number of people asking me about the vehicle at a gas station and restaurant! Great job Hyundai!

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5 out of 5 stars

Finest Car we ever owned!!!!!! But un-reliable!!

John Chavanne, 10/10/2015
updated 10/16/2017
2011 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

This review is for our 2011 Equus. Prior to this we owned 4 Lexus LS sedans (1990,1996,2001,2005). The car is by far smoother and more comfortable and outperforms anything we have ever had. But------------At least 6 ot 8 times we have been faced with a dead battery. Why??? I think two possible reasons. When entering or exiting the car it is very easy to accidently touch the "Trunk Release" button. The trunk lid does not open, just moves up perhaps a 1/4" or so. So unless you grasp the trunk and try to open it and/or slam it you never realize this has happened. Trunk light comes on and a few days later---dead car!!!! Not sure about the latest model but some Hyundais (new Sonata and Genesis) when the button is pushed, open the lid all the way---obvious!! So two fixes--1- Retrofit to raise the lid completely or at least several inches and 2- Install what many competitors have which is a timer that automatically shuts down any accessories/lights that are accidentally left on!! Our dealer and we presume Hyundai refuse to consider this 'fix' and instead are prepared to remove the trunk light!!!! Another contributing factor seems to be that if car is not driven for a couple of weeks the existing systems seem to run the battery down. I installed a trickle charger but the dealer removed it. Sadly, the dealer and Hyundai have spent more in service calls and battery replacements than they would have to do a 'fix' to the problems! At this point we may be looking for a 'lesser' car but one that is reliable!! It would be wonderful if someone at Hyundai or our dealer who is able to make decisions would contact us. Meanwhile the car is gone for at least 3-4 days----again!!!!!!!!!!! Update as of Oct.2016 Trunk light removed. Trunk still opens 'on its own'. Third battery installed by dealer (under warranty). We are driving the car more which helps maintain battery. Dealer reconnected trickle charge cables so if not driven for two weeks or more we can hook up to charger. Despite this aggravation this is the smoothest, quietist, most powerful car we have ever owned. Sadly, Hyundai has dropped the Equus name and it is now the Genesis G 90. My wife plans to hang on to this one for a long time! We get many complements on its looks. Update as of 10/2017--Battery issue seems resolved. According to a WSJ article all the 'high' end cars have issues with battery drain. Believe the last battery installed may be of better quality. We drive the car at least once per week and have had no more dead battery issues. Hyundai in our opinion after spending six years and many $$$$ promoting the Equus did a dumb thing dropping the name. The current G 90 is not as 'appealing' as our 2011 Equus. Finally in our opinion this car is 90%+ of a Mercedes 'S' for about 55% of the price.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2011 Equus in MD/DC

Kevin, 05/15/2017
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Yes, it's a Hyundai. For the price, style, economy and features, you cannot beat it. I purchased this car in 2013 with 21,000 miles on it. Primarily used for over-the-road travel and can say, it is worth every penny spent. I changed the standard air filter with one by K&N, which has improved my fuel economy to 17/28, with an average combined economy of 21 mpg.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great value, but you get what you pay for...

kpsocal, 10/09/2011
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have been driving my Ultimate Edition for 6 months now. It drives very nice, has lots of power and is very smooth. This car is an excellent value for the money. However, let's not get carried away. There is a clear difference between the quality of this vehicle and the German luxury sedans. I am starting to experience some shakes and rattles after only 6 months. Also, the iPod interface and Navigation system have some issues. Also, don't expect a world class service experience at the dealership. When I complained about my problems, they returned the car without saying anything and writing on the service ticket "functioning as intended". I wish I had more room to tell you the whole story.

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5 out of 5 stars

Equus Ultimate trumps S600 or 750

bsdtwd, 09/13/2014
updated 03/14/2016
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Yes it's a Hyundai! The best part is the $20000 or more you get to keep in your pocket when you choose this fine car. Front/ Rear camera's, Adaptive cruise, Alcantara head liner, powered sun shades all around, a refrigerator, recliner and a LCD screen in back. Not to mention a remote for the reclining, vibrating, heated and cooled rear passenger seat. 1000 pounds lighter makes a big difference too. 28 MPG on highway! Update: 3/2016 Still loving the Equus. No problems since purchase. You have to rotate your tires side to side with every oil change (front and rear are different sizes) to avoid premature wear. Hyundai does not have a "camber" adjustment and there are no aftermarket kits due to low volume of production. That was a bit surprising to hear of not being able to adjust something as basic as camber is. Engineering decision I'd imagine??

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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