2012 Hyundai Equus Review
Price Estimate: $4,485 - $6,662
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Enormous list of standard features
- presidential-size backseat
- supremely quiet
- serene ride
- phenomenal sound system
- low price for the segment.
Cons
- Interior quality and driving experience don't match those of rivals
- disappointing braking distances
- all-wheel drive not offered.
What’s new
For 2012, the Hyundai Equus gets a new 5.0-liter V8 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power rear side-window shades now come standard on the Ultimate.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Hyundai Equus' comprehensive features, comfort and affordable price make it one of the most compelling contenders in the class of large luxury sedans.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
21 listings
- $7,095good price$1,884 below market
- 127,084 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 15 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- M&M Automotive (107 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
M&M Automotive LLC Where You re Treated Like Family! Founded in 2009, M&M Automotive LLC is a family-owned used car dealership proudly serving Richmon...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHGH4JH9CU054912
Stock: REP-054912
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-06-2025 - $7,999good price$1,338 below market
- 125,314 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 15 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Liberty Used Motors (247 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Selma, NC
Thank you for viewing our 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature for sale in Selma, NC. If you have any specific questions please contact us. We will be glad to...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHGH4JH3CU052394
Stock: 052394
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-18-2025
Vehicle overview
Just a few years ago, the idea of Hyundai launching a full-size premium luxury sedan in America seemed whimsical. Yet the 2012 Hyundai Equus, with its refined manners and notable value, will likely make you a believer.
The Equus carries over into 2012 largely unchanged. There's still a wholesale list of standard features and interior refinement on par with the best from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. But there are two welcome changes for this year's Equus: a new 5.0-liter V8 engine and an eight-speed transmission. The former makes more power than nearly every other V8 from the German and Japanese rivals, and the new transmission helps the 429-horsepower V8 achieve 18 mpg in combined driving.
Inside you'll find creature comforts and tech that includes a massaging driver seat, adaptive cruise control, a 17-speaker sound system and even a rear passenger footrest. It's enough to make the Hyundai Equus a legitimate challenger to similarly priced (but smaller) luxury cars like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as similarly sized (but pricier) flagship sedans like the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class.
Against the flagships, the Equus does come up short in a couple areas. The quality of the interior materials, for instance, isn't as high, and the V8, even though it's more powerful this year, still doesn't quite provide the low-end muscle that's often expected for this class of car. Some other shoppers might be put off by its bland styling. Still, the Equus represents a high water mark for Hyundai. Whatever it may lack is made up for with solid engineering, comfortable indulgence and an earthly price. You don't normally buy a Hyundai to impress your friends, but that just might happen with the 2012 Hyundai Equus.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive 2012 Hyundai Equus comes standard with a 5.0-liter V8 making 429 hp and 376 pound-feet of torque. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is also standard. According to EPA estimates, the Equus returns 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
In Edmunds performance testing, the Equus went from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is average for a V8-powered luxury sedan.
Safety
The 2012 Hyundai Equus comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints, a lane-departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a driver-side knee airbag, front and rear side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Equus came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet, which is about 10 feet longer than average.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Equus its highest rating of "Good" in frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, as well as roof strength tests.
Driving
Silence. That's one of the first things you notice after taking the wheel of the 2012 Hyundai Equus. At idle, it's about as quiet as a hybrid with the engine shut off. Things aren't much louder once underway, with the engine just a whisper and only a slight tire howl from the four corners. Still, the Equus isn't some sleepy-handling limousine. It floats a bit in default suspension mode, but hit the Sport dynamic button and the Equus firms up over bumps and road irregularities. It doesn't have the speed or reflexes of luxo-sport sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series or Jaguar XJ, but the Equus remains stable and predictable when pushed.
While rated power from the new 5.0-liter V8 meets or beats most of the competition, the Equus still lacks the low-end thrust of the German flagship nobility. It's one of the few traits that keeps the Equus from the ranks of elite luxury sedans. But if history is any indicator, this may be a short-lived deficiency.
Interior
The Equus quiets skeptics by packing nearly every luxury and convenience found in other premium-badged cars and wrapping them in a first-class design. Interior quality does fall short of the high-end cabins of flagship luxury sedans, but is every bit as good as that of less expensive Acura or Infiniti cabins. One minor question mark is durability; we've noticed stretched and sagging leather seat upholstery in an Equus test car of ours with fewer than 20,000 miles on the meter.
Overall interior room is quite impressive, and both front and rear passengers are treated to sky-high levels of comfort. For the full VIP experience, we recommend the Equus Ultimate for its unique four-passenger configuration. The extending La-Z-Boy footrest will impress your friends, but it isn't really long enough for most full-size adults to enjoy. In terms of trunk space, the Equus is pretty respectable, with 16.7 cubic feet available.
The Equus features a knob-based multimedia controller that operates the navigation, climate, vehicle and entertainment systems (there are also simple, redundant climate controls in the center stack). Overall, it works OK, with certain tasks like Bluetooth phone pairing made particularly painless. However, commonly used functions like selecting a radio preset or controlling your iPod take too much effort. This is a shame, since the Lexicon sound system is one of the best available in any car, period.
2012 Hyundai Equus models
The 2012 Hyundai Equus is a large luxury sedan available in Signature and Ultimate trim levels. The Signature seats five and includes 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension with adaptive dampers, a lane-departure warning system, adaptive cruise control, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, a windshield wiper de-icer, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof and keyless ignition/entry.
Within the plush cabin you'll find dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats (12-way driver, 10-way passenger) with driver massage and memory functions, a heated and power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery, wood and aluminum accents, a microfiber faux-suede headliner, heated and reclining rear seats, rear-seat audio and climate controls, a power rear window shade and manual rear side window shades. In terms of electronics, the Equus comes standard with a navigation system with real-time traffic, Bluetooth and a 17-speaker Lexicon surround-sound system with an iPod interface, satellite radio and six-CD changer.
The Equus Ultimate seats four, as the rear bench is replaced with a pair of reclining bucket seats with heating/cooling/massaging functions and a passenger-side power footrest. A rear center console includes storage bins, a mini refrigerator and separate controls for the climate and rear seat DVD entertainment systems. A power trunk lid, power rear side window shades and a forward-view cornering camera are also included with the Ultimate.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
The 2012 Hyundai Equus is highly appreciated for delivering an exceptional blend of luxury and value, characteristics that stand out to many owners. Its quiet, smooth ride often garners admiration, offering a cocoon-like sanctuary from external noise, which many find on par with more traditionally prestigious brands. The interior, with its abundant space and high-end features such as reclining rear seats and a top-notch Lexicon sound system, is noted for providing a comprehensive luxury experience. Additionally, the vehicle’s powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine and quality build often surprise those who initially underestimated Hyundai's capability to deliver a convincing luxury sedan.
Common Issues
The 2012 Hyundai Equus has been plagued by several recurring issues that frustrate drivers. Many owners have reported significant engine problems, often involving excessive oil consumption and unexpected engine knocks that occur without warning lights. Electrical failures also crop up frequently, with complaints about malfunctioning side mirrors, unresponsive key fob systems, and dead batteries attributed to open trunk lids. Additionally, the suspension system has been criticized, as leaks in the air suspension can lead to a noticeably low ride height, requiring frequent dealer visits that can be costly outside of warranty.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2012 Hyundai Equus offers a compelling everyday luxury experience, though not without some reliability concerns. Owners frequently praise the serene driving quality and expansive features that enhance daily commutes, making the vehicle a pleasure to drive under optimal conditions. However, recurring issues like unexpected engine failures and electronic glitches can dampen the experience, leading to frustration and frequent dealership visits. Despite these challenges, the Equus' blend of opulence and price makes it a fascinating choice for those willing to trade some potential headaches for a taste of high-end comfort.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$250/mo for Equus Signature
Equus Signature
vs
$186/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2012 Hyundai Equus has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #27 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#27 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$737/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
1.74x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
21.3%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 16V117000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 140
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-07-10 to 2012-06-12
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 18700
- Defect Description:
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2012 Genesis vehicles manufactured August 1, 2011, to April 30, 2012, and 2011-2013 Equus vehicles manufactured July 10, 2011, to June 12, 2012. The windshield wiper motor cover seal on the affected vehicles may degrade allowing corrosion on the wiper motor's circuit board. The corrosion can cause intermittent or total loss of wiper function.
- Defect Consequence:
- Inoperative wipers during inclement weather can decrease driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor cover and seal, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 140.
Warranty
5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 10 years / 100,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 7 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hyundai Equus Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(64%)
4(13%)
3(11%)
2(5%)
1(7%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Unbelievable value
5 out of 5 starslosyaxons, 03/09/2011
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
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
Amazing car & incredible price
4.88 out of 5 starsphil109, 04/02/2011
2011 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
I was on my way to buy another S class Mercedes when I hear about the Equus. Try one signature then bought an Ultimate two days after. The car had all details and options you can find on a Mercedes or Bmw, but more convenient, more smooth and more useful, all for a better price. Driving this car is as easy as possible, my only concern will be braking distances who tend to be a little bit … longer than on my previous car. I was stunned by the 5y/60.000 miles valet service/maintenance program, a big change from the $400 Mercedes oil change. My local Mercedes dealer have mostly arrogants sales people, I was treated in a better way when I bought the Equus.
Equus - 2012 with a bigger engine
4.75 out of 5 starskabirent1, 12/12/2011
2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
Just got my 2012 Equus yesterday.
I was on a waiting list. I am a little skeptical of reviewers who got it weeks ago - how did they get the car when mine was one of the first off the boat from Korea?
Anyways, the car, after 2 days is a lot of fun and seems to be a great value.
It rides a little on the soft side, but with the new, more powerful engine, its acceleration is strong.
Its … exceedingly quiet, roomy, comfortable, and has a long list of features. The promised support seems to be very nice - time will tell if that turns out to be truth or hype.
In short, if you are looking for a luxurious ride, don't need to impress anyone , and want to save big $$, this is worth a look.
2014 Equus Engine Problem - Please Read and Help
1 out of 5 starsK Lynn, 07/10/2018
2012 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
2014 Equus has 32K miles; knocking noise started and immediately brought to dealership. Dealership was extremely rude and stated "you better get your repair receipts ready"! No prior notice, no oil or engine light ever came on. Didn't hear anything for 3 days, had to follow up with dealer who stated we need a new engine. Oil had leaked into the timing chain, sludge built up and the … oil was overfull and the manufacture said they wouldn't warranty the engine. Called Hyundai direct and they stated they wouldn't warranty the engine. I have had no previous repairs, drive no more than 1K miles a month, treat the car like my own child and NEVER had a single light come on in the car. Went to BBB and I am going to arbitration with the Manufacturer and I NEED YOUR HELP. ANYONE WHO HAS HAD THE SAME ISSUE PLEASE HELP. MAYBE WE CAN BOTH GET THE MANUFACTURER TO WARRANTY OR REIMBURSE BOTH OF USE and stop this from happening to other customers.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Hyundai Equus, so we've included reviews for other years of the Equus since its last redesign.
2012 Equus Highlights
Signature
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $59,000 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $250/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Equus include:
- Back-up camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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