2014 Hyundai Equus Review
2014 Hyundai Equus Review





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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.
Cons
- Interior quality and driving experience don't equal those of more elite luxury sedans
- disappointing braking distances
- all-wheel drive is not offered.
What’s new
The 2014 Hyundai Equus gets revised front and rear styling along with more in-depth changes inside where there are updates to the instrument panel, control layout and various materials. There are also new safety features, including BlueLink telematics and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems, as well as slight suspension modifications. The Ultimate model now seats three in the rear.
Edmunds says
A spacious interior and comprehensive features list make the 2014 Hyundai Equus a compelling value for consumers who don't want to break the bank on a full-size luxury sedan purchase. Just don't expect much in the way of personality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$263/mo for Equus Signature
Equus Signature
vs
$205/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Although large luxury sedan ownership is often associated with free spending and creating an impression of wealth, the 2014 Hyundai Equus is aimed at consumers who are fiscal conservatives at heart. Accordingly, the Equus is loaded to the brim with premium amenities and high-tech safety equipment, yet it costs up to tens of thousands of dollars less than the elite full-size luxury sedans your neighbors may be driving.
In spite of its bargain price tag, the 2014 Equus is not an analog of the knock-off Gucci purse or Rolex watch. In many ways, Hyundai's top luxury sedan is every bit the real deal. Its cabin is exceptionally quiet and its front and rear seating areas are opulent and spacious. Then there's the compliant suspension that delivers a fine ride, smothering all but the largest potholes.
On a rational level, the Hyundai Equus should be in the running if you're shopping for a full-size luxury sedan. The problem is that there's also an emotional element to driving and owning a luxury sedan, and when you get behind the wheel of the Equus, you realize the "you get what you pay for" philosophy still applies: The 2014 Equus doesn't steer or handle like the top-tier luxury sedans, and its interior materials, while clearly a cut above mainstream Hyundais, don't exhibit the outright extravagance of the furnishings seen in the elite European sedans.
The Equus also faces stiff competition from lower priced luxury sedans like the 2014 Cadillac XTS and Hyundai's own 2014 Genesis sedan (which is only slightly smaller than the Equus). The XTS is a particularly compelling proposition, as it checks all the same boxes as the Equus, yet offers a more engaging driving experience and, on an intangible level, a great deal more panache. Unquestionably, there's value here, and we awarded the car a "B" grade in our 2014 Hyundai Equus rating. But it's also the kind of value that's more satisfying on paper than it is from the behind the wheel.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 Hyundai Equus comes standard with a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard. According to EPA estimates, the Equus returns 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city/23 mpg highway).
In Edmunds performance testing, the Equus went from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is about average for a large, V8-powered luxury sedan.
Safety
The 2014 Equus comes standard with antilock brakes; stability and traction control; lane-departure, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems; a pre-collision warning and preparation system (using the adaptive cruise control sensors); front and rear side airbags; side curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag. The BlueLink telematics system provides emergency assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle recovery and geo-fencing. On the Equus Signature, you also get front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, while the Ultimate adds both a forward-view cornering camera and a surround-view camera system to make the big sedan less intimidating to maneuver in tight spaces.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Equus came to a stop from 60 mph in 127 feet, which is longer than average for this class.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Equus its highest rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength crash tests. The Equus' seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
Smaller engines are steadily finding their way into modern luxury sedans, but the 2014 Hyundai Equus is a flagship of the old school variety and thus only comes with a 5.0-liter V8. Although this V8 lacks the effortless low-end thrust of those in more expensive German-brand sedans, this grand Hyundai is anything but slow. The engine is generally silent, but it wakes up with a muted snarl if you keep the gas pedal pinned to the floor. The standard eight-speed automatic is a perfectly able companion, although you need to select the Sport driving mode if you prefer snappy shifts when maneuvering in expressway traffic.
For 2014, Hyundai has made some changes to the Equus' air suspension. The ride is now a little softer in the sedan's Comfort mode, while Sport mode tightens up the handling a little without making the ride harsh. Make no mistake, though, the 2014 Hyundai Equus is biased toward the luxury side of the ride-and-handling spectrum and doesn't feel as spry as other large, premium-brand sedans.
Interior
The interior of the Equus never was an unlivable place, but upgrades to the instrument panel and dash deliver a higher-tech look in the 2014 version. Both versions of the Equus come with a 9.2-inch display for the navigation system. It's pretty easy to use, too, as most infotainment functions are controlled via a rotary knob on the center console.
The Ultimate model looks even more cutting-edge, as it gets a full LCD instrument panel: The speedometer and tachometer look like traditional analog dials, but they're digital in reality. Another feature that's rare even in this class is the Equus Ultimate's standard head-up display (HUD). It not only projects basic information (such as speed) onto the windshield, but also turn-by-turn instructions from the navigation system.
The front seats could stand more support, but if you prefer softer, cushier seats, you probably won't mind them. The ventilation feature for the front seats actually provides chilled air, which is a total treat in muggy weather.
The leather, wood trim and plastics in the 2014 Hyundai Equus are all of acceptable quality for a car in this price range, but they're still not in the same league as what you'll find in costlier competitors. At least there's plenty of space: Rear occupants will have plenty of legroom in any Equus, and in the Ultimate trim, which now seats three instead of two, there's a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system and lumbar adjustment for the outboard seats; alas, the massage feature has been discontinued. Trunk capacity is a respectable 16.7 cubic feet.
2014 Hyundai Equus models
The 2014 Hyundai Equus is a rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan available in two trim levels, Signature and Ultimate, both of which seat five.
The Equus Signature comes standard with 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED fog and running lights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert systems, automatic wipers, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power-closing trunk, a sunroof and keyless ignition and entry.
Inside you get tri-zone automatic climate control, rear seat climate controls, heated and ventilated power front seats (12-way driver and 10-way passenger), driver seat memory functions, heated power-reclining rear seats, leather upholstery, extended leather interior trim, a heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade and an auto-dimming mirror.
Electronic features include Hyundai's BlueLink telematics system; Bluetooth phone connectivity; a navigation system with a 9.2-inch display and real-time traffic information; and a 17-speaker Lexicon audio system with discrete surround-sound capability, satellite radio, HD radio, a six-CD/DVD changer, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Equus Ultimate adds power-actuated soft-close doors, a power trunk lid, a full LCD instrument panel, a head-up windshield display, forward-facing and surround-view cameras, power-operated rear-seat sunshades, power lumbar adjustment for the outboard rear seats, rear-seat head-restraint adjustment, ventilated rear seats, rear vanity mirrors and a dual-screen DVD entertainment system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Hyundai Equus.
5 star(61%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(4%)
28 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Best Bang for your buck
klassickruiser, 03/17/2014
2014 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
I bought the 2014 Equus Signature, black with tan interior, just a great car. I shopped the Mercedes S550, BMW 750 and the Lexus 460 before making my decision on this purchase. Realistically there is no comparison, this car rocks the competition. The interior of the Equus is awesome, the seats are exceptionally comfortable, the controls are nicely positioned and the stereo is tremendous. … The interior amenities are as they should be in a car of this class. The fit and finish is comparable to the cars costing $40K more. The performance is similar to both the S550 and the BMW 750 in acceleration, the ride is more closely related to the S550. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a car.
UPDATE- The car currently has 46K miles and seems to only get better. The car has not had a single issue( knock on wood), I still can't say enough about this car. Keep up the great work.
4 out of 5 stars
Amazing car. Extended Warranty Not Supported.
Don, 02/21/2017
2014 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
This car rides like a dream! Gas mileage is acceptable in the city and good on the highway. Comfort visibility and performance are great! Shift to Sport if you need power and handling shift back to Eco mode for normal driving. The snow mode works well. Sound system is excellent. This a great car especially if you buy it used with low miles. It is a luxury car and as such is not meant as … a commuter car. At high speeds it floats and feel safe. Buy an extended warranty to cover all the toys and talk to your dealer nicely and they will support you. You will love this car. To repeat its a dream to drive.
Made 3 trips to Florida at 25 hours each way. Great performance. Update: trim issues. Performance and ride till anazing!
5 out of 5 stars
Perfect traveling sedan, nice and big!
Ezydusit, 11/22/2018
2014 Hyundai Equus Ultimate 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
This car is phenomenal. Hyundai Equus Ultimate
SPEED: The 429 hp can really be felt. You can take off the traction control and put into sports mode and it'll really jump!
DRIVER MODE: Normal, Sport & Snow
DRIVER DISPLAY: The heads-up display shows current speed, cruise speed, lane departure lines & blindside warnings and GPS directional arrows with mileage.
SMART CRUISE: The smart … cruise control is ideal in those traffic jams.
LIGHTS: The headlights curve as you turn. The fog lights add more visibility. The rear indicator lights are brighter and yellow.
SIDE MIRRORS: When parking the side mirror automatically fold in (you can also manually fold them in too). When in reverse you have a rear camera, bird's eye view and the side mirrors automatically rotate downwards to see the lines for parking. They also automatically defrost and have yellow indicator lights on the front.
WELCOMING: When you walk to the car when it's locked there are lights below the side mirror which light up & fold out before you unlock the doors (without removing the key or having to press a key). When you open from the passenger side or rear doors all the doors will unlock. Once inside you feel all the affects of luxury. The Equus logo appears on the driver display and plays some music. Once you start the vehicle the same logo appears on the large screen.
SCREENS: A large screen in the front and two 9.8" for the passengers. They are located on the back of the driver and front passenger's headrest.
CHARGING: You have two cigarette chargers in the front armrest and two in the rest seat armrest. There is also a USB port
SHADES: The rear shades and rear passenger shade are all automatic. The side door shades actually descend into the door when they are pressed down (by the window button).
DOORS: If they are closed with a slight gap the doors will automatically pull them in for a full close. They are solid and heavy doors.
SEATS: Power seats are adjusted from the door panels. The driver does have 2 memory options that can be set. Also all seats (except the rear middle seat) have a/c and heating for your bum. This is in the leather perforated seats. The front passenger seat can be adjusted by pressing buttons on the left side of the chair (can be initiated by the driver or the rear passengers).
AUTO HOLD: This button allows you to take your foot off the brake. It will be released once you push on the accelerator. Nice option for city driving.
TRUNK: Find it very large. Hold two golf bags and two sports duffle bags. Also is a power trunk controlled by the key, below the steering wheel and on the trunk.
RIMS & WHEELS: 19" rims with great finish & the logo. The rear tires are wider than the front two tires. It is REAR wheel drive.
SOUND: 17 speakers that is a 598 watt Lexicon 7.1 Discrete Surround (there is a youtube about it's quality).
This is an absolutely fun ride!
4 out of 5 stars
The 3rd transmission and still the same problem
ceoevans, 03/30/2018
2013 Hyundai Equus Signature 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 8A)
I bought an used 2013 (40,000mi) Equus Signature being one of three that I purchased to serve in my town car fleet. The other 2 were Ultimates. After driving it only 2200 miles the transmission went bad so under the conditions of the warranty I took it in. They claimed to have replaced it after 3 weeks to have me return it the same day with the same problem. So I had to wait another 3 … weeks as they said they put in another transmission in it. Well I got it back and was able to drive it 3 months before it started the problem again. If this is a warranty??? this is how to sell Excell's not an Equus. Buyers beware of the g90 they have the same 8 speed transmission.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Hyundai Equus, so we've included reviews for other years of the Equus since its last redesign.
2014 Equus Highlights
Signature
Base MSRP | $61,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $263/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
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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