Which Hyundai Equus Version Should You Buy?
The Hyundai Equus catalogue covers three entries within two generations: the first-generation Sedan from 1999–2009, the second-generation Sedan from 2009–2013, and its 2013–2016 restyling. The clearest choice is between the first generation’s FWD, 5-speed models and the later RWD cars, which offer 6- or 8-speed Automatic transmissions.
The Hyundai Equus catalogue covers three entries within two generations: the first-generation Sedan from 1999–2009, the second-generation Sedan from 2009–2013, and its 2013–2016 restyling. The clearest choice is between the first generation’s FWD, 5-speed models and the later RWD cars, which offer 6- or 8-speed Automatic transmissions. Among versions with complete performance and economy figures, the restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) combines the lowest stated Combined consumption, 10.9 l/100 km, with a 6.9-second 0–100 km/h time. The restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed) is the performance choice at 5.8 seconds, while early first-generation versions suit buyers specifically seeking the FWD layout.
Hyundai Equus Generations: What Changed?
The first-generation Hyundai Equus was offered from 1999 to 2009 as a Sedan. The data lists 15 modifications, of which 12 are shown. Every listed version has a naturally aspirated Gasoline engine, a 5-speed Automatic gearbox and FWD. Engine sizes run from 2972 cm³ in the 3.0 AT to 4498 cm³ in the 4.5 AT. Outputs range from 197 hp to 270 hp.
The second-generation Hyundai Equus ran from 2009 to 2013 as a Sedan with 4 modifications. It changed the formula to RWD and introduced 6- and 8-speed Automatic gearboxes. Its naturally aspirated Gasoline choices are 3.8 AT (290 hp), 4.6 AT (373 hp), 4.6 AT (366 hp) and 5.0 AT (394 hp). Compared with the most powerful listed first-generation car, the 4.5 AT (270 hp), the 5.0 AT (394 hp) adds 124 hp and reduces the stated 0–100 km/h time from the first generation’s best measured 8.5 seconds to 6.1 seconds, a difference of 2.4 seconds.
The second-generation restyling covered 2013 to 2016, retained the Sedan body and contains 4 modifications. The choice narrowed to 3.8 AT (334 hp) and three database entries named 5.0 AT (430 hp). All are RWD and naturally aspirated Gasoline models. Most have an 8-speed Automatic, although one 5.0 AT (430 hp) uses a 6-speed Automatic. Relative to the earlier 3.8 AT (290 hp), the restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) gains 44 hp and 37 Nm, reaches 100 km/h 0.4 seconds sooner, and records Combined consumption 0.9 l/100 km higher.
Hyundai Equus Engine Specs and Version Comparison
Repeated version names are distinguished below by output, transmission and, where necessary, kerb weight or suspension.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 3.0 AT (197 hp) | 197 hp | 253 Nm | 2972 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.0 AT (203 hp) | 203 hp | 271 Nm | 2972 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.3 AT (247 hp) | 247 hp | 309 Nm | 3342 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT (210 hp, 1940 kg) | 210 hp | 304 Nm | 3497 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT (220 hp, 1940 kg) | 220 hp | 314 Nm | 3497 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.8 AT (266 hp, 1981 kg) | 266 hp | 353 Nm | 3778 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 4.5 AT (260 hp) | 260 hp | 381 Nm | 4498 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 4.5 AT (268 hp) | 268 hp | 372 Nm | 4498 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 4.5 AT (270 hp) | 270 hp | 373 Nm | 4498 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT (210 hp, 2100 kg) | 210 hp | 304 Nm | 3497 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.5 AT (220 hp, 2100 kg) | 220 hp | 314 Nm | 3497 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation 3.8 AT (266 hp, 2072 kg) | 266 hp | 353 Nm | 3778 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 3.8 AT (290 hp) | 290 hp | 358 Nm | 3778 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 4.6 AT (373 hp) | 373 hp | 451 Nm | 4627 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 4.6 AT (366 hp) | 366 hp | 448 Nm | 4627 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second generation 5.0 AT (394 hp) | 394 hp | 500 Nm | 5038 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled second generation 3.8 AT (334 hp) | 334 hp | 395 Nm | 3778 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled second generation 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed, 2240 kg) | 430 hp | 510 Nm | 5038 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled second generation 5.0 AT (430 hp, 6-speed) | 430 hp | 510 Nm | 5038 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled second generation 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed, 2100 kg) | 430 hp | 510 Nm | 5038 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 8-speed Automatic | RWD |
Power density helps separate engines that look similar on displacement alone. The first-generation 3.0 AT (197 hp) produces approximately 66.3 hp per litre, while the 3.0 AT (203 hp) reaches approximately 68.3 hp per litre. The first-generation 3.3 AT (247 hp) rises to approximately 73.9 hp per litre, and the 3.8 AT (266 hp) produces approximately 70.4 hp per litre.
The later engines make a larger step. The second-generation 3.8 AT (290 hp) delivers approximately 76.8 hp per litre, while the restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) delivers approximately 88.4 hp per litre. The second-generation 5.0 AT (394 hp) produces approximately 78.2 hp per litre, versus approximately 85.4 hp per litre for every restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp).
Hyundai Equus Performance, Fuel Economy and 0–100 km/h
For the first generation, many performance and consumption figures are not measured. The 3.5 AT (220 hp) is measured at 9.4 seconds from 0–100 km/h and 217 km/h; both database entries with that power share those figures. The 4.5 AT (260 hp) records 8.5 seconds and 230 km/h. Acceleration and top speed for the listed 3.0 AT, 3.3 AT, 3.8 AT, 4.5 AT (268 hp) and 4.5 AT (270 hp) entries are not measured. City, Highway and Combined consumption are not measured for every listed first-generation version.
The second-generation 3.8 AT (290 hp) reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, has a 240 km/h top speed, and consumes 14.3 l/100 km City, 7.5 l/100 km Highway and 10 l/100 km Combined. The 4.6 AT (373 hp) records 6.4 seconds, 240 km/h, 15.5, 8 and 10.7 l/100 km, respectively. The 4.6 AT (366 hp) also records 6.4 seconds and 240 km/h, with 16.2 l/100 km City, 8 l/100 km Highway and 11 l/100 km Combined. The 5.0 AT (394 hp) accelerates in 6.1 seconds; its top speed and all three consumption figures are not measured.
The restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) achieves 6.9 seconds, 240 km/h, 15.8 l/100 km City, 8 l/100 km Highway and 10.9 l/100 km Combined. Both restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed) entries achieve 5.8 seconds, 240 km/h, 17.6 l/100 km City, 9.3 l/100 km Highway and 12.3 l/100 km Combined. The restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 6-speed) takes 6 seconds, reaches 240 km/h, and uses 19.1 l/100 km City, 9.1 l/100 km Highway and 12.8 l/100 km Combined. Thus, the 8-speed version is 0.2 seconds quicker, uses 1.5 l/100 km less in the City and 0.5 l/100 km less Combined, although its stated Highway figure is 0.2 l/100 km higher.
Hyundai Equus Weight, Ground Clearance, Tank and Wheel Sizes
The first-generation entries have kerb weights from 1940 kg to 2100 kg; gross weight is not measured for all of them. Ground clearance is 150 mm where measured and not measured for the later duplicated 3.5 AT and 3.8 AT entries. Every first-generation entry has an 80-litre tank. Listed wheel sizes are 215/65 R15, 225/60 R16 and 235/55 R17, depending on version; wheel size is not measured for the 3.0 AT (197 hp) and for the later 3.5 AT (210 hp, 2100 kg) and 3.5 AT (220 hp, 2100 kg) entries.
Second-generation kerb weights are 1965 kg for the 3.8 AT (290 hp), 2070 kg for both 4.6 AT versions and 1875 kg for the 5.0 AT (394 hp). Gross weights are 2400 kg for the 3.8 AT (290 hp) and 2505 kg for both 4.6 AT versions; gross weight for the 5.0 AT (394 hp) is not measured. Clearance is 145 mm, except for the 4.6 AT (366 hp) at 154 mm. Every version has a 77-litre tank, while wheel sizes are not measured.
The restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) weighs 2000 kg kerb and 2400 kg gross, with 150 mm clearance and a 77-litre tank. The restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed, 2240 kg) weighs 2240 kg kerb and 2570 kg gross with 150 mm clearance. The 5.0 AT (430 hp, 6-speed) has the same weights and clearance. The other 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed, 2100 kg) weighs 2100 kg kerb and 2500 kg gross with 145 mm clearance. All use a 77-litre tank, and their wheel sizes are not measured.
Weight per horsepower favours the later high-output cars. The first-generation 3.0 AT (197 hp) carries approximately 9.85 kg per hp, while the 4.5 AT (260 hp) carries approximately 7.65 kg per hp. The second-generation 3.8 AT (290 hp) is approximately 6.78 kg per hp, and the 5.0 AT (394 hp) is approximately 4.76 kg per hp. In the restyled range, the 3.8 AT (334 hp) is approximately 5.99 kg per hp. The 5.0 AT (430 hp, 2240 kg) is approximately 5.21 kg per hp, while the 5.0 AT (430 hp, 2100 kg) improves that ratio to approximately 4.88 kg per hp.
Which Hyundai Equus Version to Buy and Why
Choose the restyled 3.8 AT (334 hp) when measured fuel use matters more than maximum output. It is 96 hp and 115 Nm behind the 5.0 AT (430 hp), but its Combined figure is 1.4 l/100 km lower than the 8-speed 5.0 and 1.9 l/100 km lower than the 6-speed 5.0. It still reaches 240 km/h and completes 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Choose a restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 8-speed) for the fastest measured acceleration. Its 5.8-second time is the best in the data. Between the two 8-speed entries, the 2100 kg car has the stronger weight-to-power figure, while the 2240 kg car has 5 mm more clearance and independent pneumatic suspension at both ends instead of independent spring suspension.
The restyled 5.0 AT (430 hp, 6-speed) offers the same power and torque as the 8-speed cars but has the slowest acceleration and highest Combined consumption of the three 430 hp entries. Its rear suspension is independent spring rather than independent pneumatic. On the supplied figures, it is difficult to prefer over an 8-speed 430 hp version unless that exact suspension arrangement is wanted.
Within the earlier second generation, the 3.8 AT (290 hp) is the economy-led choice at 10 l/100 km Combined. The 4.6 AT (373 hp) adds 83 hp and 93 Nm, cuts 0.9 seconds from the 0–100 km/h time and raises Combined consumption by 0.7 l/100 km. Between the two 4.6 AT entries, the 373 hp version has 7 hp and 3 Nm more, consumes 0.7 l/100 km less in the City and 0.3 l/100 km less Combined, while the 366 hp version provides 9 mm more ground clearance.
For a first-generation car, the 3.5 AT (220 hp, 1940 kg) has a better weight-per-horsepower ratio than the otherwise equivalent 3.5 AT (210 hp, 1940 kg). Among the measured first-generation performers, the 4.5 AT (260 hp) is 0.9 seconds quicker and 13 km/h faster than the 3.5 AT (220 hp). Buyers comparing used examples should remember that the supplied data contains no prices, sale listings, reliability records, engine-problem history or interior specifications, so those questions cannot be resolved from these catalogue figures.