“First multistage road trip to the mountains was comfortable and secure. Equus is a powerful yet urbane vehicle.”
2016 Hyundai Equus: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2016, the higher Equus trim gains a hands-free power trunk that opens when the key remains near the rear of the car. Otherwise, the V8 powertrain, styling, safety equipment, cabin technology, and chassis carry over.
About the 2016 Hyundai Equus
Second generation (U.S. model years 2011-2016), final model year; third year after the 2014 mid-cycle update.
Hyundai positioned the Equus as a full-size luxury sedan centered on quiet travel, generous passenger space, strong V8 power, and extensive comfort and safety equipment. Its identity blends a smooth air-suspension ride and driver-focused technology with strong rear-seat accommodations. The model targets shoppers who value a calm, well-equipped luxury experience and rear-passenger comfort more than sporty handling or brand recognition.
The Signature is a well-equipped luxury sedan with a 429-hp V8, air suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, reclining heated rear seats, navigation, and a 17-speaker sound system. The higher trim places more emphasis on rear-seat comfort, adding cooled power-adjustable rear seats, rear entertainment screens, soft-close doors, a head-up display, and extra camera views.
What changed, by category
Tech
The higher trim gains a hands-free power trunk. It opens automatically when the key remains near the rear of the car.
2016 Hyundai Equus specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.0 Liter | V8, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 8-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 429 hp | 429 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft | 376 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.7 cu-ft | 16.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.8 in | 38.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Cooled Seats | ||
| Cooled Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Hyundai Equus compared with the 2015 model?
The main change is a hands-free power trunk on the higher trim. The engine, transmission, rear-wheel-drive layout, styling, safety equipment, air suspension, and other cabin technology carry over.
Does every 2016 Hyundai Equus have the hands-free power trunk?
No. The hands-free power trunk is limited to the higher of the two trims. It opens automatically when the key remains near the rear of the car.
Did the 2016 Hyundai Equus get a new engine or transmission?
No. Both trims retain the 429-hp 5.0-liter V8, eight-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive used the year before.
Was the 2016 Hyundai Equus redesigned?
No. The 2016 Equus was the final model year of the second-generation U.S. model, and its design and underlying structure were unchanged. Its only meaningful update was the higher trim’s hands-free power trunk.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Equus worth considering over the 2015 model?
The 2016 model is mainly worth favoring if the higher trim’s hands-free trunk matters to you. Otherwise, the 2015 and 2016 models are very similar in powertrain, styling, safety equipment, suspension, and cabin technology.
2016 Hyundai Equus Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Equus.
4.2
2016 Hyundai Equus
(34 reviews)
“I have driven Mercedes S Class and Lexus LS for years. I think the Equus is the finest automobile of the group. A great value, superb features.”