2011 Hyundai Equus Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced it has awarded its most coveted award, the Top Safety Pick, to the 2011 Hyundai Equus, as the vehicle has achieved the highest rating of "Good" in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. In addition to that, the latest Equus is also fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

The vehicle also features Hyundai's newest safety innovation, the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. VMS governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety.

The seatbelt tensioning system in the Equus works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus' dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver's knee airbags.

Other safety features include nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

"The award from IIHS means the Equus affords buyers state-of-the-art safety for protection in most crash situations," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This recognition confirms that the Equus truly is a desirable luxury vehicle with quality engineering and world-class safety features."

Equus also passed the institute's roof strength test for rollover protection, withstanding a force equal to 4.87 times the car's weight. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of four or higher earn a "Good" rating in the Institute's test. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight.