2008 Hyundai Entourage: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Introduced in 2007, the Entourage is a sister of the Kia Sedona minivan — itself a successful model since its 2002 introduction. It’s packed with the usual features and options in this class — things like folding third-row seats and dual and power-sliding rear doors. The Entourage also loads up on standard safety features, including side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system. This gives it one advantage over better-known, established rivals such as the Honda Odyssey. More important are the Entourage’s crash tests, which are tops in the minivan class.

For 2008 the middle, SE, trim level has been replaced with option packages that build on the entry-level Entourage GLS: The Popular Equipment Package includes rear parking sensors, and the Premium Package adds a backseat DVD video system with an 8-inch screen.

Exterior
The Entourage fits the basic look of a minivan; it doesn’t take risks that could drive intended buyers away, but neither does it break the mold. The headlights are large and, for 2008, the pronounced chrome grille has been streamlined. The hood appears raised from the fenders, and the beltline extends from the top of the fenders at the same height from front to rear, giving the vehicle a solid, uniform appearance.

The Entourage Limited features chrome accents on the exterior, most conspicuously on the door handles and on top of the body-colored side moldings. There’s an integrated roof rack, and a rear spoiler integrates the van’s center brake light.

Interior
Faux wood or metal-like trim finishes are available on a two-tone interior scheme. Leather seats are optional, as are heated seats, a DVD entertainment system, backup warning sensors and adjustable pedals. A driver’s seat height adjustment is standard.

There are climate controls for both front seats as well as for the second row. Those second-row seats fold to the floor, and the third-row seats fold into the floor to increase cargo area. With all its seats in place, the Entourage seats seven.

Under the Hood
The Entourage’s V-6 makes 250 horsepower — a healthy amount for a minivan, but the van’s weight results in modest acceleration and decent but not exceptional fuel economy. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting capability is standard. When the driver engages the manual shifting, an LCD screen shows which gear is engaged.

Safety
As of the start of the 2008 model year, the Entourage and its Sedona sister boast the top ratings of any minivan in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, with Good scores in rear- as well as front- and side-impact tests. While other automakers often make an electronic stability system an extra-cost option, it’s standard on all Entourage trim levels, as are seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. All seating positions include three-point seat belts and adjustable head restraints. The front headrests are active, meaning they move forward to support the occupant’s head in a rear-end crash, and certainly play a part in the Entourage’s uncommon Good rating.

Also standard is a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts the driver to a low tire through a readout in the dash.