What Changed for 2008:

• Mid-level SE model discontinued


• New option packages for Entourage GLS


• Entourage Limited gains Infiniti stereo with Logic 7 surround sound


• Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

Overview
Hyundai's first minivan, the Entourage, made its debut for the 2007 model year, a twin to the Kia Sedona minivan introduced a year earlier. (Kia is owned by Hyundai.) Rather than blaze new trails, the South Korean automaker followed the formula that had worked best for minivan leaders Chrysler and Honda: Long wheelbase, V-6 engine, and family-friendly gadgets including power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, rear-seat video entertainment system, and a third-row seat that folds down into the floor.

Model Lineup
For 2008, the Hyundai Entourage is available in GLS and Limited models; the mid-level SE has been dropped, replaced by a Popular Equipment package on the GLS. Standard equipment includes remote keyless entry, CD player, and 3-zone climate control. A Popular Equipment package includes power sliding doors, power rear vent windows, backup warning system, power driver seat, and steering-wheel-mounted stereo controls. A new Premium Equipment package includes everything from the Popular Equipment package plus a rear-seat DVD player with 8-inch LCD monitor, Infinity stereo with Logic 7 surround sound, heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, trip computer; compass, automatic headlights, alloy wheels, fog lights, and extra chrome exterior trim. The top-of-the-line Entourage Limited includes all of the equipment in the GLS Popular and Premium Equipment packages except the rear-seat DVD player. It adds leather seats (heated in front) and a power-operated tailgate. The Ultimate package adds a rear-seat DVD player; power glass sunroof; power-adjustable passenger seat and pedals; memory for the driver's seat, mirror and pedals; HomeLink; and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Powertrain
The front-wheel-drive 2008 Hyundai Entourage is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine driving a 5-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. The engine is a dual-overhead-cam 24-valve unit with variable valve timing that develops 250 hp at 6000 rpm and 253 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. EPA fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. As with all Hyundais, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. (The rest of the Entourage is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles.)

Safety
The 2008 Hyundai Entourage features front air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, 3-row side curtain air bags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure-monitoring system and electronic stability control as standard equipment. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the Entourage achieved a perfect 5-star score in both front and side impacts; the rollover test yielded a score of 4 stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Entourage a “Top Safety Pick” award, the criteria for which are "Good" (IIHS' best rating) scores in front- and side-impact tests and standard electronic stability control.

Technology
The 2008 Hyundai Entourage offers a state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player and 8-inch LCD screen, and while rear occupants enjoy a movie with the included wireless headphones, those riding up front can make use of the Infinity stereo with Logic 7 Surround Sound. Another available feature on the Entourage, the backup warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper and sounds a beeper inside the cabin indicating how close objects are to the back of the vehicle.