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The resident moms and dads at TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests to put together this review of the 2008 Hyundai Entourage. TheCarConnection.com's team also drove the 2008 Hyundai Entourage, and has included observations and insights on the 2008 Hyundai Entourage to help you find the right minivan for you.
Likes:
- Roomy
- Powerful enough
- Excellent practicality
- Lots of safety gear standard
Dislikes:
- Handling not class leading
- Not as refined as leading minivans
- Lags behind Chrysler regarding features
The 2008 Hyundai Entourage is a new player in the minivan market. Just as General Motors and Ford were abandoning the market, Hyundai introduced the Entourage as a 2007 model. For those keeping track of today's automotive teams, the Entourage is essentially the twin of the Kia Sedona, as both companies are owned by a parent company in South Korea. Differences between the models are minor, with the important exception that the Sedona is offered in an even less-expensive short-wheelbase version.
Following the pattern of all new Hyundai vehicles, the Entourage is a well-equipped vehicle loaded with safety equipment while being priced toward the low end of its competitive set. For the Entourage, 2008 models reinforce this positioning. Hyundai offers the Entourage in two trim levels: the GLS and the decked-out Limited.
In terms of style, the 2008 Hyundai Entourage is your basic one-box design. But unlike the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, there's nothing wrong with the Entourage's style. It's just a plain minivan that is simply styled and features little detailing.
Inside, the story is the same. The gauge and control layout is simple and straightforward. The quality of the materials is more than acceptable, but don't go comparing panel gaps or the quality of the plastics to the Honda Odyssey and expect the Hyundai to be better.
On the road, the 2008 Hyundai Entourage is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 that also sees duty in the Azera, Hyundai's luxury sedan. The engine produces 250 horsepower, which makes it competitive with every major minivan on the market. The transmission is a five-speed automatic. Economy ratings are similar to those of other minivans at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine maintains a good demeanor the way most people will drive it. Just remember, this is not a Porsche. Handling is what you would expect from a box on wheels, but the standard electronic stability controls work well in emergency handling situations. Competitors such as the Mazda5 and Honda Odyssey feature flatter cornering and have more feel through the steering wheel.
