2008 Hyundai Entourage

NEW FOR 2008:

- Stability and traction control now standard on all models

- Horsepower and torque increase

- Back-up warning sensors added to GL

- Power lift-gate added to GLS

- GLS adds leather seats and metal grain insert

- MP3 capability removed from audio on GLS and Limited

- GLS Leather name change to Limited; package now includes power-adjustable pedals, sunroof, power passenger seat, memory seat, garage door opener, door scuff and rain-sensing wipers

Now in its second year, the Hyundai Entourage receives adjustments and additions to its trim packages, and all models receive electronic stability and traction control.

A cousin to the Kia Sedona, the Entourage is powered by a 3.8-litre V6, with five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Horsepower is now 250, up from 242; torque is now 253 lb-ft, up from 251. Trim lines are the L, GL, GLS and Limited.

Features on the L include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, removable second-row captain's chairs, 60/40 split fold-into-floor third-row seats, CD stereo, tilt wheel, cruise control, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, alarm system, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, and rear washer/wiper.

The GL adds 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rack side rails, power third-row quarter windows, power sliding doors, and backup sensor.

The GLS adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power liftgate, fog lamps, chrome door handles, solar control glass, heated leather seats with eight-way power driver's adjustment, wheel-mounted audio controls, rear-seat DVD player, and leather-wrapped wheel.

The Limited adds driver's side memory, rain-sensing wipers, power sunroof, four-way power passenger seat, door sill scuff plates, power-adjustable pedals, garage door opener, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The Entourage is a large minivan, with a large footprint but with corresponding interior room. It suffers from wind noise on the highway, but its long list of standard features at a relatively moderate price should make it popular with buyers, especially when its long warranty is factored in. Safety features in all models include stability control, anti-lock brakes and full-length curtain airbags. It doesn't handle as well as its Japanese counterparts, and it lacks Chrysler's innovative folding second-row seats, but its price and content make it a solid contender in this segment.