The Hyundai Entourage has been a safe, reliable family mover for several years now, so to up the ante for 2009, Hyundai decided to simplify. For 2009, only two Entourage models are available, the base GLS and the top-level Limited. This is good news for buyers, because instead of cutting options along with the trim levels, Hyundai just made a lot of package options standard, giving the Entourage even more value for the money.

In addition to standardizing many options, the Entourage gets some new goodies for 2009 as well. Standard on all Entourages is a new stereo with what Hyundai says is an improved display and better controls. The new stereo gets XM Satellite Radio standard with three months of service included, as well as USB and iPod connectivity. iPods plugged into the stereo will be controlled by the stereo and have their batteries charged at the same time.

All 2009 Entourages come with a bundle of safety features standard. In addition to driver and passenger front airbags, the Hyundai minivan has side impact airbags for front seat passengers as well as side curtain airbags for all passengers. The Entourage also gets electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, a tire-pressure-monitoring system and electronic brake-force distribution, which works with the ABS to maximize braking force in emergency stops. All seats get three-point seatbelts and the front seats get active head restraints to minimize whiplash during an accident. Second and third row seats get LATCH anchor points for securing child seats. All of these features work together to net the 2009 Entourage five-star front, side, rear, and rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and “Top Pick” distinction from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Moving the Entourage down the road is the now familiar 3.8L V-6 engine found in many Hyundais that puts out 250 hp and 253 lb-ft. Even with all the oomph, the engine burns clean, qualifying as an Ultra Low Emissions vehicle and gets 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. A five-speed automatic gearbox with Shiftronic does the shifting, allowing the driver to manually select gears if they so desire. Smoothing out the ride is a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup riding on coil springs in the back. The Entourage can tow 1000 lb standard and up to 3000 lb when equipped with trailer brakes.

The base-model Entourage comes nicely equipped, featuring power windows, mirrors and doors as well as keyless remote entry. Entertainment comes from an Infinity six-speaker, 172-watt stereo with XM Satellite Radio and USB and iPod connectivity. Other features include 16-in. wheels, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, front armrests, a fold-away tray table with four cupholders between the front seats, dual vanity mirrors, roof racks, windshield wiper deicers and the Hyundai Hideaway third-row seat. Passengers stay comfortable with front and rear AC, with roof-mounted vents for the second and third rows. Opt for the Popular Equipment Package and the GLS picks up power sliding doors, power rear pop-out windows, a backup warning system, power driver’s seat, and steering wheel audio controls. Add the Rear Seat Entertainment Package and you can get a DVD entertainment system with 8-in. LCD screen for the rear-seat passengers.

Buyers who pick up the Entourage Limited will get everything found on a Popular Equipment Package-equipped GLS as well as a compass, trip computer, 17-in. wheels, an Infinity Logic 7 660-watt surround-sound audio system with six-CD changer, leather seats all around, heated front seats, dual-zone front automatic climate control, a tilting and sliding sun roof, adjustable pedals, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, power front passengers seat, a memory system for the drivers seat, adjustable pedals and outside mirrors, automatic headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear selector, a power liftgate, lights for both vanity mirrors and chrome door handles inside and out. The Rear Seta Entertainment Package is also standard on the Limited model.

All Entourages are backed up by multiple warranties. Hyundai offers a five-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage and five-year/unlimited mileage 24-hour roadside assistance.

Hyundai hasn’t released pricing for the 2009 Entourage yet, but expect it to be similar to 2008 pricing. In all, Hyundai continues to be a value leader with the Entourage, providing a well-equipped people mover with lots of space, plenty of comfort and spectacular safety.

Vehicle layout Front engine, FWD, 5-7-pass, 4-door Mini-van
Engine 3.8L/250-hp/253-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6
Transmission 5-speed automatic
Curb weight (dist f/r) 4400-4659 lbs (mfr)
Wheelbase 118.9 in
Length x width x height 202.0 x 78.1 x 75.1 in
Headroom, f/m/r 41.0/39.8/38.3 in
Legroom, f/m/r 41.7/40.9/38.3 in
Shoulder room, f/m/r 63.2/65.4/60.5 in
Cargo vol behind f/m/r 141.5/80.2/32.2 cu.ft
EPA City/Hwy Econ 16/23 mpg
CO2 Emissions 1.05 lb/mile

By Scott Evans