Acceleration

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
7	7	4.3

Saturn says 4-cyl Vue does 0-60 mph in 11.1 sec with manual transmission. We have not yet tested 4-speed automatic 4-cyl. Smooth, refined V6 and 5-speed automatic yield outstanding power and response. Saturn says 0-60 in 6.6 sec with 2WD, 6.9 with AWD. V6s tow up to 3500 lb--only on par with 4-cyl rivals. Test AWD V6 suffered some front wheelspin on wet pavement before system engaged rear wheels.

Fuel Economy

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4.8

No 4-cyl model made available for test. Test AWD V6 averaged 16.2 mpg in a city/highway mix. Saturn recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Ride Quality

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
5	5	4.5

Tires, suspension do a good job of absorbing the worst bumps and expansion joints, but mild side-to-side rocking motions annoy. Red Line's stiffer suspension quells some of that without adding undue harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	5	4.7

Steering fairly precise for an SUV, but isn't very linear and needs better road feel. Steering relatively heavy at parking speeds in AWD V6 test model, though not in test Red Line. Vues with 17-inch tires have good cornering grip, but more body lean and noseplow than like-equipped Ford Escapes or Honda CR-Vs. Red Line sportier, more agile. Stopping power adequate in any model.

Quietness

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
4	4	4

Full-throttle acceleration creates a rowdy roar with 4-cyl engine but only a subdued, rich-sounding growl with Honda V6. Wind noise low, but copious road rumble tiresome on long drives, bumps produce loud thumps, and doors close with a clang.

Controls

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Clearly marked gauges. Logical dashboard layout, but climate controls a bit small, and some of our test drivers dislike power-window switches on center console. Interior betrays cost cutting in places with budget-grade plastics and cheap-feeling switches.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Good leg and head room even with optional sunroof. Mounting gear shift at base of dashboard frees floor space for purses and such. Chairlike bucket seats a bit too soft, somewhat short on lateral bolstering; Red Line seats firmer, have more-pronounced bolstering. Either way, some testers complain of mediocre lumbar support.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
6	6	4.5

Ample head space, adequate leg room, but seats less supportive, less comfortable than many rivals'. Clever design allows two child seats to remain in place while one seatback section folds flat. No ceiling-mounted grab handles to ease entry and exit, but step-in height very low.

Cargo Room

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass--a minor demerit--but load floor longer than in most rivals. Rear seatbacks don't fold fully flat, but do work with fold-down front-passenger seatback to accommodate long objects. Standard pop-up cargo organizer a nice touch, despite flimsy plastic dividers. Cabin storage nothing special.

Value within Class

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
5	5	6

The outstanding performance and refinement of Honda's V6 almost offset Vue's deficits in handling, accommodations, and workmanship. Dent-resistant body panels, competitive prices, and Saturn's high customer-satisfaction ratings are other pluses, but we'd still scout the competition.

Total Score

AWD V6	AWD V6 Red Line	Class Average
54	56	50.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		30
Average Score		50
High Score		61