2006 Saturn Vue: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Midyear addition of a gas-electric hybrid makes 2006 news for this compact five-seat SUV from General Motors' Saturn division. Vue shares its basic design with GM's midsize Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs but has unique styling and plastic body panels. It also is the only one with a hybrid version.

Launched as a 2007 model, the Vue Green Line teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 170 hp. The system self-charges the batteries; there's no plug-in charging. Unlike most hybrids, the Green Line cannot run on the electric motor alone. It comes only with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

Conventional-powertrain Vues offer a 143-hp 4-cyl and a Honda-built 250-hp V6. Both are available with front-wheel drive. The V6 is also available with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for off-road use. The 4-cyl versions have manual or automatic transmission, the V6 comes only with automatic. ABS is standard on V6 Vues, optional on 4-cyls. Available for V6s is a sporty Red Line package with a lowered and firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim. For all Vues, curtain side airbags are optional. Styling is freshened inside and out for 2006 and OnStar assistance and steering-wheel audio controls become standard.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.