Acceleration

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
6	7	6.2

The 6-cyl provides brisk takeoffs and adequate passing power. The V8 feels measurably stronger on both counts. Hilly terrain means frequent shifting from the standard 4-speed automatic transmission; leading class competitors feature 5- and 6-speed automatics that respond more adeptly to changing power demands. Towing capacity is 6500 lb with the V8.

Fuel Economy

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
4	4	3.6

No opportunity to measure with 6-cyl. Test V8 averaged 15.0 mpg. All 9-7Xs use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
6	6	5.7

Firm and generally composed, helped by standard air-spring rear suspension. Still, some surfaces bring out bounciness inherent to 9-7X's basic GM platform.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
5	5	5.6

Though not car agile, an improvement over GM cousins. Steering direct, nicely weighted. Cornering lean modest with good grip. Braking strong with reassuring pedal feel.

Quietness

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
6	6	6.5

Along with Buick Rainier, 9-7X has more sound insulation than GM cousins. Saab has noticeably less wind and road noise than most SUVs, though one test vehicle exhibited excessive wind rush from the front pillars. Unlike the V8, the 6-cyl engine roars at full throttle.

Controls

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Also an improvement over GM models. Controls are clear, handy, though adjusting low-mounted climate system demands a long look from road. Interior appointed with Saab-appropriate rich-looking materials, though some elements, including lower door panels, retain cheap plastic feel of GM cousins.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
7	7	7.3

Fine head, leg room. Seat comfort OK, but firmer cushions would give better support. Headrests, thick roof pillars interfere with some over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines. Modest step-in height. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful to shorter drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Good head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, but disappointingly lacks the supportive contour found in Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 cars.

Cargo Room

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
9	9	7.8

OK with rear seatback in place, generous with it folded. Seatback split 60/40, folds easily with help from automatic-folding headrests. Bright metal sill guards and cargo tie-downs look and feel classy. Nice array of small-item storage space in cabin.

Value within Class

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
6	6	5.9

The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based. However, compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement and cabin materials.

Total Score

Base 6-cyl	Base V8	Class Average
62	63	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		82