2007 Saturn Vue: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A gas/electric-hybrid model joins the lineup of this compact 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's the only one of the three with a hybrid version.

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.

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. The 4-cyl versions have manual or automatic transmission, the V6 and Green Line come only with automatic. ABS is standard on V6 and Green Line Vues, optional on others. Available for V6s is a Red Line Package with a lowered and firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim. Curtain side airbags are optional on all Vues.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.