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2009 Saab 9-7X Full Review
Date Published: 8/16/08
Also in the 2009 Saab 9-7X Review:
5.
6.
Saab 9-7X Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Saab 9-7X Review
The 2009 Saab 9-7X is largely unchanged. This premium midsize SUV uses traditional truck-type construction and shares its basic design with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. 9-7X differs from the Chevy and GMC with specific suspension tuning, steering, brakes, and dashboard design. It seats five and has all-wheel drive. Three models are available. The 4.2i has a 285-hp 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine. The 5.3i has a 300-hp 5.3-liter V8. The top-line Aero has a 390-hp 6.0-liter V8. All use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 6500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Aeros have sport suspension, specific exterior trim, and 20-inch wheels. Newly available on all 9-7X models is a wireless cell phone link.
News
The addition of the high-performance 9-7X Aero breathes a little bit of life into this SUV's lineup. With demand still very strong for the similarly powered Chevy TrailBlazer SS, we wouldn't be surprised if the 9-7X Aero got a few spillover sales from folks who don't want to be put on waiting lists for the Chevy. These Saabs will likely soldier on until the TrailBlazer platform is replaced or discontinued all together.
Meantime, reports indicate Saab will add a smaller crossover, likely to be called 9-4X, sharing GM's Theta architecture with the Saturn Vue. Engines are said to comprise 2.8- and 3.5-liter V6s, again taken from GM's broad shelf. Like the larger Lambda model, Saab's Theta wagon would be produced in North America, but would seat five, not seven passengers.
Meantime, reports indicate Saab will add a smaller crossover, likely to be called 9-4X, sharing GM's Theta architecture with the Saturn Vue. Engines are said to comprise 2.8- and 3.5-liter V6s, again taken from GM's broad shelf. Like the larger Lambda model, Saab's Theta wagon would be produced in North America, but would seat five, not seven passengers.
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2009 Saab 9-7X Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 6-cylinder engine provides brisk takeoffs and adequate passing power. The 5.3-liter 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 precisely to changing power demands. No Aero models have been made available for testing.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
The 6-cylinder engine provides brisk takeoffs and adequate passing power. The 5.3-liter 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 precisely to changing power demands. No Aero models have been made available for testing.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 5.3i averaged 15.0 mpg. The 9-7X 4.2i and 5.3i use regular-grade gas. Saab recommends premium for the Aero.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 5.3i averaged 15.0 mpg. The 9-7X 4.2i and 5.3i use regular-grade gas. Saab recommends premium for the Aero.
Ride Quality
The 9-7X's ride is the best among the GM SUVs that share this basic design. Its standard air-spring rear suspension helps smooth out most bumps, with overall ride quality being firm and composed. Still, some surfaces bring out bounciness inherent in its GM platform.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
The 9-7X's ride is the best among the GM SUVs that share this basic design. Its standard air-spring rear suspension helps smooth out most bumps, with overall ride quality being firm and composed. Still, some surfaces bring out bounciness inherent in its GM platform.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Though not car agile, 9-7X is an improvement over its GM cousins. The steering is direct and nicely weighted. Braking is strong with reassuring pedal feel.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Though not car agile, 9-7X is an improvement over its GM cousins. The steering is direct and nicely weighted. Braking is strong with reassuring pedal feel.
Quietness
9-7X has more sound insulation than its GM cousins. It also has noticeably less wind and road noise than many crossovers or traditional SUVs, though one test vehicle exhibited excessive wind rush from the front pillars. Unlike the 5.3-liter V8, the 6-cylinder engine roars at full throttle.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
9-7X has more sound insulation than its GM cousins. It also has noticeably less wind and road noise than many crossovers or traditional SUVs, though one test vehicle exhibited excessive wind rush from the front pillars. Unlike the 5.3-liter V8, the 6-cylinder engine roars at full throttle.
Controls
Here, too, 9-7X is an improvement over the other GM models. Controls are clear and handy, though adjusting the low-mounted climate system demands a long look away from road.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Here, too, 9-7X is an improvement over the other GM models. Controls are clear and handy, though adjusting the low-mounted climate system demands a long look away from road.
Details
The interior is appointed with Saab-appropriate rich-looking materials, though some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy. The 9-7X has its ignition switch mounted on the center console, a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 |
The interior is appointed with Saab-appropriate rich-looking materials, though some elements retain the cheap plastic feel of TrailBlazer and Envoy. The 9-7X has its ignition switch mounted on the center console, a Saab tradition we find unobjectionable.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Fine headroom and legroom. Seat comfort is OK, but firmer cushions would give better support. Headrests and thick roof pillars interfere with visibility. Step-in height is modest for a traditional SUV. Available power-adjustable pedals are helpful for shorter drivers.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
Fine headroom and legroom. Seat comfort is OK, but firmer cushions would give better support. Headrests and thick roof pillars interfere with visibility. Step-in height is modest for a traditional SUV. Available power-adjustable pedals are helpful for shorter drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good headroom and kneeroom, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is generally comfortable, but disappointingly lacks the supportive contour found in Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 cars.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Good headroom and kneeroom, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite an uneven floorboard. The split bench seat is generally comfortable, but disappointingly lacks the supportive contour found in Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 cars.
Cargo Room
Cargo room is OK with the rear seatback in place and generous with it folded. The rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds easily with help from headrests that automatically retract when seatback release is engaged. Bright metal sill guards and cargo tie-downs look and feel classy. There's a nice array of small-item storage space in the cabin.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Cargo room is OK with the rear seatback in place and generous with it folded. The rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds easily with help from headrests that automatically retract when seatback release is engaged. Bright metal sill guards and cargo tie-downs look and feel classy. There's a nice array of small-item storage space in the cabin.
Value within Class
The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based. Compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement and cabin materials. The Aero model represents an interesting choice for those who crave a high-performance SUV.
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
The 9-7X delivers better driving dynamics and interior design than the General Motors SUVs on which it's based. Compared with the class-leading Acura MDX, Lexus RX, and Volvo XC90, the Saab falls short in drivetrain refinement and cabin materials. The Aero model represents an interesting choice for those who crave a high-performance SUV.
Total Score
| 4.2i | 5.3i | Class Average |
| 67 | 68 | 70.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 65 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 79 |
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2009 Saab 9-7X Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/31/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 4.2i 4-door wagon | $40,935 | $38,070 | $775 |
|
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| 5.3i 4-door wagon | $43,665 | $40,608 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| Aero 4-door wagon | $47,425 | $44,105 | $775 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
4.2i
Powertrain
4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, limited-slip rear differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone climate controls, OnStar assistance system w/one year service, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), center console, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, rear radio controls, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails, trailer hitch receiver and wiring harness.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension, full-size spare tire, 255/55R18 tires, alloy wheels.
5.3i adds to 4.2i:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power-adjustable pedals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights w/washers.
Aero adds to 5.3i:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 255/50VR20 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Altitude Pkg.
|
||
|
4.2i, 5.3i
|
$3,440
|
$2,958
|
|
Navigation system, polished alloy wheels. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD changer w/single-disc CD player.
|
||
|
Prestige Pkg.
|
||
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4.2i
|
$800
|
$688
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals, xenon headlights w/washers.
|
||
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Navigation system
|
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4.2i, 5.3i, Aero
|
$2,145
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$1,845
|
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Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD changer w/single-disc CD player.
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DVD entertainment system
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4.2i, 5.3i, Aero
|
$1,300
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$1,118
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Running boards
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||
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4.2i, 5.3i
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$590
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$507
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Polished alloy wheels
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||
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4.2i, 5.3i
|
$1,200
|
$1,032
|
|
|
||
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2009 Saab 9-7X Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saab 9-7X 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4720 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | ohv V8 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 | 5.3 /325 | 6.0 /366 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 285 @ 6000 | 300 @ 5300 | 390 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 276 @ 4600 | 321 @ 4000 | 400 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 4-speed automatic | 14/20 | 14/20 | 12/16 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
 Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Saab 9-7X 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | 10-years/unlimited-miles on 9-3. |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Saab 9-7X Review:
5.
6.
Saab 9-7X Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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