Acceleration

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	4.7

Only Vues with the 3.6-liter V6 engine have been made available for testing so far. Those models are strong, refined, and feel similar to the Honda-built engine from the previous generation Vue. Saturn says XR will do 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, which feels a bit optimistic to us. The transmission upshifts smoothly but tends to delay downshifts. It also has a tendency to hunt between gears when going up even slight inclines.

Fuel Economy

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
4	4	3	5

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Red Line averaged 20.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. AWD versions averaged 14.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 15.8-16.7 in mixed city/highway use, and 18.4 in mostly highway driving. All Vues use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
6	5	5	5.2

Non Red Line Vue models are among the best compact SUVs in this regard. Seemingly minor road imperfections are felt in the cabin, but they're neither severe enough nor happen often enough to be annoying. Red Lines have a sport suspension, larger wheels, and slightly lower-profile tires, which make the ride more firm but never uncomfortable.

Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	4.9

The steering requires little effort around town, but has a rewarding heft as speeds climb. Any model is responsive and well planted. Despite its sporty leaning, Red Line feels little different than an XR. Overall, this is a vast improvement over the poorly balanced 2003-2007 Vue.

Quietness

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
6	6	6	4.8

Again, in non Red Line models, the well-damped suspension makes for a quiet, smooth ride on all but the worst roads. Wind noise is low even in crosswinds. Red Lines exhibit more coarse surface tire thrum than other models. In any Vue, the 3.6-liter V6 engine makes a highly refined growl.

Controls

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	6

Everything is well laid out and easy to see. The gauges are large and clear. There is no engine temperature gauge or a digital readout, which seems like a curious omission. The available navigation system absorbs audio functions but doesn't complicate their use.

Details

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	5.2

Again, a vast upgrade over the previous-generation Vue. Materials quality and assembly of models tested are among the best in the compact-SUV class. On one test Red Line, the lumbar adjustment knob for the driver seat became detached from its housing.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
7	7	7	6.2

Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.

Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
5	5	5	4.9

Excellent headroom. The reclining seatback is a nice feature, though a small range of motion limits its usefulness. Comfort is compromised by limited legroom, short seat bottoms, and too-firm cushioning. The fold-down center armrest is too high for comfortable use. Center console mounted fold-out cupholders are at floor level and not very convenient.

Cargo Room

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
8	8	8	8.1

Good space behind the 2nd row becomes plentiful with the rear seatbacks folded. The seatbacks fold flat as well. Relatively low liftover is a plus. Vue has underfloor storage compartments located around the spare tire that are handy for keeping small items out of sight. In-cabin storage is meager, though. The center console is on the small side.

Value within Class

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
7	6	6	5.7

Saturn loyalists may decry the loss of plastic body panels, but the redesigned Vue is a better vehicle by every other measure. V6 models offer ample power, while apparent attention to detail brings classy interior accommodations and a refined driving experience. Buyers looking for something a little larger and more powerful than a Honda CR-V, but who are not quite willing to commit to a midsize SUV, would do well to test drive this 2008 Recommended pick.

Total Score

AWD XR	2WD Red Line	AWD Red Line	Class Average
69	67	66	60.7

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		42
Average Score		60
High Score		70