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2009 Saturn Vue Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2009 Saturn Vue Review:
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Saturn Vue Full Review
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2009 Saturn Vue
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Saturn Vue adds a second Green Line gas/electric hybrid model to its lineup. Based on the Opel Antara from GM's European subsidiary, the '09 Vue is offered in XE, top-line XR, hybrid Green Line and Green Line 2-Mode, and sporty Red Line versions. Vue seats five and is available with front- or all-wheel drive and a range of 4-cylinder, V6, and hybrid powertrains. All include an automatic transmission. The Green Line is offered as a single-mode "mild hybrid" or as a "2-Mode" hybrid. Both pair a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. The "mild hybrid" Green Line has a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine while the 2-Mode uses a 3.6-liter V6. Both systems can shut off the gas engine at a stop, but only the 2-Mode allows the vehicle to accelerate at low speeds solely on electric power. No plug-in charging is required for either hybrid. The 4-cylinder Green Line has a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 2-Mode uses a continuously variable automatic (CVT). Expect horsepower for the 2-Mode to be somewhere around 300. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available, as are heated seats, remote engine start, and a rear cargo management system that is adjustable for different cargo-carrying needs. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Saturn Vue.
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2009 Saturn Vue Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (XR) | Rear-seat room/comfort |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
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
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
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)
Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Good headroom and legroom. Taller drivers find short seat bottoms lack long-distance thigh support. Visibility is good to all directions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
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.
| AWD XR | 2WD Red Line | AWD Red Line | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 | 60.3 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Saturn Vue Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/08/2007
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Saturn Vue Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4325 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 54.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | ohv V6 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /145 | 3.5 /213 | 3.6 /217 | 2.4 /146 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 164 @ 6300 | 215 @ 5900 | 257 @ 6500 | 170 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 160 @ 5100 | 220 @ 2800 | 248 @ 2100 | 162 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 4-speed automatic | 19/26 | --/-- | --/-- | 25/32 |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 15/22 | 16/22 | --/-- |
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 | Saturn Vue 4-door wagon |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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%.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Saturn Vue Review:
5.
6.
Saturn Vue Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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