Due this fall, the Saturn Vue Green Line promises improved fuel economy without the typical hybrid surcharge, but how will it measure up to compact SUV rival, Ford Escape Hybrid?

Described by GM as a "mild hybrid", the new system forgoes some of the costlier technology normally associated with hybrid powertrains in exchange for a lower purchase price.

At $22,925 including destination, Vue lists for $3290 less than the like-sized, similarly equipped Ford Escape Hybrid. However, in place of the Escape's continuously variable transmission (CVT), Vue makes do with a conventional four-speed automatic. Likewise, Vue lacks Escape's ability to creep at low speed entirely under electric power.

A boon for Escape is that its hybrid powertrain allows it to rely more-heavily on its electric motor during around-town stop-and-go driving, boosting its city mpg capability. Similarly, Vue Green Line's engine also shuts off at a stop, and is also assisted by the electric motor when it starts again, but that is where the electric motor's help ends.

With Vue's lower price comes reduced fuel economy expectations and capabilities. While the 2WD Escape Hybrid is EPA rated at 33/29 mpg (city/highway), the Vue Green Line--available initially only with 2WD--is rated at 27/32 mpg. By comparison, a non-hybrid four-cylinder Vue with automatic transmission receives a 23/28 mpg rating from the EPA.

Here is how the 2WD versions of the Vue Green Line and Escape Hybrid stack up:

	Saturn Vue Green Line
Base Price	$22,925
Max. combined gas/electric power	170 hp
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Engine shut-off at stops	Yes
Electric idle creep	No
EPA fuel economy	27/32 city/hwy mpg
On sale	Fall '06
	Ford Escape Hybrid
Base Price	$26,215
Max. combined gas/electric power	155 hp
Transmission	CVT
Engine shut-off at stops	Yes
Electric idle creep	Yes
EPA fuel economy	33/29 city/hwy mpg
On sale	Now

Scheduled to share GM's mild hybrid drivetrain are the Saturn Aura Green Line and Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Both midsize sedans are due to arrive in showrooms late in the 2007 model year, just before Ford debuts a hybrid version of its Fusion sedan.

Despite all the hype, public acceptance of hybrids has been lukewarm. It is estimated that 2006 hybrid sales will only account for around 1.5 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S.

With the exception of Toyota Prius and Honda Civic, hybrid sales have stalled, requiring rebates and federal tax incentives to keep buyers interested. Fewer than 20,000 Escape Hybrids were sold in 2005, and to help boost sales, Ford is offering a $1000 cash rebate on new Escape Hybrids. General Motors' low-price, low-tech approach to hybrid ownership may have what it takes to pique the interest of economy-minded shoppers.

Consumer Guide has not yet tested the Vue Green Line. For drive reports on other hybrid vehicles click below:

Ford Escape Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid
Lexus GS450h
Lexus RX400h
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid