Saab 9-7X Review

2009 Saab 9-7X 5.3i SUV Shown

When is a Saab not a Saab? Certainly, the 9-7X, the company's first SUV, has Saab's signature grille, requisite badging and floor-mounted ignition. But underneath the Swedish veneer is General Motors' midsize SUV platform, which means that the 9-7X shares its core mechanicals with GM's aged truck-based midsize SUV family (including mostly defunct models from Buick Chevy, GMC, Isuzu and Oldsmobile).

The Saab 9-7X thus feels like a trucky GM SUV that was taken to Sweden to get an infusion of Saab character, which -- no surprise -- is exactly what it is. It's like putting Uncle Sam in a Viking helmet. In spite of Saab's best efforts at altering the interior and exterior styling and revising the vehicle's suspension tuning, it can't hide the fact that the 9-7X is limited by its heritage. As a choice for a luxury SUV, it's mediocre. We feel most consumers will be happier with other choices, such as Acura's MDX or Mercedes' M-Class.

Current Saab 9-7X

The Saab 9-7X is available in three trims: 4.2i, 5.3i and Aero. The 4.2i comes with a 4.2-liter inline-6 engine with 290 horsepower. The 5.3i has a 300-hp 5.3 V8 with considerably more torque than the 4.2-liter. The Aero gets a 6.0-liter V8 good for 390 hp and 395 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission available on the 9-7X is a four-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive, a limited-slip differential, traction control and stability control are standard.

All trims come loaded with standard features such as leather seating, heated front seats, a premium Bose stereo with six-CD changer, satellite radio and OnStar. Side curtain airbags are also included. The only major options are a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Aero gets a performance-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and sport trim.

The fact that the 9-7X doesn't come with a turbocharged engine is one good clue that the vehicle isn't a real Saab, and the layout of the interior is another. Despite some classic Saab features, such as the cockpit-style dash, the soft-touch knobs and a center-console-mounted ignition, the interior still looks very GM. Wood-grain trim and leather upholstery give the cabin a Euro-inspired upscale look, however.

The 9-7X seats five. Third-row seating, a feature becoming more common on vehicles in this class, isn't available. There is plenty of cargo space, though, with 80 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.

In reviews of the Saab 9-7X, we found that this SUV's positive attributes include a smooth ride and well-weighted steering. The Aero, in particular, offers a surprising level of performance. One strong criticism we had was regarding the four-speed automatic transmission, which can't match the efficiency or smoothness of the five- or six-speed transmissions in other luxury SUVs. Otherwise, our affection for the 9-7X is only slightly greater than that of its GM SUV platform mates -- which isn't very high.

Past Saab 9-7X Models

The Saab 9-7X debuted for the 2006 model year. The introduction of the Aero model for 2008 is the only significant update.

SELECT A SPECIFIC SAAB 9-7X MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.