Saturn Outlook Review

2008 Saturn Outlook XR SUV Shown

GM has been criticized for building uncompetitive and overly trucklike multi-passenger vehicles, and the Saturn Outlook is proof that someone was listening. New from the ground up, the Outlook marks a dedicated effort to package the eight-passenger seating, cavernous cargo capacity and carlike driving character of a minivan into the more fashionable shell of a full-size crossover SUV.

On those fronts, this Saturn is a success. Compared to traditional body-on-frame full-size SUVs, the unibody Outlook provides advantages in terms of ride, handling and fuel economy. Its advantages continue inside, where an attractive interior boasts seating for up to eight passengers or more than 100 cubic feet of available cargo space.

The Outlook's large size does limit its maneuverability and handling performance. As such, other three-row crossovers with slightly smaller dimensions are more enjoyable to drive. But for families with large people-hauling or cargo-toting needs, the Outlook is no doubt one of the best crossover SUV choices.

Current Saturn Outlook

The Saturn Outlook debuted for 2007. It's mechanically related to the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse. The Outlook carries the lowest starting price of the three, though it's well-equipped in both XE and XR trims. Included on the XE are 18-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power accessories, cruise control, front and rear climate controls, a CD/MP3 player and GM's OnStar service. The XR adds dual exhaust, a power driver seat, a trip computer, steering-wheel audio controls and wood trim. Standard safety features on both models include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags protecting all three rows.

All Outlooks are powered by a 3.6-liter V6. In the XE, it makes 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque; the XR model's dual exhaust boosts those figures to 275 and 251. A six-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive can be ordered in place of front-wheel drive on either model. Key options include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, a rear parking sensor, a power liftgate, keyless engine start, a navigation system, back-up camera, a rear-seat DVD player, leather seats and second-row captain's chairs that reduce seating to seven passengers.

On the road, the Saturn Outlook proved to be a pleasant drive. GM's most modern V6 gives the Outlook decent acceleration (zero to 60 in 8.2 seconds) and fuel mileage, while the Outlook's unibody construction and all-independent suspension give it ride smoothness and handling ability superior to GM's previous SUVs or vans. The six-speed automatic transmission could be more responsive, and its near 5,000-pound curb weight is heavy even for this segment, but the Outlook's overall sophistication is definitely up to class standards.

Unlike many competitors in the crossover SUV field, the Saturn Outlook can accommodate adults in all three rows. Granted, comfort is only adequate in the third row, but the fact that grandparents can sit back there at all is a feat in this class. In addition, the Outlook's "Smart Slide" second-row seat feature is advantageous, as with the pull of one obvious lever, either of the captain's chairs (or 64/40-split bench halves) easily tilts, slides and sandwiches up against the first-row seats to ease access to the third row.

The Outlook's slightly bigger shell also enables it to swallow up to 117 cubic feet of cargo while most others take around 90. Its 4,500-pound towing capacity rates higher than most crossover SUVs as well. Despite subtle hints of interior cheapness and some buttons that are either too small or hard to find, the Outlook's dashboard is also among the more attractive in this segment.

For families seeking a truly functional alternative to a minivan or full-size, truck-based SUV, the Saturn Outlook deserves serious consideration.

SELECT A SPECIFIC SATURN OUTLOOK MODEL YEAR*

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