Saturn VUE Hybrid Review

2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid SUV

The Saturn Vue Hybrid isn't much of a hybrid in terms of the technology used. Its wimpy electric motor can only power it up to speeds of about 3 mph, which is about human walking speed (a Toyota hybrid can typically achieve 30 mph on electricity alone). The Vue's small electric motor is primarily used to restart the gas engine after it automatically shuts down at a stop. Maybe this would've been nifty 10 years ago, but in a world of Priuses and future Chevy Volts, this is dinosaur stuff.

The thing is, it doesn't matter. Quite simply, the Vue Hybrid gets better gas mileage than its primary non-hybrid competitors (and the regular four-cylinder Vue) and costs less as well. Although a perusal of the Vue's MSRP may contradict that last part, thanks to Uncle Sam's tax credits on hybrid vehicles, the Vue Hybrid ends up with a lower bottom line.

Note that our praise is directed at the current Saturn Vue Hybrid, which, like the gas-only Vue, was completely redesigned for 2008. Co-developed by GM's Opel brand, this compact crossover has a decidedly European flavor in its design, build quality and driving dynamics. We'd suggest sticking with this newer version, as the original-generation Vue Green Line (made only for 2007) was based on an aging design and saddled with a crummy interior and forgettable driving dynamics.

Current Saturn Vue Hybrid

The Saturn Vue Hybrid (formerly known as the Saturn Vue Green Line) is a compact crossover SUV that seats five people. It is primarily powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 172 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard, and the Vue Hybrid is available only with front-wheel drive. A small electric motor provides a trickle of power assist during acceleration, but its chief duty is to restart the engine after it automatically shuts down when stopped to conserve fuel. Through a process known as regenerative braking, electricity is recouped by capturing energy normally lost during braking.

As for the hybrid raison d'etre, the Vue Hybrid's EPA estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined. That amounts to a 6-mpg improvement over the non-hybrid four-cylinder Vue, while inexplicably also being more fuel-efficient than the lighter, more aerodynamic Saturn Aura Hybrid.

There is only one trim level available on the Saturn Vue Hybrid. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic climate control, OnStar and a six-speaker stereo with single-CD player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. A host of optional goodies can be added including rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors and windshield-washer nozzles, a power driver seat, leather upholstery and heated seats.

Other than the powertrain and a few badges, the Vue Hybrid is virtually indistinguishable from the regular Vue. It features the same taut European-tuned ride and handling, which gives this crossover a sure-footed feel around town. Still, don't expect particularly brisk acceleration. The interior is also a vast improvement over the preceding car, with materials and build quality that are more in line with a Volkswagen than the cheap plastic that plagued past Saturns. Unlike the bizarre hieroglyphs on display in the Opel-designed Saturn Astra, the Vue thankfully features GM's user-friendly stereo and climate controls.

For those looking for a fuel-efficient crossover SUV to help battle rising gas prices and/or global temperatures, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Saturn Vue Hybrid.

Used Saturn Vue Hybrid Models

The present second-generation Saturn Vue Hybrid debuted for the 2008 model year as the Saturn Vue Green Line. Other than the substitution of "Hybrid" for "Green Line," there have been no changes since.

The first-generation Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid was built for only one model year in 2007. This compact crossover was based on the original Saturn Vue introduced at the beginning of the decade. This model was characterized by its blocky styling, dent-resistant plastic body panels, cheap interior construction and sloppy steering. It was somewhat practical, however, with a sizable backseat and more cargo space than the current model.

This Saturn Vue Green Line featured a mild hybrid powertrain that was similar to that in the current car, with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 170 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic and front-wheel drive were standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy (using 2008 standards) was 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. Given this generation's inferior fuel economy and the mediocrity of the crossover upon which it's based, we'd steer clear.

SELECT A SPECIFIC SATURN VUE HYBRID MODEL YEAR*

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