Saturn Vue Hybrid

The Saturn Vue hybrid is a fair value for those consumers seeking a mid-range priced hybrid SUV that is also middle of the road when it comes to power, off road capabilities and towing ability. While some prefer the bigger and stronger versions and brands of hybrid SUVs, those who are looking for a family friends and family functional SUV that does what it needs to, this may be more than enough hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle for you. You will also be glad to know, you get some good features in the standard package when it comes to the Saturn hybrid. It is obvious that the Vue has been designed with details for safety and user friendliness in mind.

Saturn Vue Hybrid — Just the Facts

To start off, you should get an idea of the price point of the Vue. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, or MSRP, is $24,200. For a hybrid SUV, that is a relatively moderate starting asking price. The EPA rating for this vehicle is 25 miles per gallon for the city streets and 32 miles per gallon for highway driving. This actually makes the Saturn Vue one of the top contenders for fuel economy in its class for a hybrid SUV.

To clear up any confusion, previous models of this car were called the Vue Green Line hybrid. The engine for this Saturn vehicle is a standard 3.6 liter V6. Compared to other mid-range SUV hybrids, this is a fair amount of engine capacity. The horsepower for the Vue is 262 at 5800 RPM and the torque is 250 at 4000 RPM. Also, the transmission for the Vue is a standard FWD 6 cylinder version.

The Safety of the Vue

Oddly, many of the consumer reviews of the Saturn Vue Hybrid are more than favorable and the ratings high. Yet, many reviews from other sources give the Saturn vehicle low scores. When it comes to safety, however, there is no denying there are some favorable details in place, as well as ratings. It is no surprise that airbags are in place, as almost every vehicle comes standard with that, these days. There are some other good safety features included with the standard version of the Saturn Vue. ABS, or the anti-lock brake system, is one important feature. But, consider, there is also Traction Control and Stability Control.

As for the NHTSA ratings, the numbers are impressive. The NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, gave numerous five of five ratings for several areas, when it comes to crash tests. In fact, the only area where the Vue received just four starts was the Rollover Test. The five star ratings went to the Frontal Crash Test and the Side Crash Test. Rollovers are, of course, a great concern, especially for SUVs, but the Saturn still did well, just not perfect, in this category.

Beauty on the Inside

The downside, for many, with the Saturn Vue Green Line and just Vue, is that many felt the appearance left much to be desired, claiming it is too boxy and lacks any modern appeal or sleekness. For those who care little about a car looking ultra-mod or being curvy and sleek, this is still a great option in the hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle Market. This is due in part to the fact that there is plenty on the inside to make up for the outside.

Though the sunroof and leather seats are part of the optional trim package and not included as standard features, there are still other things to admire about the Vue. As far as size, it is smaller than some of the big boys of the SUV world. This vehicle seats 5 comfortably, with a good deal of storage and elbow room. Of course, some of the biggest of the hybrid Sport Utility Vehicles claim to seat up to 8 comfortably, making the Vue more of a smaller sized cross over style vehicle. The feedback about the interior is that is looked good and felt comfortable. Making this perfect for families of small to midsize, depending on amount of storage needed, additionally.

The Final Word

All in all, Saturn has answered the consumer request for a hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle with a fairly priced, mid range version. While it may lack some of the seating capacity and power of the larger SUV’s, it provides what most, standard sized families require from this type of vehicle. It is important to note that, the Saturn Vue hybrid is no longer in production, but you can find good deals on gently used versions of this vehicle.

Category: Hybrid SUV Review, Saturn VUE

Tags: Hybrid SUV, saturn vue, saturn vue green, saturn vue hybrid