2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
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Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Before this model year, the VUE Green Line was a mild hybrid. Instead of running on electric power only, it ran on a gasoline engine aided by an electric motor. However, that's all changed with the new 2 Mode, which has two electric motors and a larger V6 engine -- and improved fuel economy.

• "The Vue's biggest problem is that it's heavy: roughly 3700 pounds in four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive form, going past 4000 pounds for a V-6 with all-wheel drive. Four-cylinder performance is sluggish, although the 3.6-liter in the XR and Red Line models makes for a more sprightly vehicle. The Vue rides quite nicely and handles in a carlike - if slightly inert - fashion." -- Car and Driver
• "The GM 2 Mode drivetrain is typical among hybrids, employing two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack. The motors assist the gas engine and recapture energy during braking by using a motor as a generator, driven by the vehicle's momentum." -- Cars.com
• "The bottom line is that the two-mode hybrid system allows the Vue to retain all the performance of the standard V-6 Vue including the 3,500lb towing capacity and 7.3 second 0-60 time. At the same time the fuel economy gets a 50 percent bump in urban driving and 30 percent overall." -- Autoblog Green
• "Turn the key in the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid and it drives like a well-sorted, peppy crossover. That's exactly the point." -- Edmunds
• "Let's hope the 32-mpg claim proves true because buyers won't be lining up for the Green Line's soft ride, vague steering, and lackluster acceleration." -- Autobytel
• "The Vue Two-Mode rides lower than its non-hybrid brethren, for better aerodynamics, which also helps that planted-on-the-road feeling. It cornered well and was eminently comfortable for four, adequate for five." -- HybridCars.com

Acceleration and Power

The basic VUE Hybrid comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine. The new 2 Mode model borrows the conventional VUE's more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine. According to the EPA, the VUE Hybrid nets 25/32 mpg city/highway. Estimates are not yet available for the 2 Mode model, but fuel economy is expected to significantly improve.

• "The engine in this [2 Mode's] case is GM's relatively new and efficient 3.6-liter direct-injection V-6. Where a four-cylinder might have given better mileage, the V-6 matches the existing Green Line hybrid on mileage but has power and capabilities matching the gas-only V-6 model. The mileage improvement, Saturn says, is an impressive 50 percent in mixed driving, but the non-hybrid is notably inefficient to begin with." -- Cars.com
• "Acceleration from a stop was modestly acceptable, and the Vue was able to cruise comfortably at highway speeds. But if a spurt of power was needed - on a hill or in a passing situation - the response from the engine compartment was, well, weak and belated." -- The Family Car

Handling and Braking

Test drivers are generally disappointed with the VUE Hybrid's handling and electric power steering. However, the new 2 Mode version's ride quality could improve due to different architecture.

• "The 2 Mode's ride quality may differ from the other models because Saturn adjusted the front and rear suspensions with different springs and shock absorbers to account for the different weight distribution that comes with the battery pack and other components. The tires are special low-rolling-resistance types that improve mileage." -- Cars.com
• "Chassis adjustments to compensate for the Vue Green Line 2 Mode's 189 pounds of extra heft include revised spring and stabilizer bar rates, along with recalibrated front struts and rear shock absorbers." -- Motor Trend
• "The ride is controlled, albeit exhibiting more than one SUVs share of body roll; the steering gets the job done with a vague feel; and the tires cry in protest when challenged." -- Autobytel
• "The Vue's suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, and it felt too soft when changing directions or braking quickly. The ride was smooth but the suspension was noisy on rough surfaces." -- Kansas City Star