2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The Saturn Vue hybrid features basically the same “mild” hybrid system found in the Saturn Aura Hybrid. The hybrid is available in one trim level. This compact five-seat crossover’s main competition is the Ford Escape Hybrid.

New for 2009
For 2009, the “Green Line” name and badge have been eliminated — the Vue is just called “Hybrid” now. Bluetooth is now available, and a panic braking safety feature is standard.

Exterior
The Vue Hybrid features the same coupe-like sportiness as the regular model. In addition to the typical hybrid badges on the sides and rear, this model offers hybrid decals for the door moldings and front and rear windows for people who want to show off. The SUV sits at a lowered ride height.

The Vue measures 180 inches long and about 73 inches wide, which is longer than the Escape.

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlamps
• Rear spoiler
• Available heated mirrors
• Available automatic windshield wipers
• Available sunroof

Interior
The Vue Hybrid shares its interior with the regular Vue, which has been acclaimed for its design and quality. Unlike some hybrids, this one sacrifices no passenger space, at 98 cubic feet, compared with the non-hybrid version. Cargo volume behind the backseat is 2 cubic feet fewer than the conventional Vue, at 27 cubic feet. With the seats folded it increases to 56 cubic feet. The interior volume is slightly less than that of the Escape.

• Available cloth or leather seating
• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Power windows, locks
• Available heated seats
• Available Bluetooth

Under the Hood
The Vue Hybrid is powered by a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor/generator. Unlike most hybrids on the market, this mild hybrid employs a conventional four-speed automatic transmission.

The Vue Hybrid achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/32 mpg city/highway. Its highway driving range is 585 miles on a tank of gas.

• 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 167 pounds-feet of torque
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Available trailer hitch (1,500-pound towing limit)

Safety
The Vue Hybrid features a laundry list of standard safety systems. Because it’s also sold in Europe, the Vue has some unusual safety features for this price range, including active head restraints (head restraints that tilt forward during a rear collision) and break-away pedals (pedals that automatically release during a major frontal impact).

• Four-disc antilock brakes
• Side-impact airbags for the front seats
• Side curtain airbags
• Electronic stability and traction control
• New panic braking system (supplemental emergency braking system)
• Rollover-mitigation system that preemptively fires the side curtain airbags and can brake outside wheels during an eminent rollover
• OnStar comes standard, including one free year of Safe and Sound service, which alerts authorities in the event of a collision