Vehicle Overview
Saab’s five-seat 9-7X is structurally related to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy, and it competes with other upmarket SUVs such as the Volvo XC90 and Volkswagen Touareg 2. The 9-7X is available in 4.2i, 5.3i and Aero trim levels.
New for 2009
There are no significant changes for the 2009 Saab 9-7X.
Exterior
Saab’s traditional three-port grille sits up front, and the company says the 9-7X doesn’t have any protruding shapes and forms, resulting in a clean, uninterrupted appearance. Built on a 113-inch wheelbase, the 9-7X is 193.2 inches long overall, 75.4 inches wide and 68.5 inches tall. It is close to the XC90 and the Touareg 2 in both width and height, but it is the longest by nearly 4 inches.
- Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Optional dealer-installed side-assist steps are black with chrome-plated edges
- 20-inch polished aluminum wheels on Aero model
Interior
Five people fit inside the full-size 9-7X. Saab’s styling cues include a distinct instrument panel and components that hail from the automaker’s 9-5 sedan and wagon. Cargo space totals 39.8 cubic feet with the 65/35-split rear seat up, and 80.1 cubic feet with that seat folded.
- Standard leather-trimmed, heated front seats
- Standard automatic climate control
- Standard Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Standard Bose 275-watt audio system with six speakers
- Standard XM Satellite Radio
- Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system
- Altitude Edition offered on 4.2i and 5.3i models includes DVD touch-screen navigation radio
Under the Hood
Three engines are available for the 9-7X: an inline-six-cylinder and two V-8s. The 5.3-liter V-8 comes equipped with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management technology, which disables half the cylinders when they’re not needed. All engines team with a four-speed automatic transmission. Aero models feature a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded tires and brakes.
- 285-horsepower, 4.2-liter inline-six with 276 pounds-feet of torque
- 300-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 with 321 pounds-feet of torque
- 390-hp, 6.0-liter V-8 with 400 pounds-feet of torque
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Properly equipped models can tow up to 6,500 pounds
Safety
Standard OnStar automatically notifies emergency personnel in the event of a crash severe enough to deploy an airbag.
- Electronic stability system
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Side curtain airbags with rollover-sensing system
- Front seat belt pretensioners