2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid

The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid we’re piloting is a rakishly good-looking SUV, made all the better because of its efficient and affordable hybrid power. After two months behind the wheel of this mild hybrid, we can say that we’ve not only grown to appreciate its stylish stance, but this hybrid’s overall nature as well.

Transitioning from one test vehicle to another often calls for an adjustment of perspective, sort of like coming up for air and considering the next deep dive before actually taking the plunge. We did that with the Vue Green Line. Our two previous SUV experiences included time spent behind the wheel of our long-term Toyota Highlander Hybrid and several weeks with the uplevel Lexus RX 400h. There are big differences.

Both the Toyota and Lexus products are heavier, longer, and wider with greater interior volume. They also offer higher levels of comfort and performance, as they should since there’s nearly a $10,000 spread between the entry-level price of the Saturn and Toyota hybrid SUVs, and a whopping differential of just over $18,000 between the Saturn and Lexus hybrids. That said, this extra cash buys a lot and the Toyota/Lexus products are appropriately-priced for buyers seeking their particular attributes.

The Vue’s mild hybrid system shatters the assumption that hybrids always get better mileage in city driving than on the highway. At an EPA estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, the Vue’s fuel economy figures are a reversal of the Toyota/Lexus hybrids’ EPA estimates of 32 mpg city and 27 mpg highway fuel economy, and the Ford Escape hybrid’s EPA estimates of 36/31 mpg.

Powered by a 170 hp 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain, the Vue Green Line Hybrid features 27 more hp than its conventionally-powered 2.2-liter counterpart. This is evident at launch and during passing when the electric motor-generator kicks in to boost acceleration. The hybrid system achieves its fuel efficiency by shutting the engine down while stopped to minimize idling, and then restarting when the brake pedal is released. Fuel is also shut off during deceleration. Regenerative braking during deceleration helps charge the Vue’s Cobasys nickel-metal-hydride batteries.

We came to appreciate this Saturn hybrid during our time together. While we did miss the smoother and quieter ride of the larger hybrid SUVs, we acclimated to the Vue’s characteristics and found it fulfilling our daily driving needs well. At a suggested retail of $22,870, those in the market for an affordable hybrid SUV should certainly put the Vue Hybrid on their new car comparison list.