With few exceptions, hybrid vehicles are marketed primarily on lofty fuel economy figures and not drag-strip performance. After a short drive around Santa Monica and a few miles along the Malibu coast, it’s obvious that the Vue Green Line’s success will depend entirely on price and that 32-mpg highway rating. Those 170 horses do their best, and that four-speed automatic has had decades to learn about acceleration and shift points, but there’s only so much you can ask of this powertrain. For example, you can ask it to provide enough power to maintain adequate highway speeds and to provide enough scoot for busy city streets; you can’t ask for anything better than 10.2 seconds to 60 mph, and while you can request a transmission that doesn’t constantly hunt for the right gear on the freeway, you ain’t gonna get it.

OK, it’s a little sluggish. That’s not exactly a shocker. Neither is the odd braking sensation when lifting off the throttle as the hybrid’s computer cuts engine power for improved efficiency, or when the regenerative braking system captures energy as the stop pedal is depressed. All of this technology working behind the scenes improves efficiency, and Saturn claims it significantly increases brake pad life, but the driver will have to put up with pedal pressure that’s hard to modulate. When at a full stop, the speedometer needle will rest at Auto Stop, signaling that the engine has clicked off while the generator is powering all of the vehicle’s accessories. If the air conditioning is set to maximum cooling (yellow light above A/C button instead of green) the engine will remain running. Saturn claims the Green Line can reach five mph on electric power only, but in reality the engine usually kicks in as soon as pressure is lifted off the brake pedal. A Charge/Assist gauge on the right of the cluster shows when the battery pack is supplying power or being charged, and a green Eco light beams when instantaneous fuel economy is beating the EPA estimate – great, but plenty of fuel-conscious buyers may prefer a trip computer with an average and instant mpg readout (like us – we didn’t get a chance to fill up, so can’t a offer real-world fuel economy figure).

All other aspects of the Green Line’s driving character mimic those of the regular Saturn Vue. 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. Inside, the driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable bucket seats with fold-down armrests, while up to three rear passengers get a flat bench that sits too low to the floor, serving to limit knee room for taller riders and making the view out of the front glass diminished for all.