Saturn jumps to the front of the crossover pack
By Brian Chee
|
December 14, 2006
Saturn Outlook: Introduction
Saturn Outlook – First Drive:Like Always: Great customer service, no haggle prices.
Like Never Before: Good cars that border on great.
Looks like Saturn’s put some real sizzle into that ad slogan. From the Saturn Sky roadster to the Aura sedan and the new Outlook SUV, what was once a fading brand is on the move and taking names. And while the Sky may be sexy, the new Outlook crossover, with its combination of room, ride and style, is about to shake things up over in import land, to be sure. Add to that a friendly dealer network, and this could be the continuation of something big at Saturn – something, indeed, that’s bigger and unlike anything before.
The Basics: Origins
Built on the new GM platform named Lambda and brother to the upcoming Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and an unnamed Chevrolet, the Outlook replaces the woeful Saturn Relay minivan and has a distinct advantage: now, the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are chasing GM when it comes to larger crossovers that drive small. Interestingly, the launch of these new GM vehicles was reportedly delayed because officials were afraid that they would steal sales from all-new SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. They were right to worry: The Outlook offers buyers a capable and spacious utility vehicle that seats up to eight. Flaws in the Outlook package include its weight, some comfort issues in back and a few other nits, but overall it’s a strong winner.
The Basics: Model Mix – Standard Features
Saturn Outlook buyers choose between two trims: the base XE starting at $27,990 or the uplevel XR with a $30,290 price tag (including the $735 destination charge). XE standard equipment includes cloth seats with rear 60/40 split benches and GM’s new Smart Slide entry method; a stereo with CD/MP3 player, rear A/C, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks andwindows, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Up-town XR models add body-color side molding, wood grain interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a driver information center, and fog lamps.
The Basics: Model Mix – Safety Features
Standard safety features for the 2007 Saturn Outlook include 12 free months of OnStar’s Safe and Sound Plan, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak stability control, a rollover sensor that works with airbags, traction control and a full complement of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows.
The Basics: Model Mix – XE Options
Saturn’s Outlook comes with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Additional extra-cost features include a skylight sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, XM radio and second-row captain’s chairs. Don’t fret; there’s a slew of packages, too, starting with the Advanced Audio Package and its nine speakers, 300-watt amp, subwoofer, rear audio controls, and dual-zone climate control.. Then there’s the Convenience Package which adds remote vehicle start and more. Given the Outlook’s moderately heavy cargo door, GM should find a way to make the power liftgate available on the XE, but this is reserved for the XR. An XE Preferred Package is also available, delivering an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
The Basics: Model Mix – XR Options
For XR shoppers, packages include the Advanced Audio Package (with auxiliary input jack on the XR only) and a Convenience Package with a power liftgate and parking sensors. An Enhanced Convenience Package includes driver’s seat memory, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and a four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat with lumbar. There’s also the Premium Package, adding leather to the first two rows of seats and heat to the front row, and the Touring Package, upgrading the Outlook’s wheels to 19-inch alloys and replacing the standard all-season rubber with P255/60R19 touring tires. The Touring Package also comes with chrome exhaust tips. For weekend warriors, there’s also a Trailering Package.
What’s New: Outside
GM designers hit a home run with the Sky, a solid triple with the Aura sedan and are legging out a double to the gap with the Outlook. Saturn’s signature grille, a bright and shiny element, communicates a bold new style. Other highlights include wraparound rear windows, jeweled rear reflectors, chrome-ringed taillights, and chrome door handles. With standard 18-inch alloys, the Outlook fills its wheel wells admirably, resulting in a strong, athletic stance. With 19-inch shoes, the SUV is even better looking and with the XR trim the Outlook’s roof gets some needed definition thanks to chrome rails. Overall, the Saturn Outlook has a sporty, upscale design – even in base trim – one that is a welcome addition to a group of vehicles that includes the nondescript Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
What’s New: Inside – Smart Slide
It’s a minivan. Well, kind of, but not really. It’s an SUV that seats up to eight. Well, yes, but it’s really a bit of both. With almost 20 cu.-ft. of squared-off cargo space behind the third-row seat, the Saturn Outlook defies common SUV logic, especially when you add in the fact that two adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Benefits like that say minivan, as does the new Smart Slide second-row seat. Instead of the traditional fold-and-tip design, the Outlook’s second row seats slide forward and compress, adding impressive entry and exit room. There are, however, wide tracks in the floor in order to facilitate the Smart Slide feature. Overall, it’s a new and better way to get into the third row. Second-row seats also adjust fore and aft, giving all rear passengers a way to adjust for legroom demands.
What’s New: Inside – Style
The Outlook also gets the benefit of Saturn’s new interior design philosophy with higher quality materials, durable seat fabric and a much-improved layout. For example, the dash-top compartment lined and dampened, the glovebox is sizable, and there are sturdy side pockets that almost run the length of the center stack. In fact, when you add available features such as leather upholstery, the skylight sunroof and the DVD entertainment system, the Outlook borders on a premium grade SUV.
What’s New: Under the Hood
In the Outlook XE, the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine makes 265 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm via a single exhaust pipe. The Outlook XR makes 267 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm through dual exhaust pipes. From the driver’s seat the difference is negligible. Underneath, the Outlook rides on an independent MacPherson strut front and compact, linked “H” rear suspension, each setup attached to special mounting points designed for a smooth, isolating ride. A long wheelbase of 118.9 inches contributes to plenty of interior space while rack-and-pinion steering gives drivers a more accurate feel for the road. Four-wheel, ventilated disc antilock brakes come standard.
Driving: Test Car and Location
We spent a week behind the wheel of a Saturn Outlook XE with the Advanced Audio Package. Our experience included long drives on the freeway and in suburban areas, as well as a significant amount of time spent in the stop-and-go traffic of Pasadena, Calif. Throughout our drive, we were largely impressed with the Outlook’s family-friendly nature, whether carting around slow-moving grandmothers or hauling toys and kids to holiday events.
Driving: Performance – Engine
Whoever thinks big boys can’t be sexy, why, they never saw Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live and surely never drove the Saturn Outlook. Come on, now, Saturn engineers. Denial just leads to more pizza. The Outlook tips the scales at more than 4,900 lbs. in AWD trim – almost 500 lbs. heavier than the Honda Pilot. But from behind the steering wheel, the Outlook drives small. Sure, that oh-so ponderous feeling comes seeping through the powertrain from time to time, such as when you thump the throttle at a standstill or hit a corner a bit too fast, but overall the torque keeps things jumping and the horsepower keeps things moving smoothly. With an EPA estimated mpg of 18/26, we were pleased to get a combined total of 18 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
Driving: Performance – Transmission
A new six-speed automatic transmission is responsible, in part, for the Outlook’s responsiveness. However, I felt a consistent flat spot in the powerband that felt like a glitch with the transmission. At around 2,400 rpm, it was as if the Outlook’s engine had to stop, hitch its pants up over its belly, and start up again.
Driving: Ride and Handling
The Outlook provides a comfortable and quiet ride, soaking up bumps and isolating the cabin from road noise, vibration and wind whistles. When it comes time to stop, the brake pedal feels good underfoot and works in a smooth, linear fashion. Steering corrections are handled accurately for a large vehicle, but visibility is somewhat compromised due to thick B- and C-pillars which impede next-lane visibility. Rear seat headrests and the ceiling-mounted DVD player make looking out the rear window akin to a visual obstacle course. In that way, the Outlook’s size betrays itself, but for the most part it offers a nimble, car-like ride. It’s exceptionally maneuverable, turning into parking spaces and handling u-turns easily. After a week spent driving the Outlook, we found it to be an exceptionally quiet and smooth riding crossover.
Driving: Comfort – Front Seat
You don’t need leather to have a comfortable seat, and the Saturn Outlook proves it. What you do need is plenty of leg- and hip-room, and the Outlook comes oh-so-close to delivering that as well. Up front, there’s plenty of room in supportive seats covered in fabric that promises to stay fresh-looking and durable for a good number of years.
Driving: Comfort – Back Seats
The third-row is roomy – surprisingly so – with space for at least two adults. The mid-row seats, however, need to be set all the way back for acceptable, not great legroom. Strangely, the middle row is where virtually all of the comfort problems reside: the small side of the 60/40 split bench is cramped, and the seat backs were uncomfortable. As for the Smart Slide feature, it proved to be easy to use, even for a five-year-old: Granted, she’s a troublemaker, but at one point we heard a squeal from the back and a giggle: apparently, the large top lever that activates the Smart Slide was easy enough for her to grab, pull and go for a little ride while seated in a booster seat.
Driving: Cargo
Behind the third row is an expansive place where families can stow their stuff – whether or not the third row is up or down. There’s even a hidden convenience tray for items of value. The area is squared off and broad; with all seats down, you get a flat load floor and impressive, usable room. The large liftgate makes for a great rain shield, too – in fact, smaller drivers may want to move up to the XR trim in order to purchase a power gate – or invest in a step stool.
Driving: Controls – Stereo and Climate
With the possible exception of an old crank or two, every single person who has sat inside a new Saturn has been amazed at the quality of the interior, the low-gloss plastics, the tight gaps and the overall mood created by the design and soft lighting. That includes the controls: the standard-issue GM stereo is easy to use and well organized, and the environmental controls are simple and refined with soft touch, rubbery knobs ringed in chrome. Rear seat climate controls are straightforward and located on the back of the center console, which slides forward for extra elbow real estate and offers an acceptable amount of storage.
Driving: Controls – Instrument Panel
Driver controls are at the ready and built with quality materials. The turn signal stalk, for example, exhibits a quality click and feel when depressed. Drivers will appreciate the instrument panel, which glows with Saturn’s signature gold lighting and offers clean graphics combined with a simple layout. While I enjoyed the lighting in terms of the mood of contemporary luxury it conveyed, we felt the cabin was a little too darkly lit.
Advice: Selling Points
This is the crossover that import buyers – or full-size SUV buyers – will switch for, because the Outlook offers contemporary style inside and out; a smartly designed and innovative interior with plenty of cargo and people room, a robust powertrain that negates its slightly chubby curb weight ,and fuel efficiency that’s right up there with smaller competitors. The Outlook? It’s changing, and fast, for Saturn and General Motors.
Advice: Deal Breakers
Okay, so it’s beautiful. And roomy. The thing’s still a big barge, weighing in at almost 5,000 lbs. in all-wheel-drive dress. From behind the wheel, the Outlook has slightly compromised visibility, what feels like a flat spot in the powerband, and wide tracks in the floor where the Smart Slide runs – a place where little Timmy may very well lose crayons or other small items.
Advice: Competitors
According to Saturn, the Outlook’s main competition includes the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander. Sorry, but we can’t see Murano shoppers cross shopping the Outlook simply because the Outlook seems to be more of a utility-first, performance-second type of vehicle. We do think this crossover matches up nicely with the Highlander and the Pilot, however, and perhaps even the new Mazda CX-9. And don’t forget about the big boys: because the Outlook straddles the line between midsize and large. Toss actual SUVs like the Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Tahoe into the mix as well. Either way, we think the Outlook’s combination of style, innovation and room makes it a short-lister when shopping for a crossover vehicle.
Specifications: Price, Powertrain, MPG
Test Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Outlook XE
As-tested Price: $28,900 (incl. $735 dest.)
Engine Size and Type: 3.6-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 270 at 6,600 rpm
Engine Torque: 248 at 3,200 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): FWD 18/26; AWD 17/25
Observed Fuel Economy: 18 combined
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: FWD 4,722 / AWD 4,936
Length, inches: 200.7
Width, inches: 78.2
Wheelbase, inches:118.9
Height, inches: 72.8
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 41.3/36.9/33.2
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 40.4/39.3/38.4
Max. Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 117
Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.:4,500
Second Opinion – Wardlaw
Evidence that General Motors is no longer stepping on its own feet continues to mount. Witness the Saturn Outlook, a large crossover SUV that drives better than smaller rivals, looks terrific inside and out, and is priced exactly right. With a strong powertrain, composed handling, perfect suspension tuning, and stout brakes, the Outlook is actually fun to drive. It’s comfortable, too, with room for seven and a middle seat that slides for added leg room. Complaints are barely worth mentioning, so I won’t except to say that the upper door panels should be softly padded rather than hard plastic. The Saturn Outlook, even in standard XE trim, is outstanding.
Built on the new GM platform named Lambda and brother to the upcoming Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and an unnamed Chevrolet, the Outlook replaces the woeful Saturn Relay minivan and has a distinct advantage: now, the likes of the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander are chasing GM when it comes to larger crossovers that drive small. Interestingly, the launch of these new GM vehicles was reportedly delayed because officials were afraid that they would steal sales from all-new SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. They were right to worry: The Outlook offers buyers a capable and spacious utility vehicle that seats up to eight. Flaws in the Outlook package include its weight, some comfort issues in back and a few other nits, but overall it’s a strong winner.
The Basics: Model Mix – Standard Features
Saturn Outlook buyers choose between two trims: the base XE starting at $27,990 or the uplevel XR with a $30,290 price tag (including the $735 destination charge). XE standard equipment includes cloth seats with rear 60/40 split benches and GM’s new Smart Slide entry method; a stereo with CD/MP3 player, rear A/C, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power door locks andwindows, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Up-town XR models add body-color side molding, wood grain interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a driver information center, and fog lamps.
The Basics: Model Mix – Safety Features
Standard safety features for the 2007 Saturn Outlook include 12 free months of OnStar’s Safe and Sound Plan, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, StabiliTrak stability control, a rollover sensor that works with airbags, traction control and a full complement of airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows.
The Basics: Model Mix – XE Options
Saturn’s Outlook comes with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. Additional extra-cost features include a skylight sunroof, a DVD entertainment system, XM radio and second-row captain’s chairs. Don’t fret; there’s a slew of packages, too, starting with the Advanced Audio Package and its nine speakers, 300-watt amp, subwoofer, rear audio controls, and dual-zone climate control.. Then there’s the Convenience Package which adds remote vehicle start and more. Given the Outlook’s moderately heavy cargo door, GM should find a way to make the power liftgate available on the XE, but this is reserved for the XR. An XE Preferred Package is also available, delivering an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
The Basics: Model Mix – XR Options
For XR shoppers, packages include the Advanced Audio Package (with auxiliary input jack on the XR only) and a Convenience Package with a power liftgate and parking sensors. An Enhanced Convenience Package includes driver’s seat memory, an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror and a four-way power adjustable front passenger’s seat with lumbar. There’s also the Premium Package, adding leather to the first two rows of seats and heat to the front row, and the Touring Package, upgrading the Outlook’s wheels to 19-inch alloys and replacing the standard all-season rubber with P255/60R19 touring tires. The Touring Package also comes with chrome exhaust tips. For weekend warriors, there’s also a Trailering Package.
What’s New: Outside
GM designers hit a home run with the Sky, a solid triple with the Aura sedan and are legging out a double to the gap with the Outlook. Saturn’s signature grille, a bright and shiny element, communicates a bold new style. Other highlights include wraparound rear windows, jeweled rear reflectors, chrome-ringed taillights, and chrome door handles. With standard 18-inch alloys, the Outlook fills its wheel wells admirably, resulting in a strong, athletic stance. With 19-inch shoes, the SUV is even better looking and with the XR trim the Outlook’s roof gets some needed definition thanks to chrome rails. Overall, the Saturn Outlook has a sporty, upscale design – even in base trim – one that is a welcome addition to a group of vehicles that includes the nondescript Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.
What’s New: Inside – Smart Slide
It’s a minivan. Well, kind of, but not really. It’s an SUV that seats up to eight. Well, yes, but it’s really a bit of both. With almost 20 cu.-ft. of squared-off cargo space behind the third-row seat, the Saturn Outlook defies common SUV logic, especially when you add in the fact that two adults can sit comfortably in the third row. Benefits like that say minivan, as does the new Smart Slide second-row seat. Instead of the traditional fold-and-tip design, the Outlook’s second row seats slide forward and compress, adding impressive entry and exit room. There are, however, wide tracks in the floor in order to facilitate the Smart Slide feature. Overall, it’s a new and better way to get into the third row. Second-row seats also adjust fore and aft, giving all rear passengers a way to adjust for legroom demands.
What’s New: Inside – Style
The Outlook also gets the benefit of Saturn’s new interior design philosophy with higher quality materials, durable seat fabric and a much-improved layout. For example, the dash-top compartment lined and dampened, the glovebox is sizable, and there are sturdy side pockets that almost run the length of the center stack. In fact, when you add available features such as leather upholstery, the skylight sunroof and the DVD entertainment system, the Outlook borders on a premium grade SUV.
What’s New: Under the Hood
In the Outlook XE, the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine makes 265 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm via a single exhaust pipe. The Outlook XR makes 267 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm through dual exhaust pipes. From the driver’s seat the difference is negligible. Underneath, the Outlook rides on an independent MacPherson strut front and compact, linked “H” rear suspension, each setup attached to special mounting points designed for a smooth, isolating ride. A long wheelbase of 118.9 inches contributes to plenty of interior space while rack-and-pinion steering gives drivers a more accurate feel for the road. Four-wheel, ventilated disc antilock brakes come standard.
Driving: Test Car and Location
We spent a week behind the wheel of a Saturn Outlook XE with the Advanced Audio Package. Our experience included long drives on the freeway and in suburban areas, as well as a significant amount of time spent in the stop-and-go traffic of Pasadena, Calif. Throughout our drive, we were largely impressed with the Outlook’s family-friendly nature, whether carting around slow-moving grandmothers or hauling toys and kids to holiday events.
Driving: Performance – Engine
Whoever thinks big boys can’t be sexy, why, they never saw Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live and surely never drove the Saturn Outlook. Come on, now, Saturn engineers. Denial just leads to more pizza. The Outlook tips the scales at more than 4,900 lbs. in AWD trim – almost 500 lbs. heavier than the Honda Pilot. But from behind the steering wheel, the Outlook drives small. Sure, that oh-so ponderous feeling comes seeping through the powertrain from time to time, such as when you thump the throttle at a standstill or hit a corner a bit too fast, but overall the torque keeps things jumping and the horsepower keeps things moving smoothly. With an EPA estimated mpg of 18/26, we were pleased to get a combined total of 18 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
Driving: Performance – Transmission
A new six-speed automatic transmission is responsible, in part, for the Outlook’s responsiveness. However, I felt a consistent flat spot in the powerband that felt like a glitch with the transmission. At around 2,400 rpm, it was as if the Outlook’s engine had to stop, hitch its pants up over its belly, and start up again.
Driving: Ride and Handling
The Outlook provides a comfortable and quiet ride, soaking up bumps and isolating the cabin from road noise, vibration and wind whistles. When it comes time to stop, the brake pedal feels good underfoot and works in a smooth, linear fashion. Steering corrections are handled accurately for a large vehicle, but visibility is somewhat compromised due to thick B- and C-pillars which impede next-lane visibility. Rear seat headrests and the ceiling-mounted DVD player make looking out the rear window akin to a visual obstacle course. In that way, the Outlook’s size betrays itself, but for the most part it offers a nimble, car-like ride. It’s exceptionally maneuverable, turning into parking spaces and handling u-turns easily. After a week spent driving the Outlook, we found it to be an exceptionally quiet and smooth riding crossover.
Driving: Comfort – Front Seat
You don’t need leather to have a comfortable seat, and the Saturn Outlook proves it. What you do need is plenty of leg- and hip-room, and the Outlook comes oh-so-close to delivering that as well. Up front, there’s plenty of room in supportive seats covered in fabric that promises to stay fresh-looking and durable for a good number of years.
Driving: Comfort – Back Seats
The third-row is roomy – surprisingly so – with space for at least two adults. The mid-row seats, however, need to be set all the way back for acceptable, not great legroom. Strangely, the middle row is where virtually all of the comfort problems reside: the small side of the 60/40 split bench is cramped, and the seat backs were uncomfortable. As for the Smart Slide feature, it proved to be easy to use, even for a five-year-old: Granted, she’s a troublemaker, but at one point we heard a squeal from the back and a giggle: apparently, the large top lever that activates the Smart Slide was easy enough for her to grab, pull and go for a little ride while seated in a booster seat.
Driving: Cargo
Behind the third row is an expansive place where families can stow their stuff – whether or not the third row is up or down. There’s even a hidden convenience tray for items of value. The area is squared off and broad; with all seats down, you get a flat load floor and impressive, usable room. The large liftgate makes for a great rain shield, too – in fact, smaller drivers may want to move up to the XR trim in order to purchase a power gate – or invest in a step stool.
Driving: Controls – Stereo and Climate
With the possible exception of an old crank or two, every single person who has sat inside a new Saturn has been amazed at the quality of the interior, the low-gloss plastics, the tight gaps and the overall mood created by the design and soft lighting. That includes the controls: the standard-issue GM stereo is easy to use and well organized, and the environmental controls are simple and refined with soft touch, rubbery knobs ringed in chrome. Rear seat climate controls are straightforward and located on the back of the center console, which slides forward for extra elbow real estate and offers an acceptable amount of storage.
Driving: Controls – Instrument Panel
Driver controls are at the ready and built with quality materials. The turn signal stalk, for example, exhibits a quality click and feel when depressed. Drivers will appreciate the instrument panel, which glows with Saturn’s signature gold lighting and offers clean graphics combined with a simple layout. While I enjoyed the lighting in terms of the mood of contemporary luxury it conveyed, we felt the cabin was a little too darkly lit.
Advice: Selling Points
This is the crossover that import buyers – or full-size SUV buyers – will switch for, because the Outlook offers contemporary style inside and out; a smartly designed and innovative interior with plenty of cargo and people room, a robust powertrain that negates its slightly chubby curb weight ,and fuel efficiency that’s right up there with smaller competitors. The Outlook? It’s changing, and fast, for Saturn and General Motors.
Advice: Deal Breakers
Okay, so it’s beautiful. And roomy. The thing’s still a big barge, weighing in at almost 5,000 lbs. in all-wheel-drive dress. From behind the wheel, the Outlook has slightly compromised visibility, what feels like a flat spot in the powerband, and wide tracks in the floor where the Smart Slide runs – a place where little Timmy may very well lose crayons or other small items.
Advice: Competitors
According to Saturn, the Outlook’s main competition includes the Honda Pilot, the Nissan Murano and the Toyota Highlander. Sorry, but we can’t see Murano shoppers cross shopping the Outlook simply because the Outlook seems to be more of a utility-first, performance-second type of vehicle. We do think this crossover matches up nicely with the Highlander and the Pilot, however, and perhaps even the new Mazda CX-9. And don’t forget about the big boys: because the Outlook straddles the line between midsize and large. Toss actual SUVs like the Dodge Durango and Chevrolet Tahoe into the mix as well. Either way, we think the Outlook’s combination of style, innovation and room makes it a short-lister when shopping for a crossover vehicle.
Specifications: Price, Powertrain, MPG
Test Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Outlook XE
As-tested Price: $28,900 (incl. $735 dest.)
Engine Size and Type: 3.6-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 270 at 6,600 rpm
Engine Torque: 248 at 3,200 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): FWD 18/26; AWD 17/25
Observed Fuel Economy: 18 combined
Specifications: Dimensions
Curb Weight, lbs.: FWD 4,722 / AWD 4,936
Length, inches: 200.7
Width, inches: 78.2
Wheelbase, inches:118.9
Height, inches: 72.8
Legroom, inches (front/rear): 41.3/36.9/33.2
Headroom, inches (front/rear): 40.4/39.3/38.4
Max. Seating Capacity: 7 or 8
Max. Cargo Volume, cu.ft.: 117
Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.:4,500
Second Opinion – Wardlaw
Evidence that General Motors is no longer stepping on its own feet continues to mount. Witness the Saturn Outlook, a large crossover SUV that drives better than smaller rivals, looks terrific inside and out, and is priced exactly right. With a strong powertrain, composed handling, perfect suspension tuning, and stout brakes, the Outlook is actually fun to drive. It’s comfortable, too, with room for seven and a middle seat that slides for added leg room. Complaints are barely worth mentioning, so I won’t except to say that the upper door panels should be softly padded rather than hard plastic. The Saturn Outlook, even in standard XE trim, is outstanding.
Photos courtesy of Saturn and Ron Perry