Summary:
With a V6 engine, a roomy interior and a comfortable ride, the Green Line hybrid’s entry into the market was anticipated by many. But, below-average quality, small front seats, loose steering and some missing popular convenience and safety features may have buyers thinking twice. The Saturn Vue Green Line is the cheapest new hybrid vehicle you can buy, but you need to be aware that affordability comes at the expense of advanced technology. Because of its mild hybrid system, the Green Line’s fuel economy is well off the mark.
Engine:
The Vue Green Line hybrid has a 2.4-liter gas/electric hybrid four-cylinder (170 hp and 160 lb-ft) that runs through a four-speed automatic. The V6 versions feature a 3.5-liter V6 sourced from Honda that makes 248 hp and 242 lb-ft and comes matched to a five-speed automatic.
MPG:
The Green Line hybrid rates at 27 miles per gallon city, and 32 miles per gallon highway.
Interior:
The five-passenger 2007 Saturn Vue has an attractive interior with sound ergonomics. Last year’s updates brought improvements like soft-touch door trim and faux wood accents, but the quality of most of the plastic trim is still below average for this class. Larger adults will find the front seats a size smaller than competitors’ seats, but rear-passenger room is excellent, and a low step-in height makes getting in and out easy. A foldable front-passenger seat allows the transport of extra-long cargo, while folding down the rear seats provides 63.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
Exterior:
Besides a few small badges proclaiming its greenness, the Green Line doesn’t look any different from the gasoline models.
Safety Features:
Antilock brakes are standard on the V6 models and optional on the others. Traction control is standard on the FWD V6 and Green Line versions and optional on the base four-cylinder. Stability control and front-seat side airbags are not available, though side curtain airbags are optional. In NHTSA frontal crash testing, the 2007 Saturn Vue earned a perfect five stars for driver protection and four stars for front-passenger protection.
Warranty:
5 years or 100,000 miles
