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2009 Saturn Outlook Performance Review

March 15, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the 2009 Saturn Outlook ranks among the most satisfying
Kelley Blue Book

pours respectable torque on any acceleration occasion
Motor Trend

Outlook also trumps the competition in regards to maximum towing capacity
Edmunds

A performance machine the 2009 Saturn Outlook is not, but that doesn’t mean it can’t pull its own weight against its competitors.

2009 Saturn Outlooks are available with a new direct injection 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine with variable valve timing. ConsumerGuide proclaims acceleration is "surprisingly strong for a large, heavy vehicle with a V-6 engine," and they note the 2009 Saturn Outlook is "particularly impressive in highway merging and passing." Motor Trend observes that the V-6 "pours respectable torque on any acceleration occasion," while Kelley Blue Book feels that "the 2009 Saturn Outlook ranks among the most satisfying" crossovers they've ever driven. In terms of acceleration, Car and Driver advises drivers to "expect the trip to 60 mph to take about eight seconds."

Other reviewers point out that the 2009 Saturn Outlook is fit for towing, and Edmunds states that when "properly equipped, the Outlook is capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds." The new V-6 outputs 281 horsepower with 253 pound-feet of torque in XE models and 288 horsepower with 270 pound-feet of torque in XR models, an increase over last year’s "3.6-liter V-6 rated at 270 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque" on the Saturn Outlook XE, while "the XR model's dual rear exhaust boosts those numbers to 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque,” says Edmunds.

Regarding the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, reviewers appreciate the transmission on the Saturn Outlook, and ConsumerGuide reports it offers "smooth, quick shifts" that "contribute to the powertrain's polished performance." The only real mark against the transmission comes from Edmunds, which claims "the economy-minded six-speed automatic transmission can be sluggish with downshifts."

The 2009 Saturn Outlook boasts only average fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates that an all-wheel-drive Saturn Outlook will return 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, while the front-wheel-drive versions should get 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In reality, ConsumerGuide reports that a "2WD XE averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving," while an "AWD XR averaged 17.5 mpg with more highway use."

Good handling and smooth road manners characterize the 2009 Saturn Outlook. ConsumerGuide reviewers call the ride "firm, but comfortably composed and devoid of sloppy motions." Edmunds agrees, deeming the ride quality "forgiving without being wallowy." Automobile reports that there is a "slightly numb rack-and-pinion" steering setup on the Saturn Outlook, but the "incredibly stiff chassis and good wheel control almost make up for any shortcomings." However, ConsumerGuide notes that the "Outlook's sheer size is a hindrance in close-quarter maneuvering."

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a roomy vehicle that behaves more like a car than an SUV, consider the 2009 Saturn Outlook.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the 2009 Saturn Outlook ranks among the most satisfyingKelley Blue Bookpours respectable torque on any acceleration occasionMotor TrendOutlook also trumps the competition in regards to maximum towing capacityEdmunds A performance machine the 2009 Saturn Outlook is not, but that doesn’t mean it can’t pull its own weight against its competitors. 2009 Saturn Outlooks are available with a new direct injection 3.6-liter DOHC V-6 engine with variable valve timing. ConsumerGuide proclaims acceleration is "surprisingly strong for a large, heavy vehicle with a V-6 engine," and they note the 2009 Saturn Outlook is "particularly impressive in highway merging and passing." Motor Trend observes that the V-6 "pours respectable torque on any acceleration occasion," while Kelley Blue Book feels that "the 2009 Saturn Outlook ranks among the most satisfying" crossovers they've ever driven. In terms of acceleration, Car and Driver advises drivers to "expect the trip to 60 mph to take about eight seconds." Other reviewers point out that the 2009 Saturn Outlook is fit for towing, and Edmunds states that when "properly equipped, the Outlook is capable of towing up to 5,200 pounds." The new V-6 outputs 281 horsepower with 253 pound-feet of torque in XE models and 288 horsepower with 270 pound-feet of torque in XR models, an increase over last year’s "3.6-liter V-6 rated at 270 hp and 248 pound-feet of torque" on the Saturn Outlook XE, while "the XR model's dual rear exhaust boosts those numbers to 275 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque,” says Edmunds. Regarding the Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission, reviewers appreciate the transmission on the Saturn Outlook, and ConsumerGuide reports it offers "smooth, quick shifts" that "contribute to the powertrain's polished performance." The only real mark against the transmission comes from Edmunds, which claims "the economy-minded six-speed automatic transmission can be sluggish with downshifts." The 2009 Saturn Outlook boasts only average fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates that an all-wheel-drive Saturn Outlook will return 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, while the front-wheel-drive versions should get 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. In reality, ConsumerGuide reports that a "2WD XE averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving," while an "AWD XR averaged 17.5 mpg with more highway use." Good handling and smooth road manners characterize the 2009 Saturn Outlook. ConsumerGuide reviewers call the ride "firm, but comfortably composed and devoid of sloppy motions." Edmunds agrees, deeming the ride quality "forgiving without being wallowy." Automobile reports that there is a "slightly numb rack-and-pinion" steering setup on the Saturn Outlook, but the "incredibly stiff chassis and good wheel control almost make up for any shortcomings." However, ConsumerGuide notes that the "Outlook's sheer size is a hindrance in close-quarter maneuvering." ConclusionIf you’re looking for a roomy vehicle that behaves more like a car than an SUV, consider the 2009 Saturn Outlook.  2009 SATURN OUTLOOK STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "immediately stood out as something to pay attention to" Kelley Blue Book: "taller than a wagon and sleeker than an SUV" ConsumerGuide: "Gauges are large, clear, and conveniently backlit" Designers combined SUV styling with the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Shoppers looking for vehicles in this class prefer the passenger space of a minivan without the outward design of one, and in most cases, off-road ability isn’t needed. One negative for the Outlook is pricing; the base XE model is a good value, but pile the XR with options and it can exceed $45,000, which is as much as some same-size luxury-brand models. The CX-9 has a sportier look and feel, and it appeals to those who want to drive a little more enthusiastically. The Toyota Highlander offers a sleeker appearance and revamped interior appointments. Then there's the Pilot, which has a simpler, boxier appearance but good performance from its V-6 powertrain. The Ford Flex—which is basically replacing the Ford Taurus X—holds the trump card for styling. To most shoppers, the Flex’s distinct boxy appearance and three rows of comfortable seating is a strong selling point; the Flex also promises safety rivaling that of the Outlook.

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See the Saturn Outlook in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

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