2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid Quality Review

The compact crossover SUV segment has its fair share of high-quality, practical models. While the 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid can compete in terms of interior quality, it suffers from a lack of space that some consumers might consider a deal-breaker.

The compact Saturn Vue Hybrid "seats five," according to Cars.com, and, "unlike some hybrids, this one sacrifices no passenger space compared to the non-hybrid version." That's a good thing too, since some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com point out the minimal interior space to begin with. Car and Driver says that the "interior room is cramped...compared with the class leaders such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4," but at least the seats prove comfortable. MotherProof appreciates that "the driver's seat [is] power-adjustable," and Kelley Blue Book points out that the Saturn Vue Hybrid's seats are "comfortable and a definite improvement compared with the previous model's." The second row scores fairly well with reviewers also, as Edmunds finds that "the comfy second-row seats recline and offer decent legroom."

Behind the second-row seats, you'll find a rather limited storage area inside the Saturn Vue 2009 Hybrid. Edmunds is quick to mention that there is "less cargo capacity than [in] some rivals," while Motor Trend adds that the "cargo hold [is] downright pinched due to the Vue's angled, but at least attractive rear styling." In terms of hard numbers, Car and Driver reports there is "29.2 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats and 56.4 with the seats folded." The 2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid does manage to redeem itself in terms of passenger-area storage, as MotherProof points out "storage pockets in the doors" that are "deep and wide enough to get stuff in and out without the help of a vacuum or bent hangers."

If there's one thing that American manufacturers have been criticized heavily for over the last few decades, it's interior quality. If you haven't spent much time inside a late-model domestic vehicle, then you might be surprised at the turn Saturn has taken—the Saturn Vue Hybrid now offers one of the nicer interiors of any vehicle in this class. MotherProof reviewers are "pleasantly surprised by its details," including the "lovely bone color" of the leather and plastic trim pieces that don't look "too glaring or cheap." Kelley Blue Book claims the 2009 Saturn Vue "boasts the most premium-like interior in the segment," and Car and Driver adds that "the interior is nicely appointed and in some ways better crafted than those of its Japanese rivals." Even the hard-to-please reviewers at ConsumerGuide contend that the "materials quality and assembly of models tested are arguably the best in the compact-SUV class."

ConsumerGuide reports that the Saturn Vue Hybrid offers a "quiet, smooth ride on all but the worst roads," while on the highway "wind noise is low even in crosswinds."