2009 Saturn VUE - Safety Review and Crash Test Ratings

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Crash-test ratings are one of the 2009 Saturn Vue’s strongest attributes, and its list of safety features is clearly a top priority. The addition of Saturn’s Panic Brake Assist, which helps decrease stopping distances in emergency braking situations, can only help increase the Vue’s safety rating.

The 2009 Saturn Vue excels in crash tests conducted by both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2009 Vue’s IIHS results are impressive, as it earns the highest possible rating in each of the IIHS tests. In fact, the Vue performs so well in those tests that the IIHS awards it a Top Safety Pick 2009 title, stating that it displays "good performance in front, side, and rear tests." In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Saturn Vue earns a perfect five-star rating for both front impact tests, as well as both side impact categories. The only category in which the Saturn Vue scores fewer than five stars is for rollover, where NHTSA gives it a four-star rating.

How many safety features can a compact SUV contain? A "slew of standard safety features that were not available on its predecessor," according to Cars.com. Edmunds reviewers report that those safety features include "antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints." Motor Trend says that the Saturn Vue's safety features, including "seatbelt pretensioners" and "collapsing pedals" allow crash-test dummies to "emerge unscathed (or at least undead) from the worst crashes conceived by any world government." Motor Trend adds that the "standard stability control with trailer-sway mitigation (a class exclusive) might even help intelligent dummies avoid a crash."

Adding to the 2009 Saturn Vue’s already superb safety rating is excellent visibility, which ConsumerGuide says is "good to all directions." Car and Driver reviewers also rave about the "expansive view out the front windshield," calling it "excellent."