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Road Test: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid car review; Full measure
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General Motors wants you to know that the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is the “world’s most fuel-efficient V-6 SUV.” That’s the glass half full. The other half of the glass is that the Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is, in our view, the world’s most powerful fuel-efficient compact SUV. So forget about the old half-full/half-empty conundrum. The Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is a glass full to the brim.
The 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is the first smaller-vehicle application of the two-mode hybrid technology developed as a joint project between General Motors, Chrysler and BMW. It was introduced in the 2008 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe (see our Tahoe Hybrid car review) and is also available on the 2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and Dodge Durango Hybrid. The Saturn Vue is also the first front-wheel drive application of the two-mode system.
The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, which won’t be in Saturn stores until early 2009, combines a 3.6-liter variable-valve timing direct-injection V-6 with the two-mode hybrid system. The V-6 is similar to that in the Cadillac CTS 3.6 DI, though detuned for 255 horsepower and 252 lb-ft or torque for this application.The two-mode transmission combines two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system turns the engine off at idle and cuts fuel flow to the engine on deceleration, but the system’s official two modes of operation are:
First mode (low speed, light load): On moving away from rest, the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid can operate on electric power from the two 55-kW electric motors incorporated into the transmission at up to about 20 miles per hour (under light acceleration). The gasoline engine provides power for more acceleration and higher speeds and can operated in conjunction with the electric motors. The effect feels something like a continuously variable transmission, with a virtuously stepless sensation, the engine hardly ever sound like its revving.
Second mode: The electric motors shift to boosting the gasoline engine during heavy acceleration, towing or climbing steep grades. The transmission will also “lock up” for efficient power transfer while cruising at speed.
The magic is in the software and careful calibration that provides no sensation of changing modes. In models with a navigation screen, the (now) typical schematic will show where power flow is going, whether recharging the battery, running on gas engine only, etc., and if it weren’t for that, the only palpable indications of the dual-mode in operation is the slight torque reaction when the gas engine turns on and noises associated with controls and occasional electric motor-type noises. Reversing is done only by electric motors.
The instrument panel, however, has some significant differences from the conventional gas engine’s. There is no tachometer, the large dial to the left of the speedometer housing an “efficiency” gauge, the needle swinging from orange for least economical and green to the center and leftward for more economical operation. At idle stop, the gauge drops to a white zone on the left of the dial. A smaller dial below the larger needle tracks state of charge for the main hybrid operating batteries.Because “starting” the two-mode hybrid won’t always start the gasoline engine running, a new small internationally-recognized symbol for “hybrid ready”—a warning light in green in the shape of a vehicle profile with a two headed arrow underneath—is in the lower left hand corner of the instrument panel. Another illuminated icon on the i.p. lights up when the vehicle is in regenerative braking mode.
The Saturn Vue 2-Moed Hybrid has “fully-blended” braking, meaning it can operate under 100 percent friction brakes, 100 percent generative braking or any combination of both).
The different weight distribution of the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid required changing the chassis tuning with different shocks, springs and anti-roll bars, but it’s all transparent to the operator, which it should be. The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid also comes with four-wheel anti-lock disc braking, stability control, roll-over detection and trailer sway control. The latter is necessary because the 2 Mode Hybrid is capable of towing up the 3,500 pounds, and sprints 0-60 in 7.5 seconds according to Saturn. Our experience with the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line was a 0-60 time of about 10.5 seconds.
The 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid comes well equipped, including power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise controls, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP2 player and auxiliary input jack. A navigation system and sunroof are optional.Saturn has discontinued use of the Green Line badge but last year’s Saturn Vue Green Line continues as simply the Vue Hybrid with the same “mild hybrid” system of the 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine with the external assist motor/generator, a package we found generally unsatisfactory in testing with disappointing gas mileage (though admittedly operating in a hilly area that didn’t how the Vue Green Line at its best).
We were not able to drive the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid far enough to get an independent observed fuel mileage rating, and there is no EPA estimate for fuel mileage either. However, based on the performance of the Yukon 2 Mode Hybrid and the 3.6-liter non-hybrid Saturn Vue of 16/23 mpg, we would expect an EPA rating of not less 28/28 mpg city/highway. Price for the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid hasn’t been set, but expect to pay no more than $33,000 (well equipped but with no options).For anyone ready to downsize to a more fuel efficient SUV or who needs the oomph for trailering or other power-related need but still wants fuel economy, the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid equipped with the world’s most advanced hybrid system is an excellent choice. That’s what GM wants you to know, and we’ll drink to that.
| Saturn Vue 2 Mode | Ford Escape Hybrid | Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
| Engine type | 3.6L V-6 | 2.5L I-4 | 3.3L V-6 |
| Power, hp engine/motor | 255/n.a. | 153/94* | 209/167* |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy | 28/28 est | 34/31 | 27/25 |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.6 | 103.1 | 109.8 |
| Curb weight, lb. | 4,265 | 3,669 | 4,508 |
| Max cargo, cu ft | 56.4 | 66.1 | 94.1 |
| Max towing, lb | 3,500 | 1,000 | 3,500 |
| Base price | $33,000 est | $29,305 | $38,245 |
Illustrations, top to bottom: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, engine under left cover, hybrid controller under right cover; 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid instrument panel; 2 Mode Hybrid bade; 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid. All photos by John Matras.
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