Saturn VUE Green Line is the 2007 model of Saturn VUE SUV which is hybrid environmental friendly SUV. Green Line series of Saturn VUE is a mild hybrid, or assist hybrid, using what GM calls a “belt alternator starter” (BAS) system with a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery located under the load floor. The battery powers the electric motor, as well as collects and stores regenerative braking energy. With the fuel saving mechanism, VUE GL saves up to 20% fuel cost with estimated 8.8L/100 km (27 mpg) city and 6.7 L/100 km (35 mpg) highway.” The Green Line has a 170 hp 2.4 L Ecotec DOHC-phaser engine which replaces the standard 144 hp 2.2 L engine, resulting in the improvement of 0-60 mph acceleration time by 1.0 seconds.

greenerMIAMI test drives Saturn VUE Green Line for a week and finds that “the Vue’s engine would shut off at stop lights, which is a great way to reduce idling. However, I felt as though I needed to really push down on that brake pedal to get that to happen. We decided that the Vue is a semi-hybrid – it’s not incorporating all of the hybrid technologies that are available. Now, the Vue isn’t a bad car, it’s just not what I was expecting. It’s a very affordable car (around $25,000), which partially means that I shouldn’t expect to receive the same features from a car that costs twice as much. It gets pretty good mileage for being an SUV (they quote 32 mpg on highway); so if you’re convinced you need an SUV, maybe this is a good option for you. I’ll stick with my ’99 Corolla for now, which still has the Vue beat on mpg.”

KickingTires test drives Saturn VUE GL and concludes that Saturn has really done it right with the Green Line. Sure, the Vue is an aging platform, but Saturn revised it recently, and the new version’s ride and handling is vastly improved. The hybrid works seamlessly with only two noticeable additions to the gauge cluster – a charge/assist meter and an “Eco” indicator light to tell you when the hybrid system is paying off. The combined 170 hp from the electric motor and gasoline engine is also a nice bonus compared to the base four-cylinder’s 143 hp. It doesn’t fly off the line, but the Vue Green Line is a very competent highway companion.

Groovy Green meanwhile comments that “this car has been deemed a “light” hybrid by car enthusiasts and many in the green community, and I’d have to agree. Mileage gains are not astounding but are in the 20% range over the non-hybrid model and similar small SUVs. Our Subaru Forrester gets on average around 21-22 mpg, as did my Honda CR-V. Saturn has managed to price the car at a competitive level. To me there should be no shame in the “light hybrid” moniker. There is a place for an entry level hybrid SUV that gives you enough room to carry your children and your luggage comfortably, without breaking the bank. Perhaps “darker green” consumers should pass by this model by for higher priced and higher mileage vehicles, but for newer families starting out, the Saturn Vue might be the most optimal car.”