What is it?
This hybrid version of the Saturn Vue uses a relatively inexpensive hybrid system that consists of a heavy-duty alternator/starter and drive belt. This helps Saturn keep the Green Line's price premium to less than $2,000 over that of a comparable gasoline-powered Vue. Like other hybrids, the Green Line uses braking energy to help charge the batteries and it will be capable of running solely on electric power for short periods. GM estimates the Vue Green Line will be EPA rated at 27 mpg city and 32 highway - about a 20 percent improvement over gas-powered Vues.
CR's take:
In our real-world fuel-economy tests, a V6-powered Saturn Vue (test available to subscribers only) got a respectable 19 mpg. If the Green Line can provide a 20-percent improvement, it would likely get about 23 mpg. This is not up to the 26 mpg of the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, but then the Ford Escape Hybrid we tested cost about $31,000.
What's new or notable?
With its base price expected to start at less than $23,000, the Vue Green Line will be the least expensive hybrid SUV on the market.
When will it be on sale?
Spring 2006, as a 2007 model.
