Overview & Reviews

The Saturn Outlook was one of the four "Lambda" crossover SUVs in GM's stable until the 2009 bankruptcy fiasco, when the Saturn brand met its end. Like the other Lambda vehicles, the Outlook packaged the eight-passenger seating, cavernous cargo capacity and carlike driving character of a minivan into the more fashionable shell of a full-size crossover SUV.

Compared to traditional body-on-frame full-size SUVs, the unibody Outlook provided advantages in terms of ride, handling and fuel economy. Its advantages continued inside, where an attractive interior boasted seating for up to eight passengers and more than 100 cubic feet of available cargo space.

The Outlook's large size limited its maneuverability and handling performance, though. As such, other three-row crossovers with slightly smaller dimensions proved more enjoyable to drive. But for families with large people-hauling or cargo-toting needs, the Outlook was one of the best crossover SUV choices, and it remains so as a used-car option.

Most Recent Saturn Outlook

Produced from 2007-'09, the Saturn Outlook was mechanically similar to the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia crossover SUV family. Aside from styling, it was primarily differentiated with a lower price and lesser quality interior materials.

There were two trims, XE and XR. Included on the XE were alloy wheels, heated mirrors, power accessories, cruise control, front and rear climate controls, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio (2009 only) and GM's OnStar service. The XR added dual exhaust, a power driver seat, a trip computer, steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth (2009 only) and wood trim.

Standard safety features on both models included antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags protecting all three rows. Among the options were xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, keyless engine start, a navigation system (which received real-time traffic for '09), a back-up camera (2008-'09), a rear-seat DVD player, Bose audio ('09 only), leather seats and second-row captain's chairs that reduced seating to seven passengers.

All Outlooks were powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that initially made 270 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque (275 and 251 with the XR's dual exhaust). When direct injection was added for '09, those numbers went up to 281 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque (288 hp and 270 lb-ft in the XR). A six-speed automatic was the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive could be ordered in place of front-wheel drive on either model.

On the road, our editors found the Saturn Outlook to be a pleasant drive. GM's modern V6 gave the Outlook decent acceleration and fuel mileage, while the Outlook's unibody construction and all-independent suspension gave it ride smoothness and handling ability superior to GM's previous SUVs and vans. The six-speed automatic transmission could have been more responsive, and the near-5,000-pound curb weight was hefty even for this segment, but the Outlook's overall driving sophistication was definitely up to class standards.

Unlike many competitors in the crossover SUV field, the Saturn Outlook could accommodate adults in all three rows. Granted, comfort was only adequate in the third row, but the fact that grandparents could sit back there at all was a feat in this class. In addition, the Outlook's "Smart Slide" second-row seat feature was advantageous, as with the pull of one obvious lever, either of the captain's chairs (or 64/40-split bench halves) easily tilted, slid and sandwiched up against the first-row seats to ease access to the third row.

The Outlook's size also enabled it to swallow up to 117 cubic feet of cargo while most others take around 90. Despite subtle hints of interior cheapness and some buttons that are either too small or hard to find, the Outlook's dashboard was also among the more attractive in this segment.

For families seeking a truly functional alternative to a minivan or full-size, truck-based SUV, a used Saturn Outlook merits serious consideration. Those who'd rather go the new route should check out the related Acadia, Enclave or Traverse.

User Reviews:

• 

  I love this car! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most elegant and stable suv I have ever owned. Ive had a Chrysler Pacifica, a Jeep Commander and my last was a Ford Edge. They all pale in comparison to the Outlook.

• 

  Best For the Buck - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By quickwhitt - October 20 - 11:50 pm

  My Budget didnt account for the Luxury vehicle we wanted but the Outlook was an amazing solution. It is dollar for dollar everything I expected and more. It has the look and feel of a Luxury vehicle and Ive noticed more heads turning and more compliments than I have with our previous vehicles. I keep hearing, " I didnt Know Saturn made anything this nice."

• 

  Best car we have owned...highly recommend! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By mrbellyputter - September 11 - 2:41 pm

  1st of all...we highly recommend buying your next car at CARMAX [violative content deleted] What a great, fun car buying experience! As for the car, easily the best car we have owned! We have/had Honda Civic, Nissan 300 Z twin turbo, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Sierra Truck. This car drives like a dream! Safe, quiet, responsive, functional controls, kid friendly, seats reconfigure effortlessly...what more can I say?...we got it at a great price at CARMAX too! If you are looking for a SUV/mini van capacity, with performance like a sports sedan...then look no further...this is it! Satur Outlook will be less expensive than GMC Acadia (even though they are both the same car)!

• 

  Outlook...Stylish and Roomy! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By cnbln07 - September 10 - 10:20 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a vehicle with room for 3 kids and storage behind 3rd row seat. We had a 03 Pontiac Montana Van so we were used to having room. Nothing would fill our needs not Tahoe nor Suburban (to big). We tried to find an GMC Acadia no dealer had them. So, we looked at an Saturn Outlook XR. It was what we were looking for,better color choices than the GMC and nicer interior. I have 05 Lexus Rx330. The Outlook rides smoother and is quieter than my Lexus and has more gadgets for less money. I would rather drive the Outlook but my wife will not trade!! We have 19 hybrid travel trailer and the Outlook pulls it with ease. Gas mileage 17 in town 22-25 on highway (w/o trailer)

• 

  Why Buy the Other Nameplates? - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By warrenj - September 6 - 3:40 pm

  We looked high and low to replace our Honda Pilot this time last year. I saw the Outlook in a magazine and went to see it for myself. My wife wanted another Pilot. I wanted a larger Tahoe/SUV. (Glad we didnt go there now!) After the first year we can honestly say, it is the best automobile we have ever owned! But why would you want to pay more for the GMC/Buick sibling when they are made side by side in the same plant but are thousands more because of the name plate? I have suggested this SUV to many friends and all have six have purchased and all have great things to say.

• 

  Lookout for the Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jonhel - August 9 - 1:33 am

  This SUV is the cream of the crop. Just finished a 4,000 mile vacation, and had a MPG of 25.6 MPG. The trip included both interstate highways and city driving. The ride is so smooth and quiet its hard to believe you are actucally in a vehicle Couple of drawbacks-the 12 VDC outlet in the dash, will not take a drink and a charger at the same time, due closeness of the cup holder to the DC outlet. The clothes hangers in the rear, are over the third seat area. Although I made a full length rod from electrical conduit, the clothes still folded up with the luggage. Other than those two items, I found nothing wrong with the vehicle.

• 

  Snow Eater! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mike - August 6 - 1:13 am

  We bought our Outlook in August 2008 (traded in a BMW 330CiC). We bought it for its HUGE interior and cargo space as well as its seating for 8. No other vehicle can compare within its class. It drives great, gets decent fuel mileage for its size, and is very comfortable. We had our first "big" snow here in DC a week ago (6-10) inches and my wife was hesitant about driving the Outlook in the snow. We have owned other SUVs in the past and snow was not their strong suit. However, this thing was like a snow plow. No slipping, sliding, or any problems. She loved the fact that she didnt have to "do anything" because it is AWD. Great winter vehicle!!

• 

  Unmatched - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By momof5 - July 24 - 11:36 am

  There is nothing on the market like the Outlook. It has a smooth, quiet ride. The engine is powerful, but fuel-efficient. The seats fold flat. The third-row seat is functional. The interior gives you more room than a Sequoia and you get better gas mileage

• 

  Lots of Room - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mike - May 9 - 10:23 pm

  Shopped really hard for crossovers to replace our aging minivan, but had trouble finding anything with as much room, until my wife fell in love with the Buick Enclave. Fortunately, our checkbook steered us to the Outlook! Much more affordable, even with leather seats and DVD. Enclave had softer ride, but lots of pricy "extras" that we really didnt need anyway. Acadia was in-between priced, but maybe even more truck-like. Our FWD Outlook has good MPG 22HWY and 20 mixed without much break-in yet. Still has good performance and power, quiet ride, transmission shifts well (not too picky here).

• 

  Fine Ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Driver8 - April 24 - 2:46 pm

  An excellent vehicle for what it is intended for. Buyers need to know what they are looking for in a vehicle. The Outlook has great comfort, quietness, good ride quality, and luxury (XR). Steering has good feel and weight, but you are not going to carve canyons like a Porsche. This is a great looking and performing FAMILY vehicle with a good dose of luxury and it evidences quality.