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:

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  Outlook? Outstanding! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dave - March 25 - 9:06 pm

  Family of 5: 3 kiddos 9/7/4 - replaced our 2000 Caravan Sport with the Outlook XE. We bought because Saturn didnt offer vehicles to keep up with their loyal customers growing families Other family mobile is a Suburban, this is the perfect answer! Even the 4 year old can manage in and out with the center row seat setup. Excellent performer in the ice and snow, tcs and antilocks minimize control issues. Long rides are comfortable, manual shifting is fun in the hilly-twisty road areas. Accessibility from all 5 doors is great, nothing is ever out of reach. Powerful exterior design matched to comfortable well styled interior. If youre even thinking about one, buy it, no regrets.

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  Saturn will lead GMs turnaround attack - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By brad - March 18 - 8:50 am

  Saturn, in still a people friendly atmosphere, in an almost naive way is going to steal the heart of America with its aggressive new line of products. I love this Outlook for its handling, performance, fuel economy, safety. Its sleek styling and impressive list of standard features make even my least priced ($28000) purchase a great value. I trust this car ( it feels like one), is going to last me a long long time, (my last Saturn did...223000 miles on my SL2), and will be fun every mile of the way!

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  The Best Crossover Ever! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By ExMiniVanMom - March 12 - 8:36 am

  This is the best SUV ever! It has all of the features I would want in a minivan, but its not so I do not feel like the typical soccer mom when I drive it. The dual sunroofs are cool. I love OnStar. (I have already used it to unlock my car doors twice.) The navigation system is helpful when we are driving in a unfamilar location. The memory settings are great because my husband likes to take the Outlook whenever he can and the memory settings make switching between drivers easy. XM Radio is entertaining when I am stuck in traffic or waiting for my kids. The automatic liftgate is fantastic when my hands are full. The DVD system is great for screaming kids. You must test drive this SUV!

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  Road Manners to be Proud Of - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By markp - March 9 - 4:26 pm

  This vehicle handles and feels more like a large upscale sports sedan than an 8 passenger SUV. If needed, there is plenty of power from the direct injection engine. The six speed transmission helps with rapid acceleration and the highway gas mileage. However, you have to have a light touch on the gas pedal to obtain decent gas mileage in stop and go driving. The interior is spacious, the seats are extremely comfortable and the sunroof and backseat skylight are a nice touch.

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  It brightens your Outlook on life - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Rudge - February 24 - 11:00 pm

  This vehicle is phenemonal. Great handling, power and comfort. Everybody loves the looks and are surprised that GM/Saturn could build a vehicle that is superior to a Toyota in every way. I am happy to say that this vehicle can stand up to the Lexuses, Acuras and BMWs of the world for $15,000 less. I love the attention that this vehicle brings.

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  Love our Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kamiah Idaho - February 3 - 9:46 pm

  We bought our Saturn, after looking at many 7 passenger CUVs. The Outlook had way more room and at least as good of gas mileage as any of them. Only the Acadia was close, but it was at least $3000 more a similar model. We have had our Outlook for 6 months and have put on over 21,000 miles, with not one trip to the dealer. It has comfortably taken 6 adults (or 3 adults and 4 kids) on ski trips with all the associated gear. We have been very happy with everything. It has averaged almost 21 mpg since we bought it. I vowed never to own a dreaded mini-van, but I am so tickled with the Outlook, I dont even care if people ask if it is a type of van.

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  Transmission Failure ~ so far GM not doing anything - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jessica Hudson Dostie - February 3 - 5:48 pm

  -25 f, 2 hours away from home, 7 pm at night, two kids in the car, and treacherous road conditions ~ transmission fails! This problem is widespread & it isnt hundred of cars affected, its thousands and probably tens of thousands . So far GM is doing nothing ~ apparently it takes people dying to issue major recalls, and even then it takes many years and investigations by various agencies. UNACCEPTABLE and CRIMINAL ! I will certainly jump on the class action lawsuit wagon, if it exists, or when it does come to fruition. This is certainly the LAST GM product I will EVER buy! Furthermore, I will take to social media so I can to tell my story and make sure others know about these cars!

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  Saturn Outlook XR - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Kurt - January 31 - 5:36 pm

  I love this vehicle.iI is the best all around SUV on the market. Seats seven and gets 25 MPG on the highway. Looks great too. Ride and handling are great.

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  LOVE IT!!!!! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By HoopFam - January 27 - 8:00 am

  We have owned it just less than a year and I feel it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Have had the tranny fixed through warranty (recall) and that has helped with fuel economy. Has lots of power and is great in the snow, handled a Canadian winter with no problem at all. We have travelled with 8 adults and all loved the ride and comfort. Relatives have the Pathfinder and Edge, no comparison in any category.

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  This car is a good step for Saturn. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Anonymous - January 22 - 12:06 pm

  This car is a very goo thing for a dying breed of cars: Saturn. Its comfortable, has a good fuel economy. Even the far back seats have leg space for adults! Saturn prayed for a miracle and got one!