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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  2007 Saturn Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Gerald ZWick - January 15 - 12:03 am

  The belt line is very high on this car, and it is very difficult to see out the rear window. Overall the driver visability is poor. Gas mileage was not what was advertised.

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  Excellent - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By compnurd - January 12 - 5:16 pm

  Car is wonderful. Gas mileage has increased wondefully as the car has climbed in mileage. Very quiet ride. Handles excellent. Way better build quality compared to older Saturns.

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  Good family ride - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Catrina - January 12 - 4:40 am

  I have only had my Outlook for a few months but love it already! We are a family of four and needed something roomy, but wanted to avoid a mini-van at all cost, we found the outlook and it is great, there is plenty of room for the kids, and the back seating is not to bad either. There is a lot of space and overall great for a family of four..or five! The only problem I have or dont like is getting to the third row seating, its a bit hard and I wish i would have opted for the captains chairs in the second row, but over all I love it!

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  Great SUV - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Dennis Quigg - January 11 - 6:33 am

  This is my wifes car. She researched 16 SUVs prior to purchase. The last three(3) was the Lexus RX-350, Acura MDX, and the Saturn Outlook. All three have almost identical bells and whistles. The Lexus was the quietest, however the Outlook was almost as quiet. All handled well. Lexus didnt seem to take corners quite as well as the outlook/MDX. The cost for the Outlook was about 10K less than the other two. And the Outlook had 100k warrenty, with 0% financing for 60 mths. I cant comment about the mileage yet, not enough driven miles.

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  Wonderful! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By susan - December 6 - 6:50 pm

  I absolutely love this vehicle. I traded in a 2000 Ford Explorer and I couldnt be happier. I was looking at the Acadia as well, but the Saturn was almost identical for a lower sales price, so it was a no brainer. It rides quite smoothly, and the 2nd row captains chairs work nicely for my children. Im getting about the same mileage per gallon on the Outlook as I did the Explorer. The remote start has come in handy on the cold mornings weve had recently. The dual sunroofs are my favorite option on the car. My one small complaint is that I wish the moon roof retracted into the roof completely and that the vents did not automatically come on when it is opened.

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  Good car - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Bashir - December 4 - 10:23 am

  The car handles and drives very well. The safety and comfort is beautiful. It is a lot better than my Ford Expedition 2005. That car robbed the gas I put in it. The Outlook saves me about 100 dollars a week and I have to drive to work which is about 75 miles away

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  Its fun to drive this "family car!" - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Big Red - December 2 - 6:26 pm

  I did a great deal of research on this vehicle and its competitors before we bought. The Saturn was the one that had the size we needed and the look we wanted. Finally I am driving a family car that I feel is meant for a young, active and fun family! This car is comfortable, durable, gets great mileage for the size that it is and looks fantastic! I am a 1st time Saturn owner, and Id say Ill be a Saturn owner for life now! I am so glad that we chose the Saturn Outlook!

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  My friends want one !! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Mantha - November 8 - 5:50 am

  We bought this for the room. We are always hauling lots of kids. I have hauled trees in it from Lowes with the seats folded down. Has all the extras.No sunroof which Im glad since that is a major complaint that it leaks. Cant complain about 20 mpg for an SUV this size. Had 2004 Tahoe that was a lemon before this (had electrical issues and the tie rod just broke one day while I was driving which could have killed me had I been going faster). Anyway the saturn outlook beats the tahoe hands down. Had it 2 years now and no problems except for interior lights quit working when you open the door. This is annoying in the dark. My husband checked the fuse. Nothing. But I can still manually turn on

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  Love It!! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook Owner - October 28 - 12:00 am

  Saturn really got it right this time! This vehicle doesnt just look good- it rides sooo smooth (better than the Acadia), has a lot of luxury features, and has lots of room (we have two small children and can actually walk around their carseats!). Gas mileage is great for a large SUV- I get about 17 city, 20-21 highway. I love the power liftgate, auto start, and the dual sunroofs are impressive looking. The interior looks very quality, and the overall vehicle feels very solid. Definitely Recommend!

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  Great Vehicle except... - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By tkm52 - October 27 - 2:57 pm

  Ive owned the XR for a about 1 year and it has been great. The only drawback is the transmission is a little sluggish when trying to excelerate in automatic mode. The problem is reduced when you use manual mode. If you know you are coming up on a situation like entering a crowded interstate youll need to manually downshift to 4 or 5 to be able to have sufficient power to merge. The first time I did this I was in automatic mode and scared the hell out of me. The another minor item is when filling the tank. Be aware that a sleeve is in the opening so the nosel is partically sealed triggering shutoff prematurely. I can get another 2-3 gallon in the tank by pulling the nosel back when filling.