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:

• 

  What a crossover! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mom of 2 - May 15 - 2:13 pm

  I had been looking for another vehicle for a while, considering both new and used. I pretty much tried every crossover before chosing this one - Nissan Murano (cheap feeling car), the GMC Acadia, the Buick Enclave and last I tried the Outlook. I made the right decision. I love to drive it, it is comfortable and the options are great. The ride is smooth, the view is great from all angles and the storage is almost as much as my full size Yukon Denali I just had.

• 

  Poor remote start - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By rfrieden - May 3 - 7:00 pm

  Weve had the Outlook for less than one month. I love driving it! (I traded in a minivan.) I had to have brake and windshield wiper fluid added already but I think it is because the levels werent checked when I bought the SUV. It is fun to zip around in and feels so much sportier than my minivan. No longer a minivan driver, forever a soccer mom!

• 

  Poor gas mileage! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By crasberry - April 11 - 8:03 am

  I realized in the 1st tank of gas that I wasnt getting the MPG that Saturn told me I would get. The vehicle is rated at 16 MPG city but we struggle to get 12. It would be different if the vehicle was driven hard but its driven very slow in a fairly small town that you dont drive over 35 MPH. Ive had the vehicle back to 2 Saturn dealerships 4 times and they cant seem to figure out why it gets the poor mileage. The last Saturn dealer told me they drove it and got over 16 MPG. I offered to ride with them to verify their claim and they refused. My wife loves the vehicle but if I knew it was going to get 12 MPG I would have bought another vehicle with a V-8 engine.

• 

  water leaks, bad strut mounts - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By upset2 - March 20 - 11:33 am

  At first we loved this car, then the problems started. Ive had it in twice for doors leaking from sunroof drain tubes, going to take it again soon. Seats are ruined from water damage. Have had the strut mounts replaced, windshield wiper blades recalled, cant seem to get the popping noises fixed underneath. We are very upset, also the car wont even make it up our driveway because of the gravels. It stinks for a front wheel drive! wish we never traded. I feel like we have been cheated. This car is a lemon!!

• 

  Bad gas mileage - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By badgasmileage - March 18 - 2:16 pm

  I drive 600 miles a week for work. I switched from a F250. I need to carry a ladder. Fits nicely. Advertised 26 mpg. I figured 24. The mileage has never gone over 21.5. I keep a record on fueleconomy.gov. A lot of space. A lot of cup holders. I have 2 kids, work out of my vehicle, fold down the rear seat and still fit a ladder, work products, golf clubs, and more. But the fuel economy is awful. I got 18 with my F250. And that was 4x4 and loaded. I wish I would have got a Escape Hybrid. But I felt cooler driving this. Its a nice looking vehicle, but crap miles per gallon. In town, 17 mpg tops.

• 

  Whats good and whats not - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By New Owner - March 5 - 8:00 am

  My wife and I considered just about every SUV and crossover on the market. We were both surprised to find ourselves in a Saturn dealer. Rightly or wrongly, we still considered Saturn to be a car company for first-time car owners, and especially not for high-end cars. We were very pleasantly surprised. Weve only had the Outlook for a few days but are very happy with it so far.

• 

  The best choice weve ever made - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Lia - February 18 - 10:20 pm

  After much research and driving the competition, we bought the outlook XR. For $3,000 more than the "competetors"- Pilot/Highlander, it was well worth the investment. The cabin is a much roomier and the smart slide seats are wonderful!. The ride is luxurious, the steering tight and responsive, and it provides plenty of power and pep! Safety features are hard to beat; an impressive SSF of 1.34 (low percentage roll over), airbags everywhere, 1 year on-star service, built in seat belt clips for the little ones, the list goes on and on! The powertrain warranty is decent 5 yrs/100,000 and boasts a sharp interior/exterior design.I knew I had a winner when my father said, "I need one of these"!

• 

  One Great Vehicle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook - January 27 - 10:16 am

  This is one of my all time favorite vehicles-and I owned several types. Its such a pleasure to drive-so comfortable-gas mileage isnt bad either. Loads of room for my shopping trips.

• 

  Great truck - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By junior - January 25 - 5:03 am

  Saturn out did itself with this one. I have friends with the Pilot, 4runner, and Durango and all of them compliment me on my SUV. The front grille is like nothing Ive seen before and people stare when I drive by. So in good faith I would recommend this vehicle to anybody.

• 

  Disillusioned in New York - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Disallusioned - January 5 - 5:23 pm

  I had researched the Acadia and Outlook for months and was very excited when I finally purchased my Outlook XR fully loaded. The Outlook has a great look and I love the interior especially with the heated leather seats, sunroof, and captain chairs, Nav,etc...However I am extremely disappointed in the performance, there is no power climbing a basic hill, my foot is on the floorboard of the accelerator..The gas mileage stinks...I am averaging 12 mpg, I thought I was smarter than the Chevy Tahoe crew because the Outlook bragged about performance and good mileage..False ratings or something is dramactially wrong with this car...I drive rather conservatively, so I just dont get it.