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:

• 

  A Perfect Fit - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Loving Saturn - August 18 - 4:16 am

  My husband and I cannot be more pleased with out 2007 Saturn Outlook XR. Leaving my previous vehicle, a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan, I knew that my family needed the versatility of a minivan however, I wanted something fun to drive as well as functional. The Outlook is perfect in size, practicality, good looks, performance, and fuel economy. The fold flat third row seats are a treat when loading groceries. The smart slide allows easy access to the third row, and the ability to move the second row forward or backward allows everyone to sit comfortably in their seating configurations. I could not be more impressed with GM and Saturn!

• 

  Just Dont Understand - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Mike Yeager - July 5 - 5:43 pm

  Best vehicle my wife and I have ever owned PERIOD. Absolutely no trouble, and the dealership outstanding. Never had anything like this dealership, car was washed at no charge after each oil change, tire rotation. Still take car there for maintenance even thou they were forced to be a dealership for Hyundai, which I will never be able to purchase, because I am AMERICAN!

• 

  What quality control? - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Indy Outlook - June 15 - 9:06 am

  ABS brake system clicks everytime you start the car doing a self diagnosis. Very annoying. Dealer says this is normal. Power seats have a rough spot in the fore/aft adjustment. Three new sets of rails were sent, all defective. Dealer removed rails from new vehicle on the lot and replaced ours. Same problem, now passenger seat does the same thing. Rear seat cushion does not latch properly. Dealer inspected other new Outlooks and all do the same thing. Dealer says this is normal. Loud engine sound when warm possibly power steering related, dealer can not identify. Concidering trading after 12K miles. Has been in the shop 12 days in 6 months.

• 

  Large SUV that we really needed - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Vigla - May 14 - 4:40 am

  I have to say I was upset that GM gave up on minivans. Their latest batch were pathetically ugly and I was looking forward to them replacing them. Then we were told no more minivans from GM. They were being replaced by the Outlook, Acadia, and Enclave. Not only that, but the price on these goes up 5K over the price of a minivan! Reluctantly, I went to check out the Outlook and Acadia and I was plesantly surprised by the quality and design. My wife liked them very much too. Since we have 3 kids under 4 years old we needed the room, so I bit the bullet and bought the Outlook XE. I dont regret my decision at all.

• 

  The best of GM - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By AndyS - April 18 - 12:30 pm

  Vehicle: 09 Outlook XR AWD. We traded a 04 Toyota Camry in on this vehicle to accommodate an expanding family. Contrary to the editors review, the transmission in the 2009 Outlook is not sluggish. Nothing about the engine or transmission is sluggish at all. The ride is smooth and extra quiet with great handling especially when you consider the size of this vehicle. In fact this vehicle seems to outperform the our old Camry in every aspect. The Outlook has all the features and modern conveniences we could possibly want. A side note, the high beams on the headlights are the brightest and most illuminating I have ever used.

• 

  Best SUV out there - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Shah - March 25 - 3:46 am

  I love this SUV. I test drove MDX, Highlander, Pilot. This beast outperforms all of them in all fronts. I am very particular about every thing. This things gets good score on every thing. Interior is clean, easy, functional. Door paneling is excellent. Seat design and comfort is top notch. Better than MDX. Body fit and finish is great. Ride quality is great. Perfect balance of handling vs ride quality. Noise must be around 72 decibel at 70 miles. Curious if it gets even better with top quality tires. Back of the seat liners need better upholstery. Cup holders should have slots for mug handles, head rest position should be adjustable like BMW.

• 

  Big Surprise - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By BRLAmom - March 6 - 6:23 pm

  I have driven a minivan and two Suburbans over the last 14 years. We were able to downsize as our oldest is going to college. This vehicle is a wonderful change of pace. I love the size, drive and features. I fill it with kids several times a week and it is very comfortable as well as easy to lay down seats and haul anything from girl scout cookies to landscaping material. We shopped both the Acadia nad the Enclave. Would have bought another Chevy but it has not come out yet. Huge selection at the Saturn dealership with the features we wanted.

• 

  No No No - Youll be sorry if you do - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Never again - March 4 - 3:10 pm

  I have been told by the GM that there is a "ghost" in my car - he even went to bat for me with Saturn and they will do nothing - the control panel has constantly got a warning: air bags, tire pressure , ice on the road: none of which are true! The transmission bogs and surges uncontrollably, stereo, dvs, navigation work randomly - wanted to get out of the mini-van phase - BAD IDEA to do this with a Saturn! Onstar has told me to take my car in for service immediately - my air bag could or could not go off anytime. My families safety is far more important - Toyota Ill be back.And to top it off no light in the glove box. DONT WALK RUN FROM THIS NIGHTMARE - LOOKS ARENT EVERYTHING!

• 

  Love my Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By YvettePR95 - February 26 - 6:16 am

  Ive had my Outlook a little over 2years and really have no regrets. We wanted a large vehicle with plenty of leg-room in all rows. We researched lots of models/SUVs particularly cross- overs. We are very happy with our choice. Although its not perfect its certainly doin its job and some. Weve taken long car trips (12-hr drive to Detroit, 5 pass.) It was great comfortable and enough space inside for storage. However, I would prefer a step for mounting. The Outlooks pick-up could stand improvement. Ive made my own driving adjustments to suffice but the cross- over would do so much better with more power. Fuel economy is between 16-18 mpg.

• 

  9 Months Old - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sakamochi - February 5 - 11:40 am

  This vehicle was chosen carefully - a decision for Outlook versus M-B GL350, CX-9, Highlander, Pilot. Outlook wins out in space, "adult" seat count and access, power/weight ratio, size, driveability, towing and AWD. We also suspected that the fuel economy would be worse than advertised, and it is. We live in the southwest with a lot of flat land and mountain grades as well. Ive managed 19 mpg at 75 mph on the freeway. In town, 14-15 mpg. Hey people: when you spend 40 grand on a vehicle you better be able to afford an extra couple hundred bucks a year on gas for driving a 4,700 pound CUV. Its not a giant size Yaris! Our 7,000 lb diesel crewcab 4wdF350 gets 20 mpg but thats another story...