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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  Pleasantly suprised - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Veajh - February 12 - 9:43 am

  I was a little hesitant buying a Saturn but was sold on this particular vehicle. Ive been very pleased with the vehicle refinements, comfort of the ride and initial quality. It lacks power, but power is something im willing to sacrifice for price. Gas mileage is decent. Lots of room.

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  Satisfied Former VW Owner - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By abp - January 14 - 6:06 am

  After driving a VW Jetta for years (and being only 51" tall), I was apprehensive about driving a large crossover vehicle, but I needed a bigger car. Well, my concerns were unfounded. I am thrilled with my Outlook. It gives a solid, quiet, smooth ride, and drives so much "smaller" than its size (i.e., so much like a car) that I felt totally comfortable driving it from my first test drive. The interior is comfortable and the design is pleasing - sharp, clean lines and lots of storage space. Plus, the third row actually is functional and roomy enough for adults! This car is a minivan in cooler clothes, and I mean that as a compliment - it is a very practical yet stylish family vehicle!

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  Mostly great - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By OK_NEWXR - December 29 - 5:53 am

  2009 is NOT sluggish off the line. Power delivery is satisfying and transmission is now calibrated to downshift at slightest provocation (actually somewhat annoying). What we bought for wife and child: FWD XR: convenience and enhanced convenience, sunroofs, headrest DVDs, towing, 20" wheels, 7 passenger, bose audio. At 2k miles, we are happy with overall design and travel comfort, 20 inch wheels dont hurt ride, but make mountain roads tolerable, rearview camera makes up for most of the poor visibility out the back (but visibility is terrible without when backing up so get a camera). Best highway mileage so far is just over 20 at 75mpg, but were hoping it improves with further break-in

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  Love it! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By M lutz - December 23 - 4:53 am

  I went from a Dodge full size van and this is my perfect match. It is roomy enough for my three teenage sons that are 6 ft tall and over 130 pds. The ride is quiet and smooth and it so much fun to ride. Love the control on the steering wheel and the XM radio is very nice. Recommend this to anyone

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  Overall nice drive - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By driver - December 10 - 5:46 pm

  Fuel economy is good but lower than claimed. Visibility out of rear window is limited. Interior comfort is fine for driver. For the price of the options seating for both driver and passenber should offer power controls.

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  2009 packs an aggressive throttle - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By NEWOKXR - December 2 - 9:56 pm

  I have read all the complaints on the 2008 models with complaints about off the line performance and reluctance to downshift. In addition to the added horsepower of the 2009s, Saturn went the absolute opposite direction for throttle and transmission calibration. It is a bit of a challenge not to chirp the tires off the line even with moderate throttle (FWD hurts here of course), and it downshifts at least one gear with the slightest provocation (really annoying on the interstate). I would rather have it set up for better economy with an available sport mode. Otherwise, we like the car at 2k miles. Best mileage tank so far is 21mpg at about 75mph, hope it improves with break-in.

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  Outstanding - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By outlook fan - December 2 - 7:03 am

  We love this car -- its super roomy & luxurious. Handles like a car. We took 4 adults & 2 children in carseats with room to spare.

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  Having a good Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Paul - November 6 - 7:00 pm

  Saturn did a very good job in the design and build of the Outlook. Ive had no problems with my Outlook. Its enjoyable to drive and versatile. It has decent mileage for a seven passenger vehicle, which is truly a comfortable 7 passenger vehicle.

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  Good for the Desert - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By JBear - November 6 - 5:56 am

  Six repairs of sunroof leaks and three repairs of windshield wiper failures. Carpets replaced by dealer but mold is still present above headliner. Lucky I am still alive after wiper failures in heavy rainstorms. Battery has also died on me at least five times. I am embarrassed to admit that I am an American engineer. GM should be ashamed of themselves. Great design, poor execution.

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  The best SUV out there - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By elbin bunnell - October 31 - 8:50 am

  Its lower to the ground than your larger SUV, so its easer for disabled and older people