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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  One thing after another - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ric - September 10 - 6:13 pm

  My wife and I researched vehicles for months and finally decided on the Outlook. Since purchasing last July the vehicle has been in the shop 8 times. I didnt expect this for the amount that we paid. The list includes everything from a leaking sunroof to a series of rattles and vibrations throughout the vehicle to shorts in the electrical system. Given the choice to do it again, we would not buy a Saturn.

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  A Bit Disappointed - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Outlook Review - June 12 - 4:13 am

  I was really excited when I purchased this SUV. But after 6 months and 4000 miles later, Im a little disappointed. There is a delay in shifting response with the transmission especially when going uphill. Delayed response even felt in the manual shift mode. The first update to the trany program was ineffective, no improvement. The fuel economy is really poor compared with the 17 city and 25 hwy. Its more like 13 city and 18 hwy.

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  Almost a great SUV, But... - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Ryan - June 9 - 7:30 am

  Complaints first, Biggest problem with GM vehicles is there lack of respect for our lungs. NO CABIN FILTER, common guys. All the imports have them, you could at least make a Hepa grade filter to show up the imports. Do you think we are stupid? Gas Mileage average 16-17 all the time, city highway does not matter. I regularly maintenance every 5K and also had trans soft upgrade twice, does not help mileage. Other than that the SUV still looks good, has a comfortable ride and lots of space. Great family car and I could almost like it a real lot. I am very upset about the NON-CABIN FILTER! I like my lungs a whole whole lot and nothing is more important than your health. Listen up GM!

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Wow! - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By tlongmoble - January 1 - 2:26 pm

  I have had my Outlook for over a week now and cant say enough about it! It drives smooth and is powerful on the road. Cant wait to wake up tomorrow for the drive to work!

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  Big and comfortable and flexible - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By BBaltz - December 12 - 8:33 pm

  We were looking for a 7-8 passenger vehicle and chose the Outlook over the CX-9. The Outlooks extra space was well worth it. Ive sat in the rear row with my daughter with no problem. The middle row has all the room of a limousine when pushed all the way back. My wife gets ~17 mpg in all-city driving. I get 20-24 mpg on the highway but driving over 65 really kills the mileage the faster you go. This was our first GM car and we had a number of build quality issues: catching compartment door, finicky reading-light switches, dead seat heater. It was one of the first 1000 built though if I read the VIN correctly.

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  Great--But - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By JAW - December 3 - 5:36 am

  I have had 2 cars by Saturn and loved them both. I like everthing about this new (07) Outlook but the MPG is nothing liked advertized. My wife gets mad just getting in the car. Which makes it had to use. Perhaps I need more time. I only have 3,000+ miles.