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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  nice car but it has major leaking issues - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By unfancynancy - December 2 - 7:00 am

  I have a 2008 Saturn Outlook and recently had some major leaking problems (like having to hold a cup to catch a lot of water!) I turned the corner and my car sounded like a bucket of water sloshing from side to side. That same evening, water started leaking through all the seams in the front of my car (ie: the airbags on the side columns, the 3 buttons used for remote openers, my visor and the emergency brake area etc... ) I also had warning lights and alarms going off because there was water in my electrical system! I had the car towed to the Saturn dealership and they claimed it was a problem with the drain flaps. I dont have room for more. Check out Edmunds Forums for my full post.

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  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.

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  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...

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  New Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By J Liard - December 26 - 11:23 pm

  Love this CUV. Some mistake for Lexus SUV. Rides like a car and is much bigger inside than it looks. I take it on long trips and it’s very comfortable. Auto climate keeps temperature better than my Oldsmobile. It is a little loud in the cabin as far as engine noise, power steering and air conditioner compressor. Transmission is hard to get used to and it does shift funny even when you let off the gas at highway speed. If you are not heavy on the gas pedal as you start out it seems under powered but there is plenty of it there.

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  Glad I got it. - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By dhmga - October 8 - 10:03 am

  Got this car because we needed the room. (5 grandkids) Came out of a Mercury Grand Marquis and have been really surprised at how much quieter and more comfortable this one is. We have made two extended trips so far and I am not impressed with the gas mileage getting 21.1 overall on both trips. Being a realist, this is about what I would expect from a vehicle of this size. My problem with the mileage is it is too far off from the estimates for it to not be intentional in my opinion maybe to keep from scaring some people away. We have yet to find anything bad about the car. Take a serious look at this one if you need more than 5 seats

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  Luxury of a Minivan without the stigma! - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Lexi - April 2 - 5:16 pm

  We bought this car after doing a lot of research over the past year. We needed a car with 7 passenger seating, and we didnt want a minivan. Yes, the gas mileage needs to be improved, but isnt much less than a minivan. For the money, this car has it all. We got a back-up camera, cargo rails, a sunroof, and 7 passenger seating...a must when 2 car seats are installed to insure access to the back row. Speaking of the back row, there is enough room for a carseat (latch in the middle seat) and a normal sized adult on both sides, with out feeling too squished. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs more than 5 passenger seating and is hesitant to but a minivan.

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  Sorry to see it go - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Sbullard - October 17 - 9:16 pm

  Basically wife gave me a list of what she wanted (Navagation and DVD) we found this one at the local dealer has all the bells and whistles and overall has been excellent Vehicle. we have had for 2 years and have 62,000 miles had to replace the rocker arms, DVD had quit working had extended warrenty replaced unit. didnt check the onstar when we picked it up and week are so later when we checked it found out the quote the onstar computer has quit working and even though it goes thru the radio they are sure that changing had nothing to do with it, not a problem new onstar module only 850 dollars. The DVD/Stero was over 1200. I like saturn but cant trust the GM dealers service so Addios!

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  vibration n peddle - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By joeee1 - October 1 - 6:59 am

  iWell this is are first saturn and we traded in a durmax diesel cause we needed hte room for the kids..well first off we have a vibration in the peddle when going 35 to 40 mph had one place tell us the trany.so since theres a warrenty take it to gm .they tell us theres nothing wrong with it that its set for economy better gas milage.if we wanted to change it we would lose 2 miles per gallon..so please help us figure this out we just bought this a month ago and hate they way it shifts all together but like it other wise...

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  Good car overall - but recent transmission issues concerning - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By jfazio - July 14 - 12:26 am

  We bought this car brand new and have taken relatively good care of it. Overall we like the drive, quality etc. At 78,000 miles however the transmission tanked. And we have researched online that this is a common occurrence. This is about a $4000 repair. Outside of the this, no other major complaints - but thats a pretty big one.