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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  Great alt. to minivans and huge SUVs - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Farmasis - July 27 - 6:00 am

  We love our Outlook. The styling and handling is superior to all other vehicles in our budget for our family. The seats are adequately comfortable. The versatility of up to 8 adult passengers, impressive engine and fuel economy is a welcome change to this market.

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  Love my Outlook - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By SUV BUYER - May 5 - 7:46 pm

  Had a 2002 ford Explorer 6 cylinder. I feel this is a far better SUV. Getting better gas mileage with a much roomier car. And it has far better interior layout. The 3rd row seat is a dream to get into compared to other SUVs. I test drove I believe every car in this catagory. And found this to have the most practical layout inside.

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  Love It! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Leslie - April 18 - 6:56 am

  I shopped around at the Nissan Murano, Mazda CX-9, and several other vehicles. I think I drove them all! The Saturn Outlook was the best all around. Bigger than the Murano and better mpg. Seats are really comfortable and it is very affordable even with all the bells and whistles! I couldnt be happier. This one is a keeper!

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  Great Car! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By KCook - April 10 - 12:10 am

  We have had our Saturn XR for just over two weeks. We have just come back from a 2,800 mile trip with two of the grandkids. We could not be more pleased. The mileage on the road was almost 22 mpg with the car loaded down and the AC going the entire trip. No, it is not a powerhouse but I found that it has more than enough power to handle the mountains of Colorado and plenty of juice to pass without fear. The “manual shift" is activated by putting the gear into low. You then have the option to shift from first to sixth gear by pushing a clever thumb control up or down to handle mountain driving. We looked at everything and just could not resist the size, style and quality.

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  Love everything, Makes me want to drive - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By KELNAQ - March 16 - 8:20 pm

  Impressed with the handling; recently had an emergency maneuver and couldnt get over how stable the vehicle was. No blind spots and I would suspect from something so large. All the seats are 1 touch to fold and move which is convenient. Quiet ride. Back seat comfy enough for me to ride in for a whole 12hr trip. Fuel econ has been great for me. 21.5 hwy mixed w/ some city. If just straight hwy usually 24. Cant expect too much mpg from a 3 row vehicle that has good acceleratn. Anyone having trouble w/ gas may be remote starting a lot(0 mpg), not resetting economy gauge when get gas, or bumper to bumper a lot. Last night I reset mine on the way home and at my driveway, 27.9 mpg. Love the style!

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  2008 Saturn OUTLOOK XE - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Bob - February 10 - 10:30 pm

  Wow! I have 95,000 miles on it and never had any problems. Great car! Best car for the money.

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  Great if all options worked! - 2007 Saturn Outlook
  By Jacqui - January 26 - 1:00 am

  My frustrations have been mostly with the DVD system & NAV. After much trouble-the whole system it was replaced by the dealer. It is still not good quality-the DVDs constantly skip & pause with even a slight fingerprint or scratch. I would highly recommend not getting the factory player. Best Buy has models that are far superior in performance and can be leather matched and are still much less expensive. NAV is not close to Garmin quality either. Also, seat memory and mirror position have never worked correctly-but not a huge deal to me. And voice command system doesnt always work or respond. Great car, just dont waste money on these options to avoid major frustration.

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  2008 Outlook XR - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By GTR - November 20 - 2:50 pm

  If you want 30 MPG, buy a CIVIC. This is an SUV and a dang awesome one. Ride is quieter than Lexus, interior awesome, rides like a dream. I drove an Acadia, Lexus GX, Toyota Sequoia. This vehicle has it all. Drives just as quiet and smooth if not quieter than the Lexus, styling is light years ahead of recent Saturn/GM models. They finally got it right, cant believe I havent seen more on the road.

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  OUTLOOK the real full size SUV - 2009 Saturn Outlook
  By Dan Jones - November 2 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased this vehicle to replace my Dodge Grand Caravan I bought new and drove 10 years driving 110,000 miles, the purchase of my 09 Outlook was a very great choice. Love this car and the size and performance are top-of- the-hill. Wish the mpg was a little better, average 19-21 on reg- unleaded.

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  Very pleased with this purchase - 2008 Saturn Outlook
  By Jeff Hill - October 19 - 6:23 am

  We owned a 2002 Windstar van. We wanted something with seating for 7 and bucket seats in the middle row. Looked at the Acadia and found out about the Saturn. We love this car. My wife wanted to stick out the old van but has come to love this car. It has good performance for a V-6, the gas mileage is decent, 16 in town, 19- 21 on the highway. I think to get better mileage, you would have to sacrifice performance and it has a nice blend of both. It has ample legroom for all of us. We love the XM radio and also the OnStar. We love the way the Outlook looks on the outside. My wife particularly enjoys the radio controls on the steering wheel and she loves the heated seats