The Vue also gets high marks for the way in which its interior space can be easily configured to transport all kinds of objects. A cargo organizer in the rear is usually stowed flat on the cargo floor, but it pops up to afford a selection of discrete compartments for small objects. Special hooks make it possible to secure plastic grocery bags, and there are two compartments designed specifically for one-gallon jugs. There's also a power outlet in the cargo area.

Saturn's accessory catalog features some interesting items for the Vue. In addition, once the roof rack crossbars are installed ($238), there are special attachments to carry a canoe ($60), kayak ($120), sailboard ($75), bicycles ($90), or skis ($100).

Driving Impressions

Our drive in the new Saturn Vue Hybrid on the streets of Santa Monica, Caliornia, reminded us yet again that a compact sport-utility is the ideal town car. The Vue is small and maneuverable enough to wriggle into curbside parking places, large enough to carry a full complement of errand-runners, and comfortable enough to keep the whole exercise from becoming a chore.

The Vue Hybrid has special relevance here because it increases fuel economy as much as 20 percent over a comparable four-cylinder Vue, delivering as much as 27/32 mpg City/Highway on the EPA cycle. And because the price premium is just $3225 over four-cylinder Vue (less than $2000 when the Hybrid's added standard equipment is figured into the total), the potential payback in fuel savings will actually come before you're living in some retirement community and driving a golf cart all the time.

The Vue Hybrid is particularly notable for the relatively transparent interaction of the hybrid powertrain, something that neither the Ford Escape Hybrid or larger Toyota Highlander Hybrid can claim. The Saturn system is really designed to enhance fuel economy, not horsepower. During deceleration, fuel supply to the engine is cut off. When the vehicle is stopped, the engine shuts down and the electric system provides full power to the air conditioning and other accessories. When it's time to go, the electric motor provides a quick start when the brake pedal is released and the engine restarts. And when full-throttle acceleration is required, the electric motor provides extra power. Just as important, the regenerative brakes, which charge the batteries with electricity during deceleration, deliver smoother action than those of other hybrids we've driven. The Vue Hybrid is surprisingly light at 3466 pounds, and while it doesn't feel speedy, it's not slow, either.

The Saturn Vue model lineup begins with a practical, economical four-cylinder engine as part of its model lineup, and it delivers 23/29 mpg EPA City/Highway with a five-speed manual transmission and 22/27 mpg with the four-speed automatic. The 2.2-liter engine feels lively because it's tuned to deliver a broad spread of torque rather than peak horsepower. The five-speed transmission helps deliver sharp throttle response and excellent fuel economy, but the shift action is notchy and clumsy, so the four-speed automatic is a better choice, though you sacrifice a little fuel economy.

The Honda-built 3.0-liter V6 really wakes the Vue up. There's actually a bit more power than the chassis calibration can accommodate comfortably. Those who like to drive fast will appreciate the aggressive Red Line package. Where the V6 is most justified, however, is to compensate for the extra weight of the all-wheel-drive system. The V6 also makes it possible to use the Vue's 1500 pounds of towing capacity without being fearful of freeway on-ramps. The front-wheel-drive Vue V-6 delivers 20/28 mpg City/Highway; the all-wheel-drive Vue V-6 is rated at 19/25 mpg.

The Vue's electric-assisted power steering, standard on all models, has been much improved since the Vue's introduction, and it now feels accurate, although there's not very much road feel.

The Vue's all-independent suspension delivers a stable, comfortable ride, more like a big car than a small truck. Although the standard front disc brakes and rear drums do an adequate job for the four-cylinder Vue, any vehicle in this weight class really calls for four-wheel disc brakes, so we recommend the extra-cost option package, which includes ABS and low-speed traction control.

The all-wheel-drive system enhances stability and mobility in difficult weather conditions. However, the Vue is not intended for off-road driving.

When equipped with the Red Line package, the Vue has all the hallmarks of a real sporting utility, with a ride height that's one inch lower for improved steering response and 18-inch tires for more cornering grip. The Red Line delivers what it promises, but it does so at the price of a heavy-footed clumsiness over rough pavement, and the chassis isn't up to the task of filtering out the noise from the big 245/50HR15 tires. We prefer the standard suspension.