Page 4 of 6 Interior Features The Saturn Outlook features eight-passenger seating, and third-row seating is relatively generous. Measured against the Tahoe, a full-size SUV of similar length, the Outlook offers 33.2 inches of third-row legroom versus the Tahoe's skimpy 25.4 inches. The 2008 Honda Pilot has 30.2 inches. We put a 6-foot, 3-inch fellow in the Outlook's third row, and he said it was fine. Second-row legroom is less generous: Outlook offers 36.9 inches while Tahoe has 39.0, and the 2008 Honda Pilot has 37.4. The second-row seat slides rearward, however, providing more legroom when the third row is unoccupied or when kids in back are small enough that you can get away with squishing them a little. So this legroom thing is a bit complicated. When we add the legroom of the second and third rows together, the Outlook wins with 70.1 inches, compared with Tahoe's 64.3 and Pilot's 67.6. Getting into the Outlook is very easy, especially considering it doesn't have sliding doors. Access to the third row is much easier than in most vehicles, thanks to a design called Smart Slide. Using a massive lever on the either side of the 60/40 split seat, each side of the second row slides way forward on rails, and then the seatback tilts until it touches the back of the front seat. It's an easy one-handed operation, opening a wide path to the third row. Smart Slide is also a feature of the optional captain's chairs. Cargo capacity with both rows folded is 116.9 cubic feet. With the third row in place it's 68.9 cubic feet, and behind the third row it's 19.7 cubic feet. Those are healthy numbers. The third row easily folds flat, from either the second row or through the liftgate. The rest of the Outlook interior is aces. Our XR test model had the standard cloth interior, in black, and it was comfortable and classy. We really liked the XE cloth, though the leather-wrapped steering wheel in the XR is sweet. The wood trim in the XR is way prettier than that in GM's past, and the analog instruments are tidy. All the other things are present, and right. There are cup holders galore, a deep console compartment, DC and 115-volt AC outlets. The center stack is attractive with nice climate controls. Separate HVAC controls are provided for the second row on the back of the console between the seats.
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