2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Review

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Under the Hood

The Green line is a crossover built for economy and not speed, so its hybrid powertrain pairs an electric motor with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, the smallest available in the Vue lineup. The four-banger puts out 172 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 167 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. It’s mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the Green Line is 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. To achieve these numbers the Vue uses its electric motor to aid with acceleration, employs start/stop technology to shut off the engine at idle, cuts off fuel early during deceleration, and uses regenerative braking to capture what would otherwise be wasted energy as the vehicle comes to a stop. All that hybrid technology is supported on the same four-wheel independent suspension found in other Vues, with a front stabilizer bar and three-link rear locating arms. Steering is the work of an electric rack-and-pinion setup.

Stopping power for the 3,789-pound hybrid crossover is provided by front and rear vented, antilock disc brakes. They slow Green Line-specific 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/60 Goodyear Integrity low-rolling-resistance tires.