It is possible this could end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet. Saturn is preparing to begin production of a totally redesigned Vue Green Line, and this time they are using GM’s two-mode hybrid system. Unlike the mild hybrid Vue that has been around for the past couple of years, the all new Vue will feature the same technology found in the hybrid Tahoe and Yukon. The difference should be worth the wait.
The 4-cylinder 2007 / 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line models have been judged as something less than full hybrid suvs. Like the current Saturn Aura hybrid and the Chevy Malibu hybrid, the green Vue uses General Motor’s belt alternator starter (BAS) system. In these vehicles, a large electric motor assists the traditional gas engine during acceleration. The electric motor is powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride battery, which in turn is partially charged through regenerative braking. With a BAS system, the gas engine stops running when the car or suv comes to a halt and restarts automatically during initial acceleration. In the Green Line, the resulting fuel savings is about 20% better than a base model Vue, improving to 27/32 mpg (one of the best highway fuel economy ratings of all SUV’s).
The 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line will be the first front wheel drive vehicle to get GM’s 2-mode hybrid system. This system was developed under a joint effort between GM, BMW, and the former DaimlerChrysler. According to Saturn, “Unlike single-mode hybrid technology found in competitors’ SUVs, the two-mode system maximizes city and highway fuel economy by integrating two electric continuously variable modes with four fixed mechanical gear ratios. The system consists of twin, active-cooled 55-kW electric motors integrated into the 2MT70 automatic transmission. Energy to power the motors comes from a 1.8 kWh, 300V nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which consists of 22 nickel metal hydride modules and is packaged behind the second-row seat below the cargo floor.”.
The Vue’s more sophisticated hybrid technology will be coupled with a 3.6 liter, V6 engine that is reported to go from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds while improving gas mileage by about 50% over the non-hybrid V-6 model, currently rated at 16 city/22 highway. It will also be able to tow 3,500 pounds and can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour in electric mode only. Standard safety features will include four wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover detection, six air bags, tire pressure monitoring, and more. An AWD version doesn’t appear to be an option yet. If this hybrid SUV is reasonably priced, look for it to fly off dealer lots - especially if gas prices continue to climb.
Get a free quote on a Saturn Vue hybrid!
Additional resources on the ‘09 Saturn Vue Green Line:
Car Connection
MotorTrend
Jalopnik
CNET Video of 2009 Saturn Vue
USAToday article
Green SUV’s are great because they keep the big truck segment of the auto world alive. Its safe to assume that people won’t give up their trucks any time soon. But hybrids are a good way to save money and feel like your conforming or restraining yourself from enjoyment. Some people just want them to feel safer and not have to worry about bad weather conditions.
Sean Keller
http://www.GreenCollarEconomy.com
I agree Sean. There are a lot of advantages to driving a sport utility vehicle and if manufacturers can build them to be more efficient, they will continue to be the most popular mode of auto transportation. A friend of mine recently chose the Highlander over the Prius for two reasons…room and safety.
[…] second hybrid to come from GM and Saturn (right behind the Saturn Vue Green Line), this four-door sedan is considered a mild hybrid and runs on a 2.4l Ecotech Engine with an […]
How much and the most important question what is the mpg?
WHAT!
A 4 WHEEL DRIVE HYBRID SHOULD HAVE BEEN GM’S FIRST THOUGHT
Lee
Anyone know when the two-mode Vue is coming out ? I live on Long Island, NY and saw a Red Vue with the Hybrid two-mode badges on the fenders about 3wks ago driving alond the I-495. It had michigan manufacturer plates.
We just bought a 2009 VUE two-mode hybrid yesterday here in Texas! It is a beautiful small SUV, and the space inside it is quite impressive (not to mention very nice job with leather options, sunroof, and audio system). I traded my 2003 L200 (which I have never really liked due to poor A/C system and milage) for this hybrid primarily due to our family adding a second child (and carseat) in the spring. It was right at $33,000 (before TT&L), but had almost $4000 (in leather package, sunroof, theft deterrants) upgrades (base was right at $27,000). Estimates 25/31 city/highway, but primarily runs off battery up to 35 mph without additional a/c or other extras.
oops… I meant to say that we bought a 2009 Saturn VUE Green Line 4 cylinder hybrid…not the two mode.
[…] last time we reported on the Two Mode Saturn Vue Green Linewas in March, 2008. Since then, there hadn’t been much news…until recently. In November, […]
Can anyone tell me about the towing capacity of this Saturn VUE? Curious if you have actually pulled anything with it and how it did?
Do anyone known if is already confirmed that GM is planning to stop the Saturn Hybrid production and its life? It will damage more to GM that should increase Hybrid production as strategic to request government helping.
[…] the one that would be built with GM’s 2-mode hybrid system, might possibly end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet. What we were most excited about was the chance to finally see how the two mode hybrid […]