Which Saturn VUE Version Should You Buy?
The Saturn VUE choice depends mainly on whether you value a Manual or Variable transmission, FWD or AWD, and moderate output or stronger performance. The model comprises two generations of SUV 5-doors: the first generation ran from 2001 to 2007 with eight versions, while the second ran from 2007 to 2009 with seven.
The Saturn VUE choice depends mainly on whether you value a Manual or Variable transmission, FWD or AWD, and moderate output or stronger performance. The model comprises two generations of SUV 5-doors: the first generation ran from 2001 to 2007 with eight versions, while the second ran from 2007 to 2009 with seven. Across the catalogue, every VUE uses a front, transverse, naturally aspirated Gasoline engine with distributed injection (multi-point). The most economical version cannot be identified because fuel-consumption figures were not measured, but the available engine, acceleration, weight, transmission, and drive data still reveal clear differences.
Saturn VUE generations compared
The first-generation Saturn VUE, produced from 2001 to 2007, offers the broadest mechanical choice. Its eight versions include 2.2 MT, 2.2 CVT, 2.2 AT, 3.0 AT, and two outputs of 3.5 AT. Buyers can choose Manual, Variable, or Automatic transmissions and either FWD or AWD. Outputs range from 145 hp to 253 hp, and the measured acceleration results range from 7 to 11.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
The second-generation Saturn VUE, produced from 2007 to 2009, has seven versions, all with Automatic transmissions. Its engine range consists of 2.4 AT, 3.5 AT, and 3.6 AT, with FWD and AWD configurations represented. Outputs span 168–252 hp. Compared with the first generation, the entry engine gains 23 hp, rising from 145 hp in the 2.2 versions to 168 hp in the least powerful 2.4 AT. The newer generation also replaces the first generation’s rear Drum brakes with rear Disc brakes, although its rear-suspension specification was not measured.
Saturn VUE engine options and specs
Identical version names are separated below by output, gearbox, or drive so that every catalogue version remains distinct.
| Generation | Version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 2.2 MT, AWD | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 2,198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| First | 2.2 MT, FWD | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 2,198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First | 2.2 CVT, AWD | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 2,198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| First | 2.2 CVT, FWD | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 2,198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| First | 2.2 AT, FWD | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 2,198 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First | 3.0 AT, AWD | 184 hp | 264 Nm | 2,962 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, AWD, 250 hp | 250 hp | 327 Nm | 3,471 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First | 3.5 AT, FWD, 253 hp | 253 hp | 327 Nm | 3,471 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.4 AT, FWD, 168 hp | 168 hp | 220 Nm | 2,384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 2.4 AT, AWD, 168 hp | 168 hp | 220 Nm | 2,384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 2.4 AT, FWD, 173 hp | 173 hp | 220 Nm | 2,384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 3.5 AT, FWD | 222 hp | 298 Nm | 3,510 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 3.5 AT, AWD | 222 hp | 298 Nm | 3,510 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, FWD | 252 hp | 340 Nm | 3,600 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second | 3.6 AT, AWD | 252 hp | 340 Nm | 3,600 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
On power per litre, the first-generation 3.5 AT with 253 hp leads at approximately 72.9 hp per litre. The first-generation 3.5 AT with 250 hp produces approximately 72.0 hp per litre, while both second-generation 3.6 AT versions deliver 70.0 hp per litre. Among the four-cylinder choices, the second-generation 2.4 AT with 173 hp reaches approximately 72.6 hp per litre, ahead of the 168 hp 2.4 AT versions at approximately 70.5 hp per litre and the first-generation 2.2 versions at approximately 66.0 hp per litre.
The second-generation 3.6 AT supplies the highest torque at 340 Nm. That is 13 Nm more than either first-generation 3.5 AT, 42 Nm more than the second-generation 3.5 AT, and 134 Nm more than the first-generation 2.2 versions.
Saturn VUE performance and mpg
Only the first generation has measured acceleration and top-speed figures. The quickest measured version is the first-generation 3.5 AT with AWD and 250 hp, reaching 100 km/h in 7 seconds. The 3.0 AT with AWD requires 8.4 seconds. Among the 145 hp versions, the FWD 2.2 CVT takes 10.2 seconds, the FWD 2.2 MT takes 11 seconds, and the AWD 2.2 CVT takes 11.1 seconds.
Acceleration for the AWD 2.2 MT, FWD 2.2 AT, and FWD 3.5 AT with 253 hp was not measured. Acceleration was also not measured for any second-generation 2.4 AT, 3.5 AT, or 3.6 AT version.
The measured top speed is 160 km/h for the first-generation FWD 2.2 MT, both 2.2 CVT versions, the AWD 3.0 AT, and both 3.5 AT versions. Top speed was not measured for the first-generation AWD 2.2 MT or FWD 2.2 AT, and it was not measured for any second-generation version.
City, highway, and combined fuel consumption were not measured for any Saturn VUE version in this catalogue. Consequently, no evidence-based mpg ranking can be made. CO₂ output and environmental class were also not measured for any version.
Saturn VUE dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank size
Every listed Saturn VUE has 200 mm of ground clearance. The first generation has a 59-litre fuel tank, while second-generation tank capacity was not measured. Wheel sizes were not measured for either generation. Overall length and other exterior dimensions were not measured, so a Saturn VUE length comparison cannot be made from this catalogue.
Kerb weight is available for five first-generation versions. The FWD 2.2 MT weighs 1,502 kg, the AWD 2.2 CVT weighs 1,560 kg, the FWD 3.5 AT with 253 hp weighs 1,610 kg, the AWD 3.5 AT with 250 hp weighs 1,680 kg, and the AWD 3.0 AT weighs 1,689 kg. Kerb weight was not measured for the other first-generation versions or any second-generation version. Gross weight was not measured for any version.
Among versions with measured kerb weight, the FWD 3.5 AT with 253 hp has the best weight-to-power result at approximately 6.36 kg per hp. The AWD 3.5 AT with 250 hp follows at 6.72 kg per hp. The AWD 3.0 AT has approximately 9.18 kg per hp, while the FWD 2.2 MT and AWD 2.2 CVT have approximately 10.36 and 10.76 kg per hp respectively.
The measured effect of AWD can be seen in the 2.2 CVT pair: the AWD version weighs 58 kg more than the measured FWD 2.2 MT reference, although the FWD 2.2 CVT itself has no measured weight, so a direct CVT-to-CVT weight difference cannot be calculated.
Both generations use Independent, spring front suspension and Ventilated disc front brakes. The first generation also has Independent, spring rear suspension and Drum rear brakes. Second-generation rear suspension was not measured, while rear brakes are Disc.
Which Saturn VUE version should you buy?
For the strongest measured acceleration, choose the first-generation 3.5 AT with AWD and 250 hp. Its 7-second result is 1.4 seconds quicker than the AWD 3.0 AT and 4.1 seconds quicker than the AWD 2.2 CVT. It also delivers 327 Nm, which is 63 Nm more than the 3.0 AT and 121 Nm more than a 2.2 version.
For the best measured weight-to-power ratio, choose the first-generation 3.5 AT with FWD and 253 hp. Its approximately 6.36 kg per hp improves on the AWD 250 hp version by approximately 0.36 kg per hp. Its acceleration was not measured, however, so the lighter ratio must not be treated as a confirmed acceleration advantage.
For a four-cylinder Manual, the choice is the first-generation 2.2 MT. Both drive configurations produce 145 hp and 206 Nm through a 5-speed Manual. The FWD version has measured figures of 11 seconds to 100 km/h, 160 km/h, and 1,502 kg; acceleration, top speed, and kerb weight for the AWD version were not measured.
For a Variable transmission, the first-generation 2.2 CVT is available with either FWD or AWD. The FWD version is 0.9 seconds quicker to 100 km/h than the AWD version, at 10.2 versus 11.1 seconds. Both have 145 hp, 206 Nm, and a measured top speed of 160 km/h.
For the broadest Automatic AWD specification, the second-generation options use a 6-speed Automatic: 2.4 AT with 168 hp, 3.5 AT with 222 hp, or 3.6 AT with 252 hp. Moving from the 2.4 AT to the 3.5 AT adds 54 hp and 78 Nm; moving from the 3.5 AT to the 3.6 AT adds 30 hp and 42 Nm. Performance, consumption, and weight were not measured for these versions, so the extra output is the only quantified benefit available here.
For maximum torque, select either second-generation 3.6 AT. The FWD and AWD versions share 252 hp and 340 Nm, but the FWD model uses a 4-speed Automatic and the AWD model a 6-speed Automatic. If drive type is not decisive, the data provide no measured acceleration, economy, or weight result that proves one is the better purchase.
The most balanced choice on documented results is the first-generation 3.5 AT with AWD and 250 hp: it combines the quickest measured acceleration, AWD, a 5-speed Automatic, and a strong measured weight-to-power ratio. Buyers who prioritize newer-generation output and maximum torque should instead consider the second-generation 3.6 AT, while accepting that its acceleration, top speed, fuel consumption, tank capacity, and kerb weight were not measured.