Saturn Outlook Ranks Among the Best Midsized and Large SUV Models Tested by Consumer Reports

Outlook is among the best models from General Motors in years; New Saturn crossover challenges Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander in CR's ratings

YONKERS, N.Y., July 2, 2007; The new Saturn Outlook emerged as one of Consumer Reports' top-rated SUV models in tests of eight midsize and full-size vehicles for the August issue. It easily outpointed competitors and now ranks as the best SUV from domestic automakers in CR's ratings.

The Outlook posted a "Very Good" overall score and is now ranked in third place -- behind the top-rated Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Honda Pilot -- among the 18 midsize SUVs that have recently been tested by Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports is also ranking the Outlook against larger, truck-based SUVs because of its roomy interior and accommodations for up to eight adults. Among large sport-utility vehicles, the Outlook ranks in second place, behind the far more expensive Mercedes-Benz GL450. The Outlook outpoints eight large SUVs in CR's ratings chart including the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Chevrolet Suburban.

"The Saturn Outlook is the most competitive volume model from General Motors in years," said David Champion, Senior Director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

The Outlook and its twin, the GMC Acadia, are new car-based SUVs that are being built on the same platform by General Motors, along with the up-market Buick Enclave, which is due to go on sale later this year.

Almost a foot and a half longer than midsized SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, the Outlook is the first car-based SUV that is spacious enough inside to be a viable alternative to large truck-based models. That's good news because car-based models tend to provide better handling, a more comfortable ride, and better fuel economy. The Outlook delivered 16 mpg in Consumer Reports' tests, which is better than that of all the large SUV models that have been recently tested. Its gas mileage is about midpack when compared with midsized SUVs tested by CR.

The Outlook was tested against the Hyundai Veracruz, Mazda CX-9, Chrysler Pacifica and the Ford Edge. Prices for those SUVs, equipped with popular comfort and convenience options such as sunroofs and heated leather seats, ranged from $33,950 for the Edge to $36,799 for the Outlook.

Though they didn't perform as well as the Outlook, the Veracruz, Pacifica, and CX-9 also posted "Very Good" overall scores. The Ford Edge finished near the bottom of the pack, though still with a "Very Good" score.

None of the new vehicles in this test group are recommended because they are too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data. The Pacifica has not been reliable enough for CR to recommend. Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the midsize SUV models appear in the August issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale July 3. The reports are also available to subscribers of http://www.consumerreports.org/. The August issue also includes Auto Test Extra reports on the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban.

The Outlook has the interior room of a large SUV but drives like an agile midsize one. It's an excellent alternative to a large, truck-based SUV for buyers who don't need the extra towing capacity or off-road capability. CR also liked the Outlook's agile handling, comfortable ride, and third row seat that is roomy enough for three adults. The Outlook XR ($36,799 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 275-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that delivers very good acceleration and sounds smooth and refined. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly most of the time. Braking on the Outlook is good overall. The third-row seat is much more comfortable, useful, and easier to access than that in most SUVs. Both the second and third rows easily fold flat into the floor.

The Hyundai Veracruz's quiet, well-finished interior, refined engine, and thoroughly isolated driving experience are reminiscent of competitive SUVs from Toyota and Lexus. The Veracruz SE ($33,870 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a smooth 260-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers better than average performance. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good overall. The rear seat has plenty of head, leg, and toe room even for three. The third row is fairly cramped, but two adults can just fit.

For 2007, Chrysler gave the Pacifica a much-needed new engine with more power and a new transmission. With those updates, Consumer Reports found it to be a pleasant, comfortable, and relatively responsive cruiser. Its second- and third-row seats, however, can only accommodate two people each, unless you get the base five-passenger model. The 2007 Pacifica Touring is powered by a much- improved 253-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission that give the vehicle good performance. Braking performance is very good overall. CR's Pacifica seats only six in three rows. If you want to carry more than four people, someone has to sit in the cramped third row.

Mazda's CX-9 is based on the same platform as the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. It looks a lot like the smaller Mazda CX-7 and is much more refined and nicer to drive than any of its counterparts. Its nimble handling gives it a relatively sporty, fun-to-drive demeanor. CR also liked its responsive transmission, controlled ride, nice fit and finish and quiet interior. The CX-9 Touring ($35,372 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers good performance and sounds polished. The six-speed automatic transmission is responsive and smooth. Braking was good overall. The third-row seats are best for kids, though a pair of adults can fit back there in a pinch.

Considering that it's a new design, the Ford Edge is a disappointment. It is also no challenge to the four-year-old Nissan Murano. The engine provides quick acceleration, but it lacks refinement in the Edge. The handling is lackluster with slow, numb steering, fit and finish is subpar, and the transmission is not as smooth or responsive as it should be. The Edge SEL ($33,590 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 265-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that has good performance but sounds grating under acceleration and is not as isolated as the similar engine in the CX-9. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The Edge lacks a third-row seat, which is becoming an expected feature in this price range.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Website; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at http://www.consumerreports.org/.

AUGUST 2007

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