2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Prices, Mileage

When the 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid SUV goes on sale in mid-November, it will get the best highway mileage of any SUV on the market. Priced at $24,170 — not including a $625 destination charge — it will also cost less than the competition, mainly Ford’s Escape Hybrid, which comes in at $25,655. The Vue Green Line’s mileage is rated at 25/32 mpg city/highway for the front-wheel-drive model, compared to the Escape’s 34/30 mpg. The Escape easily beats it on combined and city mileage, but we’re still impressed at the price for the Vue, which has a significantly superior interior and cargo area. We don’t know what the tax credit will be for the Vue Green Line, but there will be one when it goes on sale.

For the greenies out there who think this is still not enough mileage, Saturn will launch another hybrid Vue later in 2008 using the company’s new two-mode hybrid system. This system will reportedly get 45% better mileage than the non-hybrid XE, which is rated at 19/26 mpg, and we’re guessing it will be more money too. Saturn also says it’s planning on introducing a plug-in hybrid version of the Vue, presumably based on technology the company is developing for the much-hyped Chevy Volt.

Related
Research a 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line (Cars.com)
More Saturn Vue News (KickingTires)
More Hybrid News (KickingTires)

Comments

[Max Reid]

Why the 2K price increase over 2007 Vue when there is no improvement in technology.

2007 Vue is selling in less than 200 units in the last few months.

People may buy this based on new design or wait for 2-Mode Hybrid Vue.

[ziggy]

Why is the highway mileage higher than the city mileage on the hybrid? Normally hybrids get better city mileage.

[Dave T.]

Max,
The 208 Vue is an all-new design. While the engine technology is only slightly upgraded for 08 the rest of the car is worth well more than $2K compared to the outgoing one.

Ziggy,
This is a mild hybrid. It doesn't work in the same manner as the Prius/Escape system. That's why the two-mode version will be coming. Although we're not sure how long the two will share space before the two mode replaces it completely.

[kent beuchert]

Well, since the Chevy VOLT ain't nothin like the Saturn Vue in either its powertrain or
plug-in mode, it would appear to most informed types that there can't be much VOLT technology
residing in the Vue. But I only know the details of each architecture, so what could I know compared to Dave? And what Chevy VOLT hype are you talking about? Funny how negatives always use the word "hype" and positives refer to "buzz."

[kent beuchert]

"This is a mild hybrid."

Sorry, totally wrong. The Saturn Vue is a dual mode hybrid, not a "mild hybrid" which simply shuts down the engine at rest. GM's dual
mode system (the same as Chrysler and BMW) has
two electric motords in the tranny and can save both at low and high speed driving. It also is a perfect setup for a quick and easy plug-in conversion. Thta's why the added cost won't amount to much. As battery prices decline, the electric driving range will increase.

[Dave T.]

Kent,
I'm not going to get in a shouting match but this particular saturn vue green line is a mild hybrd. The two mode will not be out until the calendar year 2008. GM says so in its own press materials. We are assuming that to have a plug in system in the future GM would not split resources/costs and develop two different systems and share whatever they come up with from the volt which will be a car with the Vue an SUV. I can go ask GM if you'd like.

[J]

Dave,

If the vehicle's drivetrain were almost identical, only the vehicle is new. Why shall people pay more for the new one especially when you think of its weight is over 2 ton?

[Dave T.]

It's a remarkably different vehicle and well worth $2K over the last. Check out our coverage of it:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/vue/

There's really no question that the new Vue is a huge step up. I haven't driven the new Green Line yet though. Many cars update the platform before they do the powerplants. I'm still wondering why they didn't just wait for the two mode, but I'm guessing they might make that a more high end trim to mask the costs.

[Amuro Ray]

Dave, I guess what most of the folks here want to point out is that - if you are buying the Vue Hybrid (2008) because it is a hybrid, then the better choice is to go for the 2007. Otherwise if you are looking to buy the Vue Hybrid because it's a "Vue" with the new upgrade ext/interors...then just buy a REGULAR VUE.

As for Kent...I guess that he just have no clue what he's talking 'bou :)

[IFCAR]

The Vue's "significantly superior cargo area" is actually nearly 10 cubic feet less than the Escape's, according to cars.com's specs listings.

[Dave T.]

IFCAR
Yes but superior refers to the fact that the Vue is a one button down, no button up, one motion set-up to lower the rear seats, versus the Escape's fold the seat bottom up, take off the headrests, lower the seat back down method. In my mind I'd give up the 10 cargo feet for that. And the Vue is still plenty big for the class.

[JM]

GM would be smart to move the two-mode system into their new crossovers soon. they are already selling like hot cakes because of their good gas milage and awesome interiors, but if a hybrid version was added, they wouldnt be able to make enough of them.

[Jay]

Is the new VUE hybrid made in the U.S. like the old model, Mexico like the new model, or Korea where it was designed and engineered?

[Jay]

Is the new VUE hybrid made in the U.S. like the old model, Mexico like the new model, or Korea where it was designed and engineered?

[Ecitsuj]

The Escape will still cost less overall with a greater tax credit and less gas expense.