2007 Saturn VUE hybrid: Image source: Edmonds.comNearly all of us interested in living greener lives like the idea of hybrid vehicles; that doesn't mean that we've all driven one. That was my situation until a week ago when I took delivery on a Saturn VUE Hybrid that GM has loaned me for a couple of weeks.
Like many of you, I'm wary of SUVs in general — for the most part, I'm one of those folks that equates "SUV" with "gas guzzler." Yet, I was intrigued by the idea of trying out a hybrid SUV — if automakers can produce larger vehicles that get better gas mileage, that's a "win-win"… right? So, while I don't drive a lot (I work from home), I have used the VUE for almost all of my regular trips in the past week, and even made one or two extra ones to get a full picture (may the green gods forgive me!).
I was expecting a different driving experience, but any differences I have noticed stem mostly from being in a bigger vehicle: the hybrid elements are nearly unnoticeable. If I listen very carefully, I can notice the gas engine shutting down when I come to a stop; the tacometer also registers that. But, overall, the driving experience is quite similar to that of a conventional car .
That doesn't mean that I end up driving the VUE like a normal car. GM hybrids don't have a display of current gas mileage like Japanese models, but there is a light just to the left of the steering column (appropriately reading "eco") that comes on when the electric motor kicks in. Just as drivers of Priuses and Insights report altering their driving habits to keep that mpg display high, I find myself adjusting my driving to get that "eco" light to come on. I'm less likely to speed up at a yellow light. I lay off the accelator more. I wave others on at four-way stops.
The EPA lists the gas mileage of the VUE hybrid at 27 city/ 32 highway/ 29 combined. Not the best mileage of any vehicle, but certainly better than the conventional VUE (21/19/25). Saturn claims the VUE Hybrid has the best highway mileage of any SUV, and EPA's "real world" database seems to bear this out. The 2008 VUE Hybrid will incorporate the "dual-mode" hybrid system, which GM claims will increase the vehicle's fuel efficiency by 45%.
So, would I buy a VUE Hybrid? Probably not, but that's just because I don't need anything that big. At $23,000, it's definitely a reasonable option for drivers who need more space.
This weekend, I plan to get the VUE out on the road… I'll report back with what I find.