2007 Saturn Outlook

The 2007 Saturn Outlook enters a large crossover vehicle segment that’s currently benchmarked by the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. So making inroads will not be easy.

Built on GM’s new Lambda platform, the Outlook shares mechanicals with the GMC Acadia and upcoming 2008 Buick Enclave. This new architecture allows room for 7 or 8 passengers with standard 3rd row seating.

That’s no surprise when you see the Outlook’s full-size dimensions.  It dons a wheelbase of 118.9 inches and an length of 200.7 inches. That’s almost as long as a Chevrolet Tahoe.

Power for the Outlook comes from GM’s most advanced V6. A 3.6-liter twin-cam unit with variable valve timing.  Out-muscling both the Pilot and the Highlander, output for our single-exhaust XE tester is 270 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. A twin exhaust upgrade delivers 5 horsepower more.

Available in front- and all-wheel drive, the Outlook utilizes a new six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Government Fuel Economy estimates for a front-wheel drive Outlook are 18 city/26 highway.  That’s the highest highway rating of any 8-seat utility. Expect 22 miles per gallon in everyday use on Regular gas.

On the track, the Outlook moved from 0 to 60 in a fine 8.4 seconds, with a 1/4 mile run of 16.8 seconds at 85 miles per hour. You can chirp the tires off the line, with a steady build of power from there. Shifts quality is excellent.

The wide-track Outlook is well supported by front MacPherson struts and an independent rear linked H-arm design. Electronic Stability and Traction Control are standard. The result is a driving experience comparable to that of a tight medium-size sedan.  Though you still feel its mass, the Outlook responds quickly and handles with little body roll. The ride is comfortable and compliant, more European than American.

Braking is responsive too, thanks to four-wheel ventilated discs with ABS. Stops from 60 took 135 feet, a little long we think, but still stable and secure.

On the outside, the Outlook is clad in sleek, broad shouldered styling.  Saturn’s fresh design language comes alive with jeweled headlamps flanking the new brand grille.

The tapered roofline leads back to a spoiler, wraparound rear glass and chrome-trimmed taillamps. 

Our tester’s 18 inch alloy wheels grant the Outlook an authoritative presence. Go even bigger with available 19 inchers.   

Inside, find a refined, very roomy and comfortable cabin.  The “low and away” instrument panel in our tester was handsomely accented with wood-grain trim.  Door pockets, sliding center console, glove box, and dash top bin provide plenty of small item storage.

Notable standards features include tilt/telescoping wheel, a CD/MP3 stereo, and rear air conditioning.

The list of available amenities is luxury-caliber, including leather, remote start, voice activated navigation, rear DVD entertainment, and a huge double pane moonroof.

The second row comes as either a reclining split bench for three, or captain’s chairs for two. A clever Smart Slide feature allows quick access to the 3rd row. On our pre-production example it worked, but not as smoothly as it should. The third row is suitable for adults with 3-inches more leg room than the Pilot and Highlander.

The Outlook can manage plenty of cargo too. A generous 19.7 cubic feet behind the third seat, with a maximum of 117.0 cubic feet, far surpassing its two main rivals. There’s an under-floor bin behind the 3rd row, and a power liftgate is optional.

Safety comes by way of 6 airbags, including 3-row side curtains with rollover sensing.  Tire Pressure Monitoring and Onstar are also standard.

Base pricing for the Outlook is in the same ballpark as the Pilot and Highlander.  A front-drive XE model starts at $27,990.  An uplevel AWD XR starts at $32,290.  But piling on options can quickly take the Outlook up over $43,000.

Saturn has hit the bullseye with their all-new 2007 Outlook.  This family-centric, well-rounded effort is the new definition of a large crossover. Armed with sporting looks, a flexible high quality interior, and confident performance, our outlook for the Outlook is nothing but positive.