If fuel economy ranks among your highest priorities when purchasing an SUV, the 2008 Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid might be worth your attention, since Saturn notes that the Green Line can eke out 30 miles per gallon on the highway. That's 20 percent better fuel efficiency than the standard VUE engine, and the best highway fuel economy of any SUV, according to Saturn.
The Green Hybrid comes equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, as well as an electric motor and hybrid battery. At a full stop, the gas engine shuts off and the hybrid battery powers the vehicle's accessories, conserving fuel. When accelerating, the gas engine takes over, with the electric motor providing power assist. And when decelerating and braking, the gas engine cuts back while the electric motor again powers the vehicle's accessories. Regenerative braking, which generates power when braking, charges the hybrid battery.
The Green Line Hybrid features a restyled exterior design, with a tapered roof, jewel-like headlights, and side vents with integrated turn signals.
Standard features include low-resistance tires, which help reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency, as well as an Eco-Light, which lets drivers know when they're above EPA's mileage estimates, so they can adjust their driving habits. In addition, a charge/assist gauge helps drivers keep tabs on the hybrid battery.
Safety features include the StabiliTrak stability control system, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, a tire pressure monitoring system, and six standard airbags. The Green Line Hybrid also comes equipped with rack-and-pinion steering, cruise control, Solar Ray deep-tinted glass (except for the windshield and front windows), daytime running lights, XM satellite radio, OnStar, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD player with an MP3 input jack.
