The Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is pretty self-explanatory: it’s a Saturn Vue, and it’s the first non-GMT900 ride to get the 2 Mode hybrid setup. It’ll slot above the existing Saturn Vue “light” hybrid (née Green Line) in the lineup, targeting drivers who desire fuel economy on par with the four-cylinder hybrid, but want more power and/or towing capacity. The 2 Mode Vue’s gas engine is a direct-injected version of the widely-used 3.6L “high feature” powerplant. In this case, it makes 262 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque and only front-wheel-drive is available. (The AWD Vue Red Line we reviewed last year, by comparison, made 257 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque with the non-DI version of this engine. Its EPA rating was 16 city/22 hwy.)
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It works in concert with the hybrid sysyem, which incorporates a pair of 55 kW electric motors, a 300V battery, regenerative braking and the 2 Mode transmission, which sports two electronically variable modes and four fixed mechanical gear ratios to optimize efficiency at both lower, around-town speeds and highway velocity. Unlike the light hybrid system in the other Vue Hybrid, the 2 Mode can run in EV-only mode at low speeds, in addition to doing all the other stuff you expect, such as killing the engine when stopped. The result is a projected fuel economy rating of 28 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. This, with a 3,500-pound tow capacity and a projected sticker price of around $33,000.
If you’ve driven a conventionally-powered 3.6L Vue, you’re not really in for anything earth-shatteringly different. When you twist the key, the car powers on, but the engine doesn’t fire (a green car icon in the instrument cluster tells you the car’s good to go), and at low speed it’ll stay in battery mode if you keep a light enough foot on the gas pedal. Punch it, and the Vue pulls strongly and accelerates at a reasonable clip, either under engine power alone or while getting an assist from the electric motor as well. Like we said, it feels basically like the gas-only XR. At 4,265 pounds, it’s almost 200 pounds heavier, though.
So, first impression? Nice ride. It does all the hybrid stuff you want/expect it to, and it performs well when called upon. The projected mileage numbers are good, but the FWD Escape Hybrid does better; it’s less muscular, though, and only tows 1,000 pounds. If you’re really set on a Vue and don’t need the towing capacity that the 2 Mode setup affords, the light hybrid Vue costs almost $5,000 less and delivers very similar fuel economy at 25 city/32 highway, according to the EPA. One thing’s certain: you’ve got some choices now, which is certainly not a bad thing.
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