What Changed for 2008:

• New all-wheel-drive (AWD) system


• OnStar one-year Safe & Sound plan standard


• Standard XM satellite radio


• Optional rear park assist


• New Panic Brake Assist


• Optional remote vehicle start


• Traction control standard


• Electronic stability system standard


• Three new colors

Overview
The 2008 Saturn Outlook is mostly carryover from 2007, its first year. The large crossover, designed to look more like an SUV than a wagon or a van, can seat 7 or 8 and is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. With all seats folded, the Outlook has 117 cubic feet of cargo space. For 2008, Saturn adds a new AWD system, back-up camera, panic brake assist and three new colors. The Saturn Outlook competes against the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Ford Taurus X.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Saturn Outlook is available in two trims—XE and XR—in either FWD or AWD. Standard equipment includes a 6-speed automatic transmission, chrome door handles and bright 18-inch alloy wheels, with optional 19-inch rims available. A total of nine packages are available (six on XE, seven on XR) to customize the Outlook for audio, comfort, convenience, touring, trailering and other considerations. The second-row seats feature Saturn’s Smart Slide, with a single lever that slides the seats forward.

Options on the 2008 Saturn Outlook include leather seats, fixed rear skylight separate from the front moonroof, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, DVD video system, and a navigation system.

Powertrain
One engine powers the 2008 Saturn Outlook, pumping out a bit more horsepower in the XR AWD. The 3.6-liter, 24-valve with variable valve timing (VVT) V-6 engine produces 270 hp at 6600 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm in XE. The same engine in XR AWD generates 275 hp at 6600 rpm and 251 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. Both engines transfer power to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual shift capability. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard, while rear parking assist is optional. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the FWD, 270-hp V-6 engine are 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the AWD, 275-hp V-6 engine gets an estimated 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

Safety
Dual-stage front air bags for driver and front passenger, front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and head curtain side air bags are all standard on the 2008 Saturn Outlook; so are front safety belts with pre-tensioners; Lower Anchors and Tethers For CHildren (LATCH) system for child safety seats; daytime running lamps; traction control; electronic stability control; and OnStar one-year Safe & Sound plan.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Saturn Outlook receives 5-star ratings for all occupants in frontal and side-impact crash tests. In NHTSA rollover-resistance testing, the Outlook receives a 4-star rating for FWD and AWD.

Technology
A CD/MP3 player with AM/FM stereo and 6 speakers, auxiliary input jack, and 115-volt outlet and rear audio controls is standard on 2008 Saturn Outlook models. XM satellite radio is also standard and includes three months free service. Consumers can option up to a navigation system with an MP3-compatible audio system with 10 speakers, voice recognition, radio, CD player, and rear back-up camera. Also available is a rear entertainment system with flip-down DVD player with 8-inch diagonal display and two sets of headphones. A power sunroof with fixed rear moonroof is available, along with remote vehicle start.