What’s New?
The Saab 9-7X was introduced as a new model in 2006, so changes for 2007 are minimal. A tire-pressure-monitoring system becomes standard equipment, and OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation—the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar—is now available.

Overview
Saab drove into the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market when the 9-7X rolled into showrooms in the summer of 2005. Although it shares the same platform as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy, Saab distinguishes its first-ever SUV with Scandinavian design cues, a lower ride height, firmer suspension, larger brakes, and a bigger stabilizer bar.

The 9-7X also comes with a healthy list of notable standard equipment. The base 4.2i, for instance, boasts such standards as 18-inch wheels, XM Satellite Radio, a leather-accented interior, dual-zone climate control, power seats, heated front seats, a power moonroof, a trailer hitch receiver, and a self-leveling rear air suspension. The up-level 5.3i has a few more amenities, but the major difference is what’s under the hood. While the 4.2i comes with a 290-hp, 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, the 5.3i sports a 302-hp V-8 engine with fuel-saving Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation technology. Maximum towing capacity with the V-8 engine is 6,500 pounds. Both engines come with an automatic 4-speed transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The 5-passenger, midsize 9-7X has a wheelbase of 113 inches and an overall length of 193.2 inches, which allows 39.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seatback up and 80.1 cubic feet with it folded down. Built-in safety highlights include standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control to help the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path by automatically applying brake pressure to the appropriate wheels. Dual-stage frontal air bags, a Passenger Sensing System, a rollover-sensing system, and head curtain side air bags are also available safety features.

The Competition
The Saab 9-7X competes in the Midsize Premium Utility segment, which consists of three models. Buyers in this segment look for quality, comfort, and exterior styling, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Lexus GX 470 (25,454 units sold), Land Rover LR3 (16,930), and Saab 9-7X (5,789). The Saab 9-7X’s 5,789 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 154.8 percent compared to the previous year.