2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Meets the Press in Santa Monica

GM's New Hybrid SUV Makes the Scene

General Motors is justifiably proud of its new Hybrid SUV, the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line.

Due in dealers' showrooms at the end of July, 2006, the Vue Green Line will carry a base price of $22,995 -- about $2,000 more than the conventional Vue. Fuel economy estimates are 27 city/32 highway/39 combined -- a 20% increase over the 4-cylinder Vue's 22 city/27 highway/24 combined mpg. The Hybrid Vue is also a full second faster to 60 mph than the gas-only 4-cylinder. GM is covering the Green Line's powerplant, including the battery, with an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.

According to AMCI, an independent third-party testing company, Toyota's Highlander Hybrid starts at $33,030 and gets 30.5 mpg combined; Ford's Escape Hybrid starts at $26,215 and gets 31.6 mpg combined; Lexus's RX400h starts at $45,355 and gets 28.9 mpg combined. All of which makes the Vue Green Line look pretty good.

Take a look at the pictures and let us know what you think.