SUVs and Crossovers are still selling fairly well in the United States despite the weak economy. Although Crossovers (vehicles that are based on car, unit-body platforms often with front-drive based architecture) are leading the list compiled from 2008 sales. Still, there is a real need by some consumers for the tough, heavy-load-capable, SUV and our top 10 list reflects this. Please note, this list is divided 50/50 between American and Japanese vehicles.
Recently, the Saturn Vue went under a complete revitalization and adopted a European design both externally and internally. Base models get the thrifty 169 horsepower (FWD) 222 horsepower (AWD) 2.4 liter 4-cylinder (which produces 161 (FWD) and 219 (AWD) lbs feet of torque). The 257 horsepower (248 lbs feet of torque) 3.6 liter V6 is the beefiest option and is the standard engine in the great handling Saturn Vue Red Line. 4-speed and 6-speed automatic transmissions accompany the Saturn Vue models (depending on the engine size) with 4-cylinder modes getting 4-speed automatics and 6-cylinder Saturn Vues getting 6-speed automatic transmissions. The racy Saturn Vue Red Line gets a tap-control automatic gear-shift. The single-mode hybrid system in the Saturn Vue Hybrid makes this vehicle completely different (internally) from its soon-to-be-released dual-mode hybrid brethren. The 172 horsepower 2.4 liter 4 cylinder produced 167 lbs feet of torque at 5,100 rpm. There are no AWD options, so power is sent strictly to the font wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. As this is a single-mode hybrid, the Saturn Vue Hybrid is cheaper to purchase than many SUV Hybrids. Combined average fuel consumption is 26 mpg. The Saturn Vue Hybrid foregos the typical, boxy design used by many other automakers for a more aerodynamic look. Despite not offering an AWD/4WD system, the excellent traction control system and 6.9 inch ground clearance make the Saturn Vue Hybrid into an excellent year-round companion.