What an effort from GM

Usually, when a vehicle in GM's lineup is completely redesigned, its appreciation always seems to end up sounding like: "this new model is not quite as good as the segment leaders, but it's a giant leap compared to the model it replaces."

The Outlook has a promising future.

Well of course, if the model it replaces hasn't changed in 10 years, the giant leap isn't all that hard to accomplish.

But in the Outlook's case, it doesn't replace anything; it's a brand-new model within a Saturn roster that's currently benefiting from a remarkable rebirth. Despite the plethora of new models, the Outlook will probably be the most profitable of the bunch.

A great drive
Based on a platform called Lambda that's shared with the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (the latter coming at the end of 2008), the Outlook is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions.

This SUV (sorry, crossover) demonstrates a well-appreciated sure-footedness, both around town and on the highway. The steering is neither too light or too heavy, and the suspension swallows up absolutely everything without disturbing its occupants. The Outlook is very easy to drive.

The 3.6-liter V6 and its dual exhaust produce 275 horsepower in XR trim, while XE models have 5 fewer horses, which is rather imperceptible. Although the engine has its work cut out for it, having to motivate 4,900 lbs (2,225 kg) of truck, its acceleration times reveal that the engine is just right: 0-100 km/h is accomplished in 8.5 seconds, which is more than enough for a mid-size SUV or crossover. My fuel consumption average is 13.9 L/100 km. In my opinion, it's the best V6 ever offered by GM.

The all-wheel drive system doesn't include a transfer case that's driver-adjustable; all is monitored automatically. During normal driving, most of the power is sent to the front wheels, and when wheel slippage is detected, more torque is channelled down to the rear wheels.

It is easy to see why GM offers this engine in several models.

Inviting cockpit
The designers did a good job with the interior appearance of the Outlook. The plastic that covers the dashboard looks a little cheap, but the woodgrain trim is almost convincing and contrasts well. The driving position and outward visibility is very good.

Dashboard is simple and elegant at the same time.

The tilt and telescopic steering wheel gets buttons for all the essential functions that we use while driving. The sound system with navigation is very user-friendly, thanks to its touch-screen. I also like the heated seats that can activate both the seatbacks and cushions, or just the cushions.

What I like less is the tiny ventilation and temperature buttons. On the road, it's hard to find the right button without taking your eyes off the road. The full-size pickups (Silverado, Sierra) have the same problem.

The seats are comfortable, wherever you're sitting. Even the 3rd-row bench offers enough room for adults, if of course you're not planning to go down to Tijuana with 7 people on board. The third row is easily accessible by flipping the 2nd-row captain's chairs, and all back seats can be folded flat in the floor to create a huge cargo hold.

And when I say huge, I'm not kidding. That means 3,313 litres of cargo space for the Outlook and Acadia brethren--that's more than all the other mid-size SUVs, and that number even ridicules many full-size trucks such as the Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Nissan Armada.

In fact, the only ones that offer more cargo space is the mega-SUVs from GM (Suburban, Yukon XL, Escalade ESV), Toyota's Sequoia and Ford's Expedition MAX. In short, the Outlook is spacious, but it doesn't feel as ponderous on the road.

Good looks
With a mix of angular creases and round shapes, Saturn's crossover has a tough and strong appearance. Personally, I prefer the Acadia's face, but they're pretty much identical.

You will be surprised at the available cargo volume.

One thing's for sure is that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy look prehistoric beside the Lambda triplets. In fact, the only advantage these two 4-wheel drive (no more RWD models for 2008) trucks have is their greater towing capacity. Their days are numbered, I can feel it.

With its fat fenders, chromed wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips, the Outlook means business. I look at this truck and can't see anything in its design that turns me off.

The Outlook embodies the wind of change sweeping across the Saturn lineup.

Competition
The Outlook XE with front-wheel drive has a base price of $33,900 (the least expensive of the Lambda trio), and this test vehicle is an XR AWD which costs $41,265. It includes a long list of options:

Advanced audio package ($920), power tailgate and park assist ($885), leather seats ($1,695), Premium plus seating package ($965), 19-inch chrome wheels ($1,025), 7-passenger seating configuration ($675), xenon headlights ($650), navigation system ($3,835), 110-volt power outlet in 2nd-row ($255), power sunroof and rear glass panel ($1,685) and tow package ($550). The grand total amounts to--let me get my calculator--$54,405. Wow, that's a lot of dough.

There's a wide selection of rivals that offer a V6, all-wheel drive and room for 7 or 8 passengers, and that are sold within the Outlook's price range: Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Cadillac SRX, Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus X, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz, Jeep Commander, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL7 and Toyota Highlander. The Outlook is priced just right and has nothing to envy compared to the others mentioned here.

Conclusion
Ok, now's the time to say that the Outlook is a giant leap forward compared to the model it replaces--but wait, there is no previous model.

However, the Saturn Outlook is a truck that's so competent, friendly, spacious and good-looking that it currently surpasses many competitors, and even a few that, in my mind, were at the top of their category.

Let's say that a $54,000 Outlook is pretty expensive. But if you choose your options carefully, you'll end up with an all-wheel drive Outlook for under $40,000. That's a very good deal.


Impressive interior space
Great V6 engine
Easy to drive



Ventilation and temperature controls are too small
The price climbs quickly with options



None