The Vue gets greener for 2009, as Saturn unveils a new addition to the compact SUV's lineup. The Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid trim, new for 2009, combines two electric motors with a 3.6-liter, direct-injection gas-powered V6 engine, resulting in a powerplant that provides plenty of drive as well as class-leading fuel economy. As its name implies, the engine operates in two modes. In the first mode, which drives the SUV at speeds under 40 mph, the automatic transmission shifts power between the gas engine and one of the electric motors, or engages both the gas engine and an electric motor, while the other electric motor recharges an array of 22 batteries located under the cargo floor. The second mode takes over at higher speeds or when towing and directs power from both electric motors and the gas engine to drive the vehicle.

This helps maximize power as well as fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds. The gas engine shuts down when the SUV decelerates or idles, and the electric motors alone provide the power to drive the SUV in reverse. Working seamlessly together, the electric motors and gas engine drive the Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid from 0 to 60 in 7.3 seconds and enable the Vue to tow up to 3,500 pounds. The EPA estimates highway mileage at 32 mpg, making the Green Line 2 Mode one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs available today.

Saturn contrasts the new Vue Green Line 2 Mode Hybrid with the existing Vue Green Line Hybrid trim by referring to the former as a "full hybrid" and the latter as a "mild hybrid." At least for the time being, both will continue to exist in the Vue lineup. Other Vue trims for 2009 include the entry-level XE, the mid-range XR, and the performance-oriented Red Line, all available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. The hybrids are front-wheel-drive vehicles.

Other than the addition of the new Green Line 2 Mode trim, Saturn makes few changes to the Vue for 2009, carrying over the redesign introduced in '08. A 169-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder gas engine continues to provide the power for the XE trim, while the XR and Red Line trims receive a 257-hp, 3.6-liter V6 with variable valve timing. Naturally, fuel economy suffers for trims with all-wheel-drive or the more powerful V6 engine. The front-wheel-drive four-cylinder XE ekes out a respectable 19/26 mpg, but that drops to 15/22 for the XE with all-wheel drive, while mileage for the XR and Red Line trims average around 16/23.

Standard features for the XE trim include deluxe front bucket seats, power windows and door locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted controls for the audio system, and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with an MP3 input jack and XM satellite radio. The XR adds a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic air-conditioning, a roof-mounted luggage rack, and heated exterior mirrors, while the Red Line adds a sport-tuned suspension, a six-speed TAPshift automatic transmission (which enables drivers to manually shift gears using paddle shifters on the steering wheel), a rear spoiler, and large 18-inch wheels.

Antilock brakes, StabiliTrak stability control, six airbags, and OnStar also come standard across the line.