Saturn Vue FWD
20 MPG The 2010 Saturn Vue FWD is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17.7 city / 24.7 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2002–2010 run it averages 21 MPG, falling by 2 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 20 MPG | 17.7 | 24.7 | $3150 | 446 | 3 |
| 2009 | 20 MPG | 17.7 | 24.7 | $3150 | 446 | 3 |
| 2008 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24.3 | $3150 | 446 | 3 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 19 | 25.7 | $2967 | 424 | 3 |
| 2006 | 21.3 MPG | 19 | 25.7 | $2917 | 418 | 3 |
| 2005 | 21.5 MPG | 19.3 | 25.8 | $2900 | 414 | 4 |
| 2004 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 25.7 | $2883 | 412 | 3 |
| 2003 | 21.3 MPG | 18.7 | 25.3 | $2933 | 417 | 3 |
| 2002 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 26 | $2850 | 404 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Saturn Vue FWD ranks 34 on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 2WD (21), Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 2WD (21), Chrysler PT Cruiser (21), GMC Yukon 1500 Hybrid 2WD (21), Hyundai Santa Fe 2WD (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 446 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Saturn Vue FWD get?
The 2010 Saturn Vue FWD is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.7 city and 24.7 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 21 MPG, ranging from 19 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Saturn Vue FWD cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2010 model is $3150.
Has the Saturn Vue FWD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 22 MPG in 2002 to 20 in 2010. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Saturn Vue FWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 34 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG. That is 0.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.