A 70/30 split folding rear seat provides more versatile stowage of longer items while carrying rear passengers. Even the front passenger seat folds flat, allowing room for an eight-foot ladder or a surfboard or something else from the local home-improvement center. Three power outlets provide opportunities to plug in toys or tools.

The flat load floor in the rear is a result of the compact all-wheel-drive system. Of particular note are the configurable cargo spaces: A cargo organizer folds out of the floor to corral smaller objects. There are hooks for grocery bags and two compartments sized specifically for gallon jugs, a welcome convenience on late-night food runs. Tie-downs provide for the safe transport of a wide variety of goods. Apparently, Saturn forgot about dry cleaning, however, as we could not find a good place to hang it.

Getting inside Vue is easy, thanks to wide door openings and a low step-in height. Despite the Vue's high beltline, visibility is good, with a panoramic feel to the interior. Big mirrors afford good visibility rearward.

Most of the switchgear is well designed and easy to operate. The stereo is nicely designed and attractive. Heating and air conditioning controls are straightforward and easy to operate, but look like they came from a compact car. Oddly enough, the window switches are located on the center console, harder to find than if they were on the door. Usually this is done to make for easier conversion to right-hand steering, but we can't imagine Saturn exports many vehicles overseas. Some of the interior trim looks like low-grade plastic, however, and flashing can be seen on trim pieces. The center console lid is flimsy and the steering wheel feels cheap.

In the safety department, the Vue gets high marks. Laudable are its space-age frame and optional curtain airbags ($395) designed to provide head protection in a side impact or rollover. The Vue also comes with a rear-center shoulder belt, not found on many compact SUVs. Vue also comes with child-seat tether anchors.