2007 Saab 9-7x

For 2007, all Saab 9-7x’s come with a standard tire-pressure monitor. The OnStar communications system that comes standard on the 9-7x now offers one year of a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Through this feature customers can talk with a live advisor, who then sends directions via the OnStar setup. This new feature allows drivers to access directions without taking focus from the road.

The 2007 Saab 9-7x midsize, four-door, five-seat SUV comes in two trims: 4.2i and 5.3i. These trims denote engine size. Standard equipment on the 4.2i includes 18-inch alloys and a power moonroof. Moving up to the 5.3i adds an engine upgrade, HID headlights with a headlight cleaning system, and dual exhaust.

The 4.2i offers many standard features such as dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, faux wood interior trim, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver-seat memory, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and an MP3-compatible Bose stereo with an in-dash CD changer. All vehicles come standard with an OnStar communications system that now offers one year of a new service called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Aside from standard adjustable pedals, the 5.3i shows no significant interior upgrades or changes. Notable standalone options for all trims include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a navigation system.

At a cursory glance the interior of the 2007 Saab 9-7x looks like the stylish Scandinavian design of other Saab vehicles. But a closer examination reveals that the 9-7x shares many cabin traits—including design, build quality, and material quality—with its GM siblings that cost less. The interior feels spacious, with a respectable amount of cargo space, but a quality not befitting the brand or price.

The 9-7x represents the rare Saab that cannot be equipped with a turbocharged engine. The 4.2i comes equipped with a 4.2-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 290 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3i contains a 5.3-liter V-8, making 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the standard all-wheel-drive system. Actually, the four-speed automatic and all-wheel drive provide the only available gear. Towing capacity totals 5500 pounds for the six-cylinder 4.2i and 6500 pounds for the V8-powered 5.3i. The 2007 Saab 9-7x has enough power to move its big body through most traffic situations with rather respectable towing capacity.

While the 9-7x earns points for handling like a sport sedan, with some responsiveness and a smooth comfortable ride, it doesn’t achieve the nimble athleticism of some in-class rivals that offer better driving dynamics. It offers little in the way of off-road abilities. The 9-7x works for buyers willing to pay for a luxury ride and handling, but not for those who want some real performance.

The Saab 9-7X comes standard with anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, a tire-pressure monitor, front-seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. This constitutes a basic semblance of safety gear, but not as much as a prospective buyer would expect after seeing the price tag. The IIHS has not tested the 2007 Saab 9-7x for crash safety. In NHSTA testing, the 9-7x receives four out of five stars for front-passenger safety and rollover resistance. The 9-7x earns a subpar three out of five stars for driver safety. Suffice it to say that the 9-7x remains far from a class leader in the safety department.

• Standard luxury features
• Available engines

• Rebadged Trailblazer
• More expensive than technically equal American SUVs

• Infiniti FX
• Hyundai Veracruz
• Cadillac SRZ
• Volvo XC70
• Acura MDX
• Saturn Outlook