The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was produced by General Motors from 2002 to 2010. It was designed to compete with other popular SUVs at the time such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. One of the key features of the Saturn Vue was its towing power, which varied depending on the year and trim level. But what is the Saturn Vue towing capacity?
The Saturn Vue has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The exact towing capacity depends on the year and trim level of the vehicle.
For instance, the 2010 Saturn Vue had a minimum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, while the 2009 Saturn Vue had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It’s important to note that towing capacity can also be affected by factors such as the engine type and transmission.
We’ll go into everything you need to know about towing with a Saturn Vue in this guide.
History of the Saturn Vue
The Saturn Vue was introduced in 2002 as a compact crossover SUV. It was designed by Saturn and manufactured at the Spring Hill GM plant. The Vue was built on a unibody platform and shared its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and the European Opel Antara. The first generation of the Vue ran from model year 2002-2007.
The Saturn Vue was known for its versatility and practicality. It was a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts due to its spacious interior and towing capabilities. The Vue was also praised for its fuel efficiency, with some models achieving up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Over the years, the Saturn Vue underwent several changes and updates. In 2008, the second generation of the Vue was introduced with a completely redesigned exterior and interior.
The second generation was also available with a hybrid powertrain option that was capable of achieving up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Unfortunately, the Saturn Vue was discontinued in 2010 due to General Motors’ decision to phase out the Saturn brand. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Saturn Vue left a lasting impact on the automotive industry and remains a popular choice among used car buyers today.
Saturn Vue Towing Capacity
The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was produced by General Motors from 2002 to 2010. It was available in several trims, and its towing capacity varied depending on the year, trim, and engine.
In this section, we will discuss the towing capacity of a Saturn Vue, how to determine your Saturn Vue’s towing capacity, whether you can increase the towing capacity of your Saturn Vue, and whether a Saturn Vue can tow a trailer.
Saturn Vue Towing Capacity By Year
The 2004-2010 models had a max tow rating of 3,500 pounds, while the 2002-2003 models had a slightly lower max tow rating of 2,500 pounds. See the chart below:
| Saturn Vue Model Year | Saturn Vue Max Towing Capacity |
| 2010 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2009 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2008 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2007 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2006 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2005 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2004 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2003 | 2,500 lbs |
| 2002 | 2,500 lbs |
Saturn Vue Towing Capacity by Engine Type & Drivetrain Type
For most model years, Saturn offered three engine options on the Vue: a 2.4L I4 engine with 2WD, a 3.6L V6 engine in 2WD and AWD, and a 3.5L V6 engine with AWD.
Saturn Vue 2.4L I4 Engine Tow Capacity: 1,500 lbs
Saturn Vue 3.5L V6 Engine Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs
Saturn Vue 3.6L V6 Engine Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs
Saturn Vue 2WD Max Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs
Saturn Vue AWD Max Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs
Can You Increase the Towing Capacity of Your Saturn Vue?
No, you cannot increase the towing capacity of your Saturn Vue beyond its manufacturer’s specifications. The towing capacity of a vehicle is determined by several factors, including the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. To increase the towing capacity of a vehicle, you would need to make significant modifications to these components, which can be expensive and potentially dangerous.
Can A Saturn Vue Tow A Trailer Or Camper?
Yes, a Saturn Vue can tow a trailer, but the towing capacity will depend on the year, trim, and engine of the vehicle. It is important to note that towing a trailer can put additional strain on the vehicle’s components, including the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for towing capacity and to ensure that the vehicle is properly equipped for towing.
There are plenty of trailers and campers that are under 3,500 pounds, including teardrop trailers, fiberglass travel trailers, and ultra-lightweight travel trailers.
Some popular models include the Forest River Wolf Pup 16FQ, Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 17CFQ, Vintage Cruiser 19CSK, Oliver Legacy Elite, and Airstream Nest.
Understanding Towing Capacity
What is Towing Capacity?
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can pull behind it. It is determined by the vehicle’s design, including the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes.
Exceeding the towing capacity can cause serious damage to the vehicle and can be dangerous to the driver and other motorists on the road.
Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
Several factors can affect a vehicle’s towing capacity. The most important is the vehicle’s powertrain, including the engine, transmission, and suspension.
Other factors include the weight of the vehicle, the weight of the trailer, the weight distribution of the trailer, and the type of hitch used to connect the trailer to the vehicle.
Check out our guide to what makes a vehicle’s towing capacity for an in-depth discussion.
Why is Towing Capacity Important?
Understanding a vehicle’s towing capacity is crucial for safe and effective towing. Exceeding the towing capacity can cause serious damage to the vehicle and can be dangerous to the driver and other motorists on the road.
It is important to choose a vehicle with a towing capacity that meets the needs of the trailer being towed. Additionally, it is important to properly distribute the weight of the trailer and load the trailer correctly to ensure safe and stable towing.
Towing with Your Saturn Vue
Are you planning to tow with your Saturn Vue? It is important to know the towing capacity of your vehicle to ensure you do not exceed its limits. This section will provide you with some tips on towing with your Saturn Vue.
Preparing Your Saturn Vue for Towing
Before towing, it is important to prepare your Saturn Vue. Here are some tips:
- Check your owner’s manual for the towing capacity of your Saturn Vue.
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped with the appropriate trailer hitch class and wiring harness for towing.
- Ensure your trailer brakes and lights are working properly.
- Check your tire pressure and make sure your tires are in good condition.
- Make sure your load is properly secured and distributed in the trailer.
Choosing the Right Trailer
Choosing the right trailer is crucial when towing with your Saturn Vue. Here are some things to consider:
- Make sure the weight of the trailer and its cargo do not exceed the towing capacity of your Saturn Vue.
- Choose a trailer with brakes if your load is heavy or if you will be towing in mountainous areas.
- Make sure the trailer is properly balanced and loaded, with more weight toward the front of the trailer.
- Consider the length and width of the trailer, and make sure it is appropriate for your driving skills and experience.
Driving with a Trailer
Driving with a trailer can be challenging, especially if you are not used to it. Here are some tips to help you drive safely:
- Drive slower than you normally would, and allow more distance for braking and turning.
- Use your side mirrors to monitor your trailer while driving.
- Avoid sudden movements or lane changes.
- Take wider turns and watch for overhead clearance.
- Be aware of the extra length and weight of your vehicle and trailer.
Saturn Vue Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of a vehicle refers to the maximum weight it can carry, including passengers and cargo. The payload capacity of the Saturn Vue varies depending on the year .
For example, the 2009 Saturn Vue has a payload capacity of 1,175 lbs, so you can safely load 1,175 pounds worth of passengers and cargo in it.
The payload capacity of a vehicle is an important consideration for those who plan to use it for hauling heavy loads. The Saturn Vue’s payload capacity is lower than some other SUVs in its class, but it should be sufficient for most everyday use.
It is important to note that payload capacity is not the same as towing capacity. Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can tow behind it, while payload capacity refers to the weight it can carry inside the vehicle.
When loading the Saturn Vue, it is important to distribute the weight evenly to avoid overloading one side of the vehicle. Overloading the vehicle can lead to decreased performance and increased risk of accidents.
