NOTE: Pricing based on data collected August 2009. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
* Cost of aluminum wheels is included with the cost of hybridization.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology
Vehicle Summary
Saturn introduced the Aura Hybrid in model year 2007. It is a midsize car that seats five people and gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg. The Aura Hybrid achieves only marginal emissions improvements, and its underpowered electric motor does not allow for significant power assist or full electric operation. Indeed, even though General Motors (GM) calls this vehicle a hybrid, it is really only a conventional vehicle with a hybrid label—something we call a “hollow hybrid”. The Aura Hybrid’s emissions reductions are primarily derived from its idle-off operation. It cannot run on the electric motor only.
Environmental Score
With a scant 10 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the conventional Aura, the Aura Hybrid gets the lowest percent reduction of global warming emissions of all the hybrids on the market. Indeed, you could actually get the same 10 percent drop in global warming emissions simply switching from a conventional Jeep Grand Cherokee to a conventional Toyota Highlander. The smog-forming emissions performance of the Aura Hybrid is also poor, earning it an EPA air pollution score of 6—among the lowest of all hybrids. These two factors give the Aura Hybrid an Environmental Score of 3.0, the lowest Environmental Score on the Hybrid Scorecard. GM had planned a full hybrid system for its Saturn vehicles, but this plan was scrapped when the company decided to end the Saturn brand in 2009.
Scorecard Environmental Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Saturn is charging a modest $2,800 for the hybrid system in the Aura Hybrid. However, given the small improvement in global warming emissions obtained for the price, the Aura Hybrid earns a Hybrid Value rating of “Low.” To compare, the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s cost of hybridization is about twice that of the Aura Hybrid, but it delivers nearly five times the improvement in global warming emissions and has a “High” Hybrid Value rating.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
One bright spot is that Saturn offers the Aura Hybrid with standard features similar to the conventional base model Aura, and adds on only $870 worth of extra features: Bluetooth connectivity and front and rear floor mats. The Aura Hybrid earns a Forced Features rating of “$.”
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
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