Review/Pictures: Zane Merva

Ok, so now I’ve gotten your attention. You ask, “If the 9-7x isn’t a warmed over TrailBlazer, then what is it?”  Well, yes, this Saab does share its underpinnings with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, and Isuzu Ascender (aka the GMT-360 platform) and we’re not going to try to hide it from you. With that said, these underpinnings do not necessarily mean disaster right out of the box.  GM has taken enough care to make this ‘360 ride smoother, lower, and with more polish than a Blazer or Envoy could ever hope for.
 Stepping inside, the 9-7x is much more refined than its platform siblings.  With the traditional Saab center console key location, the first impression inside does give off the Saab vibe.  The vent design is right and the leather is comfortable enough, but not as thick feeling as in the 9-3.  The interior is obviously reminiscent of the Blazer, but not so much that it’s a distraction or bad.  Faux wood is nicely placed in the center stack alongside the signature air vents. Green backlighting is another trademark that follows through.  Also present is the flip out cup holder in the center stack, lifted from the 9-5.  The ambiance inside is distinctly American in build and design, which really isn’t so surprising.  For reference, it is much closer in look/feel to the new 9-5 and less so to the 9-3.  The rear seat entertainment system is nice for long trips/small children and complements the Bose sound system, which sounds great.  Ride comfort is surprising, with the 9-7x slung much like a sporty euro-wagon and less like an SUV.  Bravo to GM for getting ride and handling nailed down correctly. 
 
Punching the throttle and we quickly found out the 300 horsepower 5.3L V8 made its way under our testers hood.  Again, bravo to GM. The V8 is lively, powerful, and moves the 9-7x with authority (plus it sounds deep and throaty).  Mileage was not the best, as this V8 did not have GM’s active fuel management (we’re not sure why). We recorded mileage in the mid teens with a mix of highway and city driving. It should be noted we were not exactly trying though.  That burbling V8 and tenacious all-wheel-drive was just too tempting to not try out at every available chance.
 
Slide outside and there is no question that this ‘ute is of Swedish decent. The look is sleek and stylish.  A hint of the 9-2x can be seen in the side-rear windows, with 9-3/9-5 in the grille and headlights.  The rear taillights don’t seem to match the rest of the design feel, but still look decent enough.  Unfortunately the polish and refinement of GM’s new full-size SUV’s have not yet tricked down to the mid-size crowd and is long needed in all variants. The stance of the 9-7x is visibly lower than the TrailBlazer/Envoy.  Even the exhaust pipe is good looking and fits the overall feel.  18-inch rims fill the wheel wells and round off the outside package perfectly.

Predictably, the 9-7x would rank only just above the 9-2x in “Saabness”.  But, for an SUV, you have to give Saab credit. They took an all too Americanized mid-size SUV line and transformed it into (at least in feel) a sporty low slung euro-wagon.  What remains to be seen is how many people would actually choose and buy the 9-7x.  Personally, we’re far too inclined to take the TrailBlazer SS as our choice over the 9-7x.  Well, being over $5k cheaper and having 100 more horsepower and all.  Our 9-7x came out just over $41,000 for a sticker price, which isn’t all insignificant when you can get the same options/features in the TrailBlazer SS, save some cash, and still have 100 more horsepower (are we clear that’s a one with two zeros after?). That said, for someone who is 100% into the Saab look and feel, already owns a Saab, and is in the market for something a little larger, the 9-7x is perfect. How many of those people out there that actually exist is the real issue (let alone get past the horrible “Born From Jets” marketing).  Don't get us wrong, we loved driving the Saab 9-7x, and as always, we suggest you take it for a drive yourself to see what you think.