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Walkaround
Vue is distinctive and visually striking, but it is not necessarily a true head-turner. Its exterior design is more sensible than sensational, with looks that are modern and practical, and strong lines that avoid the bubble effect that curvy, cutesy mini-utilities share.The front end is thick and snubbed, with headlamps that ride high atop an exaggerated grille. From the side, Vue is boxy and nondescript, except for its high beltline. Its full backend liftgate with floodlights provides easy and efficient access to the rear cargo area. Despite its urban appearance, the Vue offers serious strength and stability underneath its façade. Unique polymer bodyside panels provide a rugged dent-resistant exterior without the clutter of lower-body cladding. Car-height bumpers offer enhanced protection from parking lot damage and help create a smoother appearance. A spare tire is mounted inside the vehicle, which significantly reduces potential damage from low-speed rear impacts.
Interior Features
Getting inside Vue is easy, accommodated by 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. The Vue's roomy interior, with 100 cubic feet of passenger volume, betters the interior space of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4.Inside is where Vue gets interesting. Although instrumentation and controls are straightforward, creative stowage innovations appear throughout the interior. Of note are the three power outlets, configurable cargo spaces and seating for five. A flat load floor in the rear is a result of the compact all-wheel-drive system. A 70/30 split folding rear seat allows for greater seating room for three and provides more versatile stowage of longer items. A fold-flat front passenger seat makes room for large items like a ladder or a surfboard to be tucked in for a do-it-yourself project or weekend warrior adventure. The rear cargo space includes tie-downs for the safe transport of a wide variety of goods and hooks for grocery bags. A cargo organizer that folds out of the floor is provided for smaller objects; compartments are designed to hold common things, such as a gallon of milk, a welcome convenience for late-night grocery runs or quick stops after work. In the safety department, the Vue gets high marks. Laudable are its space-age frame and side airbags, found only in competitor Ford Escape. The Vue comes with a rear-center seat shoulder belt, offered only in the Toyota RAV-4. The Vue also comes equipped with child-seat tethers.
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