Understanding the Audio Layout: What Size Speakers are in Saturn Veiw 2009?

The 2009 Saturn Vue utilizes 6-3/4″ speakers in both the front and rear door locations as the factory standard. While the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) size is technically 6.75 inches, most high-quality 6-1/2″ aftermarket speakers will fit these openings perfectly if you use the correct mounting brackets.

What Size Speakers are in Saturn Veiw 2009? | Full Guide

In my years of upgrading GM Epsilon platform vehicles, I’ve found that the 2009 Saturn Vue is a fantastic candidate for audio improvements because the door cavities are spacious. If your vehicle is equipped with the premium 10-speaker system, you will also find 1″ tweeters in the A-pillars and a center-channel dash speaker. Understanding exactly what size speakers are in saturn veiw 2009 is the first step toward transforming your daily commute into a high-fidelity experience.

Quick Specs & Key Takeaways

  • Front Door Speakers: 6-3/4″ (6.5″ compatible with brackets).
  • Rear Door Speakers: 6-3/4″ (6.5″ compatible with brackets).
  • A-Pillar Tweeters: 1″ (requires custom mounting or backstraps).
  • Dash Center Channel: 3-1/2″ (found in premium trim levels).
  • Mounting Depth: Approximately 3 inches (ample for most mid-range drivers).
  • Required Harness: Metra 72-4568 for a “plug-and-play” installation.
  • Mounting Brackets: Metra 82-3006 or Scosche SAC-656.

Detailed Speaker Size Chart for 2009 Saturn Vue

To help you shop for the right components, I have compiled this data based on hands-on installations and manufacturer specifications.

LocationFactory SizeBest Aftermarket FitDepth LimitInstallation Notes
Front Doors6-3/4″6-1/2″ or 6-3/4″~3.1″Requires bracket; watch for window clearance.
Rear Doors6-3/4″6-1/2″ or 6-3/4″~3.0″Standard coaxial speakers work best here.
A-Pillars1″ Tweeter3/4″ to 1″N/AFlush mount or glue into factory housing.
Dash (Center)3-1/2″3-1/2″~2.0″Only in 10-speaker premium systems.
Subwoofer8″ (Cargo)8″ Slim~3.5″Factory enclosure is plastic; limit power.

Essential Tools and Parts for the 2009 Saturn Vue Upgrade

Before we dive into the installation, you need to gather the right tools. I’ve seen many DIYers damage their door panels by using flathead screwdrivers instead of dedicated trim removal tools.

We recommend having the following ready:


  1. Non-marring plastic trim tools (to prevent scratching the plastic).

  2. Torx T20 driver (used for several hidden screws).

  3. 7mm and 10mm sockets (standard for GM door panels).

  4. Wire strippers and crimpers (if you aren’t using a harness).

  5. Phillips head screwdriver.

For the parts, never skip the wiring harness adapters. Using the Metra 72-4568 allows you to connect your new speakers to the factory plug without cutting any wires. This preserves the resale value of your 2009 Saturn Vue and prevents potential short circuits.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Front Door Speakers (6-3/4″)

Replacing the front speakers is the most impactful upgrade you can make. The 2009 Saturn Vue doors are relatively straightforward to disassemble, but there are a few “hidden” fasteners you need to know about.

Removing the Door Panel

First, use your trim tool to pop the small plastic cover located behind the interior door handle. Behind this, you will find a Torx T20 screw.

Next, move to the door pull handle. Pop the plastic trim strip off to reveal two 7mm bolts. Once these are removed, the panel is held in only by plastic pressure clips.

Popping the Clips

I recommend starting at the bottom corner near the speaker. Gently but firmly pull the panel away from the metal door frame. You will hear several “pops”—this is normal.

Once all clips are free, lift the panel straight up to clear the window track. Disconnect the door latch cable and the electrical harness for the power windows.

Installing the New Speaker

The factory speaker is held in by a single 7mm screw at the top. Once removed, the speaker unhooks from the bottom.

When installing your 6-1/2″ or 6-3/4″ speakers, attach the Metra 82-3006 bracket to the door first. Connect your Metra 72-4568 harness to the speaker, then screw the speaker into the bracket.

Step-by-Step: Replacing Rear Door Speakers

The rear doors follow a nearly identical process to the front. The speaker size remains 6-3/4″, which is convenient if you want to buy two sets of the same speakers for a balanced soundstage.

  1. Find the Hidden Screws: Look for the T20 screw behind the handle and the 7mm bolts in the armrest.
  2. Cable Management: Be careful when lifting the rear panel, as the tweeter wires (if equipped) are quite short.
  3. Speaker Mounting: Use the same Metra 82-3006 brackets.

In my experience, rear speakers are often used for “rear fill.” You don’t need to spend as much on these as you do on the fronts. A solid pair of Kicker CS Series or Rockford Fosgate Prime coaxial speakers will work perfectly.

Choosing the Best Aftermarket Speakers for Your Saturn Vue

Knowing what size speakers are in saturn veiw 2009 is only half the battle. You also need to choose the right type of speaker based on your goals.

Coaxial vs. Component Speakers

  • Coaxial (2-way or 3-way): These have the tweeter built into the center of the woofer. These are much easier to install in the 2009 Saturn Vue doors.
  • Component Systems: These separate the woofer and the tweeter. If you want the best sound quality, I suggest a 6-1/2″ component set. You place the woofer in the door and the tweeter in the factory A-pillar location.

Top Brand Recommendations

  1. JBL Club 6422F: Excellent sensitivity. These sound great even if you are still using the factory Saturn head unit.
  2. Rockford Fosgate P1675: These are true 6.75-inch speakers and offer a bit more cone surface area for better mid-bass.
  3. Alpine S-S65: Known for incredible clarity and a slim design that fits easily in the Vue’s door cavities.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Sound Quality in Your Saturn

After installing hundreds of systems, I’ve learned that the environment is just as important as the speaker. The Saturn Vue has large, thin metal door skins that can vibrate.

Add Sound Deadening

While you have the door panels off, apply a few sheets of Butyl-based sound deadener (like Kilmat or Dynamat) to the inner metal skin. This reduces “road hum” and makes your new speakers sound significantly punchier.

Use Foam Speaker Baffles

Install a set of Fast Rings or foam baffles. These sit between the speaker and the door panel, directing all the sound through the grille rather than letting it “leak” into the door cavity. This provides a noticeable boost in mid-bass response.

Wiring and Connectivity: Solving the 2009 Saturn Vue Audio Puzzle

The wiring in the 2009 Saturn Vue uses standard GM color coding, but it can be confusing if you aren’t using an adapter. If you decide to cut the factory plugs (which I strongly advise against), here is the wire color breakdown:

  • Left Front (+): Tan
  • Left Front (-): Gray
  • Right Front (+): Light Green
  • Right Front (-): Dark Green
  • Left Rear (+): Brown
  • Left Rear (-): Yellow
  • Right Rear (+): Dark Blue
  • Right Rear (-): Light Blue

Expert Tip: Always “phase” your speakers. If you reverse the positive and negative wires on one speaker, the bass will cancel out, and your expensive new system will sound thin and hollow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I fit 6×9 speakers in a 2009 Saturn Vue?

No, not without significant metal cutting. The factory cutouts are circular and designed for 6-3/4″ speakers. It is much more efficient to stick with high-quality 6-1/2″ drivers and a bracket.

Do I need an amplifier for my new Saturn Vue speakers?

If you are using the factory radio, you don’t need an amp, but you should look for speakers with high sensitivity (90dB or higher). However, if you want to truly hear the potential of your new speakers, adding a compact 4-channel amplifier will make a world of difference.

What size are the A-pillar tweeters?

The factory tweeters are approximately 1 inch. Most aftermarket tweeters in a component set will fit, but you will likely need to use a backstrap or a small amount of hot glue to secure them into the factory plastic housing.

Does the 2009 Saturn Vue have a factory subwoofer?

Higher trim levels (like the XR or Red Line) often came with a 10-speaker premium system that includes an 8-inch subwoofer in the rear cargo area. Replacing this requires a “shallow mount” 8-inch sub due to the limited depth of the plastic enclosure.

Why is my 2009 Saturn Vue speaker making a rattling noise?

Commonly, the glue holding the foam surround to the factory paper cone fails over time. This causes the “buzzing” sound you hear. Replacing them with modern speakers with rubber surrounds will solve this permanently.