HiHow hard is it to install a CVT transmission to a Saturn Vue AWD?

It is not an easy job as you have not only the transmission to deal with, but the transfer case as well. I used a cost estimation program to get how many hours of labor it is to replace transaxle. It came back with 12 hours. That is an estimate based on having a good working area and all the right tools. It was not specific on whether the transaxle was included in the labor rate, it probably is. However, you are looking at more of a 14-16 hour job if you have the right tools and a garage or other surface where you can leave the car in mid-job if needed. Otherwise I beleive it to be a 20+ hour job.
The level of dificulty is not too bad, but that depends on experience. It is more of a tedious job more than anything as you will have a lot of components out and will need room to temporarily store them to keep them clean. Re-assembly can be made easier by taking lots of pictures and labeling parts and/or taking notes. I would suggest at least getting a haynes manual from your local auto parts store as well.

Just to add to this one I really wish I got paid the hrs your talking about when I used to replace and even rebulid these transmission at the saturn dealers lol. The awd is no big deal on those you just mark the drive line where it bolts up. Then unbolt the drive line then the ptu which is short for the power take off unit that comes right off. Now its no harder then just the front wheel drive one. You would also need to buy a engine support which holds the engine and transmission from falling out when you remove the subframe. Also you will need to replace the transmission cooler lines and flush the transmission cooler. If you dont do that with that transmission you will destroy the new transmission. Its really not that bad I have replaced and rebuilt a ton of those transmissions. If you have any questions let me know.