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By Cars.com StaffCars.com
July 10, 2008
Available in base and performance-oriented GXP trim levels, the five-seat Torrent compact SUV comes with front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of V-6 engines. The Pontiac Torrent is closely related to the Chevrolet Equinox. The Torrent's competition is the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty and Toyota RAV4. (Skip to details on the: Torrent GXP ) New for 2009 New standard equipment for 2009 includes side curtain airbags on all Torrent models. Exterior The Torrent's twin-port grille is traditional Pontiac; otherwise, overall body lines are similar to the related Equinox SUV. Built on a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the base Torrent is 188.8 inches long overall, 71.4 inches wide and 69.3 inches tall. It's the longest by at least 7 inches compared to the Escape, Liberty and RAV4, and is roughly the same width as those three SUVs.
The backseat is split 60/40, and the front passenger seat folds down. An adjustable rear seat yields greater legroom for backseat passengers when it's moved rearward and expands the cargo area when it's moved forward. The backseat also reclines. Cargo volume totals 35.2 cubic feet with the backseat raised and expands to 68.6 cubic feet when that seat is folded.
Base Torrents have a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that produces 250 pounds-feet of torque.
An electronic stability system is standard and comes with electronic trailer sway control, which activates the electronic stability system when it detects trailer sway caused by an improper trailer weight balance or excessive vehicle speed.Torrent GXP Like other GXP trims on Pontiac models, the Torrent GXP gets a performance edge from a more powerful engine, a different suspension and appearance changes. GXP models get a 3.6-liter V-6 with variable valve timing that makes 264 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque, up 79 hp from the base Torrent. The 3.6-liter teams with a six-speed automatic transmission. Pontiac says the Torrent GXP can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. GXP Torrents have a unique instrument cluster with red backlights, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sitting an inch lower to the ground, the GXP Torrent rides on 18-inch wheels and doesn't have standard roof rails like the regular Torrent (a roof rack is optional), giving it a smoother design flow. A unique hood and dual-exiting exhaust round out the body changes for the GXP Torrent. (Back to top)
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