2023 Pontiac Torrent

The 2023 Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors. Torrent shared the basic body structure and mechanics with Equinox. The Pontiac Torrent has a different front and back end to visually distinguish it from Equinox. Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV available in two trim levels, base, and GXP, with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

All Pontiac Torrents can accommodate up to five passengers. Standard equipment on the torrent base includes 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, Bluetooth, a flat-folding front passenger seat, and a 60/40-fold rear seat that slides forward and backward. A six-speaker audio system with CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, and auxiliary audio jack is also standard.

2023 Pontiac Torrent Car

Most customers looking for a small to midsize crossover SUV will find the 2009 Pontiac Torrent relatively agile and easy to drive. Standard Torrent offers a smoother ride at the expense of responsiveness. Those seeking more power and performance will prefer the GXP’s upgraded engine and performance-tuned chassis, especially considering the minimal difference in fuel economy.

Pontiac Torrent Interior

Torrent’s 60/40 split rear bench seat, which can slide about 8 inches forward and back, makes it spacious and versatile for passengers and cargo alike. There are 35 cubic feet of luggage space behind the upright rear seats and a respectable 69 cubic feet of luggage space with the seats folded down. An existing rear cargo rack adjusts to accommodate different loads and can also be used as a serving table. There are door pockets and numerous storage compartments for small items. The three-spoke steering wheel lends a sporty feel and the instrument cluster has a simple control layout, but lots of low-cost plastic cheapens the look of an otherwise attractively styled cabin. Other disappointments include poorly placed cup holders and a lack of lateral support for the front seats.

Upgrade to the torrent Pontiac GXP gives you a more powerful V6 engine, performance-tuned suspension, and steering, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust pipes, privacy glass, remote vehicle start, sports instrument cluster, multi-level heated sports front seats, power driver’s seat, steering wheel audio controls and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Some upgrades of GXP are available in standard Torrent in various packages. In addition, both trim levels can be equipped with an upgraded seven-speaker Pioneer audio system, navigation system, DVD rear seat entertainment system, and Bluetooth.

Pontiac Torrent Engine

The Torrent is equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 that’s good for 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. The Pontiac GXP goes all the way up to a 3.6-liter V6 pumping out 264 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear control. The EPA estimated fuel economy is similar for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the 3.4-liter engine and 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the 3.6-liter V6. The two models have an EPA joined gauge of 19 mpg. That’s far less than four-cylinder rivals like the CR-V and RAV4.

Pontiac Torrent Safety

Anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, side curtain airbags, OnStar telematics, and stability control with trailer sway reduction technology are standard on the 2009 Pontiac Torrent. Front seat side airbags are not available. In state crash tests, Pontiac Torrent received a top five-star rating for front occupant protection in a frontal collision and five stars for front and rear occupant protection in side impacts. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, Pontiac Torrent received the highest possible best rating in the front offset test.