2008
Pontiac Torrent GXP
Just
Another Small SUV
 |
SPECS
|
The Pontiac Torrent-a recommended Consumer Reports buy-is Pontiac's 4-door SUV. Basically the Chevrolet Equinox, Torrent was introduced after at a later date so is expected to have a little better reliability. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is the only one available in the base Torrent and GXP; the GXP gets more horsepower (264 vs. 185). We found the engine to be unusually sluggish and coarse for a General Motors engine, and even with 264 horse, the Torrent just doesn't have enough get-up-and-go. The five-speed automatic transmission is the standard tranny; the 6-speed standard in the GXP version.
The Torrent's seats are comfortable enough and the rear seating roomy for passengers and cargo. However, we found the controls, although easily operated, were tinny and cheap to the touch. The surrounding dash isn't particularly attractive and the material inferior and hard.
Pontiac is, of course, the performance division of GM, so I suppose they felt compelled to offer a souped-up SUV to line up with the G6 and soon-to-be-introduced G8 (Grand Prix replacement). Not sure of the sales expectations for the GXP model, it will be interesting to see how it sells.
Options on our test Torrent GXP included the Sun & Sound Package with power sunroof, AM/FM/stereo, 6-disc CD changer, MP3 format, Pioneer Premium 7-speaker System, subwoofer/amplifier, $1,480; Premium Package with perforated leather seating inserts, $595; Head Curtain Side Airbags, $395, and XM Satellite Radio Service Fee, $200. As with all GM vehicles, many of the amenities you've come to expect are options, rather than standard equipment.
There is still a long list of standard equipment on the Torrent, including dual frontal airbags with passenger sensor system, remote vehicle start, automatic door locks, daytime running lights, ABS, Stabilitrak stability control and traction control. A/C, of course with power windows and mirrors, front dual map lights, front and rear floor mats, auto-dimming inside mirror, high bolstered front bucket driver and passenger seats, multi-0flex sliding rear seat with 60/40 split/fold, heated front seats, rear window defogger, rear washer/wiper, among other expected equipment.
The GXP version-a performance moniker-includes a performance tuned suspension, and on demand all-wheel-drive. It also has a tire pressure monitoring system, and is available in front or all-wheel-drive.
The Torrent GXP surprised us. Not in how great an automobile it is, but how poorly it handles and rides. For the most part, GM has produced well-riding vehicles, and although the Torrent isn't uncomfortable, it's just not impressive. Fuel economy is less than sterling at 16/24 mpg., even though this is a good size car. With all the competition today, Torrent doesn't stand out or offer anything that would make us choose it over, say, a Hyundai Santa Fe or Tucson.
Competition for the Torrent includes the Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Sante Fe, Mazda CX-7, Kia Sorento, and Toyota RAV-4.