Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac Torrent crossover SUV was a rebadged first-generation Chevy Equinox. It was larger than compact crossovers, yet smaller than midsize SUVs. There was plenty of passenger and cargo space thanks to a long wheelbase, and a lengthy list of standard features sweetened the deal -- including a reclining/sliding second-row seat and a movable cargo shelf.

We preferred a few other crossover SUVs to the Pontiac Torrent, but we had a healthy respect for this underappreciated hauler. It had a smooth and quiet ride along with a spacious and versatile cabin, and it was reasonably priced. With the demise of Pontiac due to GM's bankruptcy woes, the Torrent quickly faded into obscurity. Still, it's a solid pre-owned option, especially given GM's commitment to supporting Pontiac products at existing service centers.

Most Recent Pontiac Torrent

The Pontiac Torrent crossover SUV was produced from 2006-'09. There was initially only one trim level; the uplevel GXP model arrived for '08. Standard equipment included alloy wheels, air-conditioning and full power accessories. Upgrading to the Torrent GXP netted more power, sport-tuned suspension and steering, bigger wheels, dual exhaust outlets, heated front sport seats and a power driver seat, among other features. Some of the GXP's upgrades were available as options on the base Torrent. Depending on the year, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Bluetooth were available as stand-alone options.

Available in either front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration, the Pontiac Torrent offered a choice of two powertrains: a 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, or the GXP's 264-hp 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In reviews, we noted that the base V6's power was meager by six-cylinder standards, though around-town acceleration was adequate. The uplevel V6 in the GXP, conversely, could really haul the mail when called upon. Inside, we applauded the midsize Torrent's ample room for both occupants and stuff. To accommodate larger passengers or bulky cargo, the 60/40-split rear seat could slide nearly 8 inches fore and aft. An adjustable rear cargo shelf further expanded the loading options, and could also function as a picnic table.

Tuned more for ride comfort than acrobatic maneuvers, even in "sporty" GXP trim, the Pontiac Torrent's fully independent suspension delivered a smooth and compliant ride. Putting serious miles on the Torrent was relaxing, as the lack of wind and road noise made for a calm cabin. Our only real complaint concerned the lifeless electric power steering, which struggled to keep up with the rest of the package.

Used-car shoppers should be aware that some desirable features, such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a navigation system, were not available for the Torrent's first year, and side airbags were not standard until '09.

User Reviews:

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  Amys Torrent - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Amy Lee - January 7 - 5:20 am

  My husband and I purchased our first SUV this past summer, and I chose the Pontiac Torrent. I love this SUV. There is so much room. I have a 62" husband and a 61" 17 yr old son. This is the reason why I chose the Torrent, the room, great gas mileage, and a reasonable price.

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  I love my car!!! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Stephanie - November 27 - 8:50 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned!!!! I am a total Pontiac lover and highly reccomend the Torrent to any one!

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  Lousy GM Torrent/Equinox vehicles - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By David M. - November 26 - 2:43 pm

  Absolutely WORST front and rear seats ever! 14.5 mpg in Summer and 12.5 mpg in Winter as overall mileage definitely PROVE GM does not really care about keeping its customers...GM will be down the tubes in short order as they keep this up. Oh, and how about the skunk smell from poor QC of radiator hose-curing, so every one of these lousy SUVs need to have dealer flush ( but GM never notifies owner of this problem !)...and unsatisfactory shifting transmission is a joy, isnt it? How about the rear strut towers intruding big-time into rear cargo area...nice play GM! Dont be foolish enough to even test drive one of these slugs...instead buy a Toyota or Honda SUV if you really want SUV.

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  Former auto Europhile - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By dhalbach - November 13 - 10:50 pm

  Have had the AWD with all the goodies for 850 miles now and am pleased. The AWD has performed well in the little snow and slush weve had. Nice power, ride and handling for such a vehicle. Good looking inside and out. Hauls long pieces of lumber well. Ive owned 5 BMWs and largely avoided US vehicles until I got a GMC Canyon to go 4x4ing. Had a good experience with that, so when I discovered that crew cabs dont fit into the 80 year old garage in the house I just got decided to give GM another chance and on paper the Torrent fit my needs better than anything else. Have been turned off by the recent quality problems with Euro cars. So far so good, and, my teenage daugter likes it too!

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  Love my Torrent GXP - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By JRagan - November 13 - 12:10 am

  I bought my 08 Torrent GXP about a month ago. It is Carbon Black. Mine came fully loaded with DVD entertainment system which included a pair of Panasonic wireless headphones. It also has OnStar and XM raidio. The sound system sounds great and movies really rock coming out of the cars speakers. The wireless headphones sound great and are much much better than I thought they would be. I really like how the 60/40 rear seat can slide almost 8 in. I must say the GXPs 264 hp engine really delivers.It gives you plenty of get up and go and lots of power to tow. I drove mine through the Rocky Mtns towing over 3000 lbs and had no problem on the very steep grades. This is my first SUV and I love it.

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  torrent is awesome - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By mark - October 31 - 2:30 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever bought for the money! Have had absolutely no problems and gas mileage is better than stated!

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  july08 - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By dnm - October 2 - 8:00 pm

  The vehicle replaced a leased 2005 GMC EnvoyXL SLT. Though the Envoy was loaded the Torrent has plenty of features and is fun to drive. I pulled my boat 500 miles with no problem and the mileage is about 20% better than the Envoy. The Torrent is fun to drive, dont believe the reviews about it being "mushy" etc. The 3.4 V6 has plenty of spunk. The vehicle performs very well in town and on the highway. Highway mileage is about 25 and city is about 18. Plenty of room inside for 4 adults for long distance and 5 adults is not problem for shorter drives, rear seating has amazing leg room and front seat passenger seat has more room than the Envoy. We added the chrome package and leather.

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  Glad to see it gone! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Inwisconsin - September 20 - 9:50 pm

  I have to say I am glad I got rid of my Torrent. The gas mileage was truly the clincher of me getting rid of the vehicle. The window sticker is not even close to what the true gas mileage is. Had the vehicle for one year, NEVER got over 17 on the HWY, and about 13 in the city! Had many minor problems but annoying after awhile to take in for this and that, and a day without the vehicle, thank god they have courtesy transportation. Right before it was traded in, I had put in 89 octane gas and my engine light came on, I was told by the dealership NOTHING BUT cheap gas as it was a small combustion engine? Very odd issues, but glad its gone!

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  Not bad, not bad at all. - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Uncle - September 19 - 11:46 pm

  I must have a good one. In 4 years I havent had any major issues. The one thing I didnt like was the standard equipment tires wore out very quickly. I was lucky to get 15,000 miles out of them. Other than that, its been a good vehicle.

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  I Think We Have a Winner - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Gail - September 19 - 11:10 pm

  Had my heart set on a Rav 4 for over a year. Spent about that much time researching all similar vehicles for everything from MPG to TCO My husband recommended I look at this and Im glad I did. It is beautiful, stylish, has longer power train warranty, rides well has better peripheral vision area. The Crystal Lake is an awesome teal color. Rich looking and a little different than your standard blue or green. The best part was the price. Leather, Onstar, XM radio, side curtain airbags and still about $2500 less out the door than the RAV4. Would recommend this to anyone. Mileage is a little less than expected but my husband insists its because the engine is new