2006-2008 Pontiac Torrent: Road Test

The GXP's 3.6-liter V6 engine provides very good power delivery from a stop, and for highway passing and merging. The transmission has a tendency to hunt between gears at highway speeds. Base Torrent models have not been tested. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds for all Torrent models. Fuel economy earns no prizes. A test 2WD Torrent GXP averaged 19.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. All models use regular-grade gasoline. The GXP's sport suspension and low-profile tires take a hit on ride quality. Most bumps are felt, but they don't jar. Despite the aggressive suspensions and tire combination, GXP handling quality falls short of sporty. Steering is rather numb, though grip is decent, but quite a bit of body lean occurs in turns. Tracking and straight-line stability are good; so is braking control. Quietness is not a virtue. GXP models are alarmingly coarse. The engine is particularly unrefined, the exhaust note is raspy, and tire noise is excessive. One test model suffered from loud wind whistling around the side windows. Gauges are large and easy to read. Major controls are logically positioned and easy to find. Some test-drivers found the center-console-mounted window switches an annoyance. The available navigation system incorporates audio functions, but does not complicate their use. Quality of interior trim improved for 2008, though the overall tactile experience still trails most competitors. More surfaces are hard and shiny than soft or padded. Front occupants get plenty of headroom and legroom. Seats offer fine support. Thick front roof pillars block vision when cornering, and rear sight lines are hindered by the sloping roof. Rear riders enjoy ample headroom. The clever Multi-flex sliding rear seat adjusts easily to create generous legroom. Split 60/40, it can accommodate three child safety seats; and two can remain in place while one seatback is folded. Cargo room is generous. While the seatbacks don't fold completely flat, they are no major hindrance, either. The height-adjustable cargo shelf is handy but feels flimsy. Cabin storage consists of a smallish center console and shallow glovebox.

Value for the Money
A base Torrent makes some sense as a space-efficient people mover with attractive pricing. Overall refinement trails class leaders, however. Vague steering and sloppy handling take all the fun out of driving. The aggressive GXP offers a meaningful amount of extra power, but suffers from a rough ride and excessive noise. Despite Torrent's relatively low resale value, any number of midsize crossover SUVs deserve a higher place on your shopping list.