Acceleration

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
7	7	5.5

GXP versions are the only 2008 Pontiac Torrent models made available for us to test. The 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.

Fuel Economy

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
5	5	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Torrent GXP averaged 19.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. All models use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
4	4	5.5

GXP's sport suspension and low-profile tires take a hit on ride quality. Most bumps are felt, but they don't jar.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
4	4	4.4

Despite the aggressive suspensions and tire combination, the GXP's handling isn't what we would call sporty. Despite rather numb steering, grip is decent, but there is quite a bit of body lean in turns. Tracking and straight-line stability are good, as is braking control.

Quietness

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
3	3	5.4

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.

Controls

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Gauges are large and easy to read. Major controls are logically placed and easy to find. Some testers find the center-console-mounted window switches an annoyance. The available navigation system does incorporate audio functions but doesn't complicate their use.

Details

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
5	5	5.4

The quality of Torrent's interior trim is improved for 2008, though the overall tactile experience still trails that of most competitors. There are still more hard, shiny surfaces than those that are soft or padded.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
7	7	7.1

Plenty of headroom and legroom up front, and the seats offer fine support. Think front roof pillars block vision when cornering however, and rear sight lines are hindered by the sloping roof.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Headroom is plentiful. The clever Multi-Flex sliding rear seat easily adjusts to create generous legroom. Its 60/40 split design can accommodate three child safety seats, and two can remain in place while one of the seatbacks is folded.

Cargo Room

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
8	8	8.6

Generous. While the seatbacks don't fold completely flat, they're 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 within Class

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
3	3	5.8

A base Torrent makes some sense as a space-efficient people mover with attractive pricing. Overall refinement trails class leaders however, and vague steering and sloppy handling take all the fun out of driving. The aggressive GXP has a meaningful amount of extra power but suffers from a rough ride and excessive amounts of noise. Any number of midsize crossover SUVs deserve a higher place on your shopping list.

Total Score

2WD GXP	AWD GXP	Class Average
58	58	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76