2008 Pontiac Torrent Performance Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 48 Torrent reviews and test drives.
Performance - What the Auto Press Says
For family hauling, the Torrent is what the Washington Post calls "an easy driver." Just don't expect high performance dynamics or off-road capability.
MSN complains that the SUV's performance simply isn't sporty enough: "It just leaves drivers looking for more than a little sportiness out in the cold." The Torrent is criticized for sub-standard performance in challenging driving conditions. The Chicago Tribune found that "The smoother the pavement, the smoother the ride; the rougher the pavement ... you get the idea." USA Today doesn't like the Pontiac Torrent's performance in inclement weather, finding that "The front-wheel-drive test vehicle...was pitiful in the slick, uphill driveway test. Regardless of whether the traction control was turned on or off, Torrent barely could claw upward through snow and slush."
Acceleration and Power
The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 engine with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, as well as a five-speed automatic transmission that's electronically controlled. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, gas mileage for the 2008 Torrent with front wheel drive is 17 miles per gallon (city) and 24 mpg (highway); while the all wheel drive trim rates at 17 mpg (city) and 24 mpg (highway). Kelley Blue Book refers to the Pontiac Torrent as having "reasonable fuel economy;" the Washington Post calls it "decent;" while MSN refers to it as "average."
The Pontiac Torrent's engine and transmission have received mixed reviews. The Boston Globe is disappointed with the horsepower and finds the engine "loud and, frankly, sometimes a wheezer when climbing hills with a full complement of passengers." The Globe goes onto categorize the five-speed automatic transmission as "benign if not pushed. When it is, though, the transmission seems to upshift prematurely and not want to hold lower gears for descending slippery hills."
USA Today notices that "the V6 engine vibrates. You notice how much when you shift into neutral waiting at a stoplight and the Magic Fingers shaking ceases." On the other hand, New Car Test Drive notes "good acceleration" from the engine and says the five-speed automatic transmission "may be the smoothest thing about the Torrent. The upshifts are nice and tight."
For 2008, the Torrent's new GXP trim offers a 3.6-liter V6 SFI engine that makes 264 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. According to the EPA, this engine can be expected to deliver 16 mpg in the city and 24 on highways when matched with either Pontiac's all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The GXP is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. "This 3.6-liter V-6, a world-class engine since it was introduced, really wakes up the Torrent, and the six-speed automatic is precise and perceptive," reports the Orlando Sentinel.
Handling and Braking
Reviewers are divided about the Torrent's handling abilities. Autobytel notes that the Pontiac Torrent handles like a car, and the Washington Times says that its "handling attributes are nimble," while Consumer Guide refers to its "sloppy steering and handling" which "make it feel like a large, cumbersome SUV." NewCars.com, which conducts comparison tests, notes that "With its tighter turning radius, the average midsize SUV is quite certainly more maneuverable than the Pontiac Torrent, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving," but the Miami Herald points out that "Steering feel and handling shouldn't draw any complaints, especially when compared to its competition." The base Torrent has a sport, four-wheel independent, front strut type suspension and power-assist, electric-variable steering.
The GXP features a performance- tuned suspension also featuring four-wheel independent front strut type with coil springs. Most reviewers, however, feel the ride isn't smooth enough. Consumer Guide notes the "aggressive GXP has meaningful amount of extra power but suffers from a rough ride and excessive amounts of noise."
