2008 Pontiac Torrent Performance Review

The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is available in a GXP trim that offers a kick-in-the-pants boost in performance with its new 3.6-liter V-6 lifted directly out of the Cadillac CTS.

The base Torrent is equipped with a 3.4-liter V-6 with 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. Edmunds notes "though the output of GM's familiar 3400 V6 is uninspiring, it offers adequate low and midrange torque for most situations." Kelley Blue Book agrees that the standard 3.4-liter powerplant "has more than enough horsepower and torque to provide a nice balance between good acceleration and reasonable fuel economy." MSN Autos vouches it’s “as reliable as sunrise, but also call this pushrod engine a yawner.”

In the GXP, Pontiac shoehorns a 3.6-liter V-6 that pumps out 264 hp and 250 pound-feet of torque. ConsumerGuide says "the 3.6-liter V6 engine provides very good power delivery from a stop and for highway passing and merging." Edmunds calls the engine “powerful,” and Pontiac reports the GXP Torrent hits 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds with the front-drive version. All-wheel-drive versions are maybe a tenth or so slower. Either way, this is a huge improvement over the 3.4-liter Torrent, which needs closer to 10 seconds to make the same run.

The base Torrent has a five-speed automatic transmission, while the GXP gets a six-speed auto with manual shift control. Kelley Blue Book notes that "Pontiac's adaptive five-speed automatic transmission delivers near-seamless shifts and its fifth gear helps maximize fuel consumption at highway speeds." Edmunds adds it offers “manual shift control.” During their testing, ConsumerGuide observes the Pontiac Torrent 2008 six-speed transmission's "tendency to hunt between gears at highway speeds."

The Pontiac Torrent has EPA-estimated fuel economy that is identical for both front- and all-wheel-drive versions: 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the 3.4-liter engine and 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the 3.6-liter V-6. Cars.com notes, surprisingly, "the more-powerful engine has nearly the same mileage ratings as the smaller one." The slight difference in fuel economy has a lot to do with the transmissions and the fact that the 3.6-liter engine is more modern and refined. Kelley Blue Book recommends that "those seeking more performance should look to the 3.6-liter engine, which features variable valve timing for better fuel economy."

When it comes to handling, even the GXP edition still aims for a comfortable feel, not nimbleness. Edmunds notes "most small SUV shoppers will find the Pontiac Torrent's ride and handling balance reasonably carlike and quite acceptable." They note the Torrent’s body roll while cornering, as well as the power steering's lack of "responsiveness." According to Kelley Blue Book, "the quiet-running Torrent is easy to drive, stays on course easily and body lean through curves is less than for some of its competitors." ConsumerGuide tests only the GXP model; they declare that "despite the aggressive suspensions and tire combination, the GXP's handling isn't what we would call sporty." They notice that the tracking and straight-line stability is good, as are the braking control and overall grip, but "there is quite a bit of body lean in turns," and the steering feels "numb." Edmunds believes that the GXP's "performance-tuned chassis is calibrated to handle more power and offers greater potential for speed."