DriveTech

The Torrent is Pontiac’s second attempt at an SUV, if you consider the short-lived crossover Aztek. The Aztek was a pretty good SUV, except for its looks.

Did Pontiac learn anything from the Aztek? Yes, it did and the Torrent is the result. And even though it’s based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac has added its own touches and refinements.

I drove to Lake Pontiac-Buick-GMC in Lake Elsinore to pick up my Torrent, so I had a lot of seat time in this SUV. My tester came with the only engine available, the 3.4-liter V6, which puts out 185 horsepower. This is backed by a five-speed automatic transmission that gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the open road, depending on your driving style.

I like the way the Torrent drives. It has comfortable seating for the driver and passenger, plus adjustable seating for the rear passengers. That gives the tall riders plenty of legroom. The driver’s seat has electric adjustments.

There’s plenty of storage in the rear, including a removable and adjustable tray that’s plastic on one side and carpet on the other, just like in the PT Cruiser. It also has tie downs in the rear to secure a load.

The dash layout is kind of retro and the instrumentation still glows Pontiac’s standard bright red. The center console sort of hangs in midair and can be flipped up and out of the way (I’m not sure why). Down on the floor is a cup holder, a tray for loose items and a 12-volt receptacle. Protruding from the center of the dash housing is the shifter and the power controls for the windows and door locks. I like this design as it makes everything easy to reach and it un-clutters the doors.

The transmission indicator is above the shifter, a rather odd location. But when you put the Torrent in gear, the letter lights up brightly so there’s no doubt what gear you’re in. Above the row of transmission indicators is the climate control with big knobs that adjust the interior climate to your liking. Above that is the sound system with an AM/FM/six-CD changer with a six-speaker system. This Torrent comes with XM Radio and the first three months of service free.

Above the audio system there are two more buttons — one for the projector beam fog lights and another for turning on or off the traction control. I like that you don’t have to hunt for these two important buttons. Plus, the fog lights are the best I’ve ever tested. Above those two buttons are the vents.

The steering wheel contains controls for the cruise control and the audio system. These all glow red at night as well. The instrumentation is very cleanly set up. There’s the temperature gauge, then to the left a tachometer, then a speedometer and finally a fuel gauge. All the warning lights are hidden in panels above the fuel and temperature gauges and the turn signal indicator and hazard lights are located in the center of the cluster for easy viewing. The mirror control is on the dash to the left of the steering wheel and needs to be adjusted when sitting still. I liked the upgraded cloth seating throughout the Torrent.

My test Torrent came with upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels mounted on P235/60R17 All Season Tires. The exterior paint is a very appealing “Sedona Beige Metallic” with a “Sand” interior. There’s minimal chrome except for the Pontiac signature dual kidney grill treatment. This model comes with privacy glass, making it stand out. Looking from all angles, the Torrent is very appealing — a big step up from the Aztek.

The price of the Pontiac Torrent is very competitive, basing out at around $21,000. My nicely loaded Torrent came in at $26,255, plus tax and license. The Torrent must be on your list if you’re looking for a mid-size SUV. Don’t hesitate to drive up to Lake Elsinore and check out Lake Pontiac. Not only is the drive relaxing, so are the people!