The Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Pontiac, a division of General Motors, from 2006 to 2009. It may appear illogical for Pontiac to introduce the Torrent SUV when the brand is working to restore its reputation as a serious contender in the performance-car market. The 2009 Pontiac Torrent, however, appears to be a sensible strategy for attracting younger buyers considering the public's desire for smaller, better fuel-efficient SUVs and Pontiac's newly discovered flair for making vivid and youthful automobiles.
History of the Pontiac Torrent
The Torrent was GM's attempt to reinvigorate the Pontiac nameplate; it was a crossover SUV that shared its platform with the European Opel Antara and the Chevrolet Equinox. Chevrolet recognized the growing demand for SUVs in the middle of the 2000s. Since it had already amassed considerable expertise in producing such automobiles, it tried to market its products internationally under various brand names. While it grew into the Chevrolet Captiva in Europe, the Equinox served as the platform for its Pontiac brother in the United States. Pontiac's unique front fascia worked great on coupes like the Firebird and GTO, but it didn't work so well with the Torrent's body style. The most impressive feature was undoubtedly the interior, which could accommodate seven people thanks to the presence of two fold-down seats in the boot. Customers could plan group outings, including picking up many kids from the same school, saving everyone time and money. Even so, the back seat was inappropriate for adults. There was hardly enough space to put one's legs together. The Torrent was available with either a 3.4L or a more up-to-date 3.6L V6 engine from General Motors. Both were equipped with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission.
Price
In 2009, Pontiac retailed the Pontiac Torrent with a starting MSRP of $25,000 ($34,587 in 2022) for the base front-wheel-drive model, rising to $26,000 ($35,970 in 2022) for the all-wheel-drive configuration. They offered the more premium GXP at around $29,000 ($40,120 in 2022), which could go up to $35,000 ($48,421 in 2022) for a top-spec variant.
Features
Exterior Features
Pontiac's unique front fascia worked great on coupes like the Firebird and GTO, but it didn't work so well with the Torrent's body style. The bumper's rounder fog lights contrasted sharply with the headlights' sharply cut openings. The Torrent, though, appears sporty enough for an SUV of its size thanks to its rising beltline and dropped nose.
Interior Features
The front passenger seat of the 2009 Pontiac Torrent can be folded flat to make room for very lengthy objects, and the vehicle can seat five people. The "multi-flex" rear bench seat splits 60/40 and can be moved forward, backward, and reclines. The Torrent has a more accessible interior than many other SUVs, and even with the rear seat all the way forward, passengers have plenty of legroom. The chairs are very supportive and comfy. However, they have very little side bolstering. The wheel was inspired by Pontiac's Solstice sports vehicle, and the gauges have Pontiac's "signature" red illumination for improved readability in low light.
Standard Features
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Power Windows
- Power Locks
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Tilt Steering
- OnStar
- Daytime Running Lights
- Rear Spoiler
- Stabilitrak Stability Control
- Tire-Pressure-Monitoring System
- Side-Curtain Airbags
- XM Satellite Radio
- Driver Information Center
- Roof Rails
- Body-Side Moldings
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Input Jack
- MP3-Compatible CD Player
- Six Speakers
Front-Wheel-Drive Variants
- Above Features
- Four-Wheel Anti-lock Disc Brakes (ABS)
- Traction Control
- 264-Horsepower V6 Engine
- Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Performance Tires
- Piano-Black Interior Trim
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Heated Seats
- 140-Mile-Per-Hour Speedometer
Specs and Performance of the Pontiac Torrent
Engines:
- 3.4L (204 CID) LNJ V6
- 3.6L (217 CID) LY7 V6
The Pontiac Torrent's 3.6L engine delivers 264 hp (197 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 250 lb-ft (339 Nm) at 2,300 rpm of torque. Pontiac marketed the Torrent as an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle, and it was available with either an Aisin AF33 5-speed automatic or GM 6T70 6-speed automatic. The Pontiac Torrent accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 7 seconds, with a top speed of 137 mph (221 kph). Dimension-wise, the Pontiac Torrent measures 4,796 mm (188.8 in) long, 1,814 mm (71.4 in) wide, and 1,760 mm (69.3 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,858 mm (112.5 in) and has a curb weight of 3,915 lbs (1,776 kg).
Release Date
Pontiac released the Pontiac Torrent between 2006 and 2009. Sadly, production of the Pontiac Torrent ceased after the 2009 model year. As a result of General Motors' decision to phase down the Pontiac brand in 2010, production of the final Torrent vehicle was completed on September 2, 2009.