What's New for the 2006 Pontiac Torrent?
The Pontiac Torrent is a new crossover SUV. It's priced to compete against vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and Saturn Vue. Like its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Equinox, the Torrent is a bit bigger than most of these vehicles. Its 112-inch wheelbase, for instance, is about 9 inches longer than that of the Escape. The Torrent's larger size pays dividends in interior space; there's plenty of room for passengers, and 69 cubic feet of cargo room is available when the rear seats are lowered. Special interior features include a variable-position rear cargo shelf and rear seating that reclines as well as slides fore-and-aft. For 2006, there's only one trim level available. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, and power windows and mirrors. A large collection of optional features, such as 17-inch alloys, cruise control, a six-CD changer, OnStar, heated power front seats and leather upholstery, are grouped into two main option packages. Antilock brakes are standard while front side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags are optional. For power, the Torrent relies on a 3.4-liter, China-sourced V6 rated at 185 hp and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the Pontiac Torrent is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Advantages of the 2006 Pontiac Torrent:

• Roomy interior with adjustable rear seating
• Comfortable ride
• Good crash test scores

Objections to the 2006 Pontiac Torrent:

• Lifeless steering and drab handling dynamics
• Minimal off-road ability

Editor's Advice:
Don't let Pontiac's marketing or the meaning of the Torrent's name fool you. This is certainly a decent crossover SUV but the level of performance provided is more like "bubbling stream" rather than "raging and uncontrolled river." Differences between the Torrent and the Chevrolet Equinox are minimal so feel free to choose based on which one's styling you like better. And if you really do want some swiftness out of a compact SUV, check out GM's own Saturn Vue equipped with the V6 and the Red Line package.