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The Pontiac Torrent gets good acceleration out of its standard 185-hp V6 engine. In fact, it's not hard to spin the front wheels when taking off quickly, even though the front-drive Torrent comes with traction control to mitigate that. The engine uses an overhead-valve design, so it's not as efficient as a modern overhead-cam engine. Nor is it as smooth and quiet as the more sophisticated Toyota V6.Fuel economy is an EPA-rated 17/24 mpg city/highway, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. We averaged only 18 mpg in our front-drive test vehicle, but it had logged fewer than 600 miles on the odometer when we got it, and engines often loosen up and deliver better mileage as they are more completely broken in. The standard five-speed automatic transmission may be the smoothest thing about the Torrent. The upshifts are nice and tight. There's good engine torque, peaking at 210 pound-feet, and the gear ratios and electronically variable shift points are well matched. We found the Torrent didn't have to downshift on a hill where transmissions in many other vehicles downshifted, including those far more powerful than the Torrent. The Torrent is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds. Torrent offers good handling for the class without any sign of harshness to the ride. The longest wheelbase and widest track in the class surely add to this capability. The ride was good, even over some rough gravel roads. Torrent comes with StabiliTrak, which helps the driver maintain control during sudden maneuvers or in low-traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, steering angle and yaw rate. A computer monitors these inputs and automatically reduces engine power and/or selectively brakes one or more wheels to help maintain the course that the driver intended. Four-wheel disc brakes and ABS come standard. OnStar services includes OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics and the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system, which sends crash data to participating 911 centers, so they can dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment quicker. OnStar Hands-Free Calling and Turn-by-Turn Navigation is an optional service that allows OnStar customers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn downloads complete step-by-step directions directly to your vehicle through the OnStar system. You can then follow the instructions while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The 3.6-liter V6 motivating the GXP is a thoroughly modern, all-aluminum unit featuring dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, delivering 264 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque through a GM 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. Pontiac claims the Torrent GXP can reach 60 mph from a standstill in less than 7 seconds, which is mighty fast for family transportation. The GXP's front struts feature internal rebound springs to improve roll stiffness and steering sensitivity, while maintaining ride comfort. Higher spring rates; stiffer shock valving and suspension bushings; larger, solid stabilizer bars; and hydraulic power steering (in place of the base model's electronic servo) are all engineered to contribute to a more responsive and sporty driving experience; along with specific 235/50R18 all-season radial tires. Like the base model, the Torrent GXP is available with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive; both are EPA rated at 16/24 mpg city/highway.
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