The 2007 Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors. Introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Torrent replaced the U-body Aztek as the GMs crossover SUV for 2006. Based on the GM Theta platform, the Torrent is offered in a 5-seater configuration.

The 2007 Pontiac Torrent is available in a single trim level, but with two different drivetrain configurations: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

It comes with a powertrain warranty for five years or 100,000 miles and a basic warranty for three years or 36,000 miles. It competes with the likes of the Chevrolet Equinox, Saturn VUE, Opel Antara, and Suzuki XL7.

The Torrent is powered by a 3.4-liter V-6 engine, which delivers 185 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 210 lb-ft. of torque @ 3,800 rpm. The engine is linked to a standard electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.

The Pontiac Torrent looks brawny and controlling from all corners. With a length of 188.8 inches and a wheelbase of 112.5 inches, it has a wide stance, which makes it look a tad intimidating.

The Torrent’s front fascia is adorned by a big body-color bumper, a wide air dam, large distinct headlamps, and a prominent twin-grille divided by the Pontiac insignia. Front halogen fog lamps with chrome accents are integrated into the front bumper. The Torrent comes with halogen composite headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control and a flash-to-pass feature, and daytime running lamps.

Body-color body-side moldings, body-color door handles and body-color power-adjustable, manual-folding outside mirrors merge seamlessly with the exteriors and further accentuate the Torrent’s stylish looks.

Front and rear intermittent wipers are also standard on the Torrent. It also comes standard with a roof-mounted silver luggage rack, a roof-mounted antenna, a rear lift-gate with glass, and a rear spoiler. A body-color rear bumper with charcoal pads completes the overall chic appearance of the Torrent.

It wears standard 16-inch cast aluminum wheels and rolls on P235/65R16, all-season, Blackwall tires. However, it is also available with the option of 17-inch cast aluminum, chrome-cladded aluminum and chrome-plated aluminum wheels and P235/65R17, all-season, Blackwall tires.

The Pontiac comes with spacious and comfortable interiors that offer lots of room for passengers as well as cargo.

The Torrent comes standard with front bucket seats including driver manual height adjuster and Multiflex sliding rear seat with 60/40-split seatback with two-position recline. The front passenger seat can also be folded flat. The Torrent is also available with the option of a 6-way power seat adjuster for the driver, which also includes manual lumbar adjuster and heated front seats. The Torrent comes standard with base cloth-trimmed seats, but is also available with the option of premium cloth-trimmed seats and leather-trimmed seats.

The Torrent features single-zone manual air-conditioning, power windows, and power programmable door locks with remote keyless entry. It comes standard with a urethane steering wheel with a tilt-adjustable steering column. However, also available is the option of a leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

It has a standard manual day/night inside rear-view mirror and is also available with the option of an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror with compass. The Torrent comes with a rear center armrest with dual cup-holders. It gets a front center console with armrest, concealed storage, and two cup-holders, and a floor console with storage bin and cup-holder. Also standard are three front and two rear cup-holders, and two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets.

The Torrent features electronic instrumentation with a speedometer, fuel level indicator, engine temperature indicator, and a tachometer. It also comes standard with an electronic driver information center, which includes over 20 personalization and vehicle information features including trip odometer, fuel range, and outside temperature display.

It features a standard electric defogger on the rear-window. A tilt-sliding power sunroof with Express-Open and wind deflector is optional on the Torrent. The Torrent is available with the options of electronic cruise control with set and resume speed, and an OnStar turn-by-turn navigation system, which gives simple, audio-based directions to safely get the passengers to their destination.

The Torrent comes with many entertainment options. It comes standard with an audio system including an AM/FM stereo with CD player, seek-and-scan, an auto-tone control, automatic volume, a Theftlock, an auxiliary input jack for iPod/MP3 player, and six speakers.

Various entertainment options in addition to the standard features include an AM/FM stereo with an iPod/MP3 player or with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 6-speakers, a Radio Data System, map drive, audio system with DVD entertainment, and an XM radio, which offers a range of coast-to-coast channels in digital-quality sound.

The Torrent comes with a maximum cargo capacity of 68.6 cubic feet. With the available factory-installed Class II trailer hitch and wiring, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds of cargo.

The Torrent is offered in a FWD and AWD layout. The AWD system delivers power to the front wheels during normal driving on dry road surfaces, but if rain, snow, or mud cause front-wheel slippage, power is automatically delivered to the rear wheels as well. It provides balanced driving power across all four wheels, helping to maintain the vehicle’s agility when it is most needed.

It is steered by a variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist. This precise, sensitive and responsive steering matches the Torrent’s agile handling.

It is powered by a 3.4L V-6 engine, which generates a spirited and responsive 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to the V-6 is a 5-speed automatic transmission programmed for crisp shifting. Closer steps between the transmission ratios offer smooth acceleration and an outstanding fuel efficiency.

The Torrent’s front suspension includes McPherson struts and the 4-link rear suspension comprises of coil-springs. The McPherson struts combine long wheel travel with good range and motion control for a supple ride, whereas the rear suspension provides exceptional ride and handling. Sport tuning applies a rigid stabilizer bar up front and increased damping both front and rear. The suspension systems increased spring rate improves Torrent's traction on the road.

The Torrent is equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes. Bosch anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard on both FWD and AWD models. By electronic proportioning, the braking system constantly redistributes front-to-rear braking force to match driving conditions.

The Torrent has been awarded a 5-star crash rating in frontal and side-impact crash tests from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, courtesy a high-strength steel integral body/frame design and a welded tubular safety cage.

It comes with dual-stage frontal airbags for the driver and right-front passenger with a passenger sensing system, side-impact head curtain airbags at the front and rear outboard seating positions with a rollover sensor, 3-point safety belts for the driver and right-front passenger including pre-tensioners, 3-point rear safety belts at all seating positions, child security rear door locks, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system for child safety seats, a remote keyless entry with two transmitters, a panic button, a content theft alarm, an activation verification and illuminated entry, a theft-deterrent system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an ABS.