DecodedCars2009 Pontiac Torrent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV FWD Base/GT, 4dr SUV FWD Gxp
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 189 in
- Curb weight
- 3,719–3,814 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Pontiac Torrent is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.4L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,719 lb (4dr SUV FWD Base/GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 3% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Torrent — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Torrent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV FWD Base/GT | 189 in | 71.3 in | 69.3 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,719 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Gxp | 189 in | 71.3 in | 69.3 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,814 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrent FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Torrent AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Torrent FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Torrent AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +7% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Pontiac Torrent (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Pontiac Torrent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Pontiac Torrent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Steering — 3 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac Torrent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Torrent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Torrent | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 87 |
| 2007 Torrent | 20 | 189 in | Not rated | 1 | 86 |
| 2006 Torrent | 19 | 189 in | Not rated | 0 | 54 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →