Pontiac Torrent vs. Suzuki SX4 Review

Performance
Both the Suzuki SX4 and the Torrent are likely to feel a little slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio. With respect to horsepower, the Pontiac packs quite a punch and will knock the Suzuki SX4 down a few rungs. On the other hand, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
The Pontiac Torrent has significantly bigger tires than the Suzuki SX4. Keep in mind that wider tires could improve handling, while narrower tires can provide better handling in deep snow. With its tighter turning circle, the Suzuki is quite certainly sprier than the Pontiac Torrent, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Pontiac Torrent has a more sizeable engine than the Suzuki SX4. Remember that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. The Torrent packs quite a punch compared to the Suzuki SX4 in terms of torque, which is the force that lets you accelerate quickly. Torque equals pickup, and the Pontiac Torrent will have picked up and gone by the time the Suzuki SX4 finally gets moving.

Utility
The Torrent's bigger trunk will accommodate more large objects than the Suzuki SX4. The Suzuki SX4 and the Pontiac Torrent can accommodate the same number of passengers.

Convenience
The Suzuki SX4's fuel tank will need to be replenished a tad more often than the unit in the Pontiac Torrent.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Pontiac Torrent's front cabin compared to the SX4. The Pontiac Torrent offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Suzuki SX4 does.

Dimensions
The Pontiac Torrent is quite a bit heavier than the Suzuki SX4. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Pontiac Torrent than the Suzuki because of its larger tank. The Pontiac Torrent rides lower than the SX4, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Suzuki SX4 fits in smaller parking spaces than the Pontiac Torrent. The Pontiac's longer wheelbase will result in a smoother, more stable ride; however, the Suzuki SX4 may give a nimbler feel in daily traffic.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Pontiac Torrent to the dealership as the Suzuki SX4. With respect to fuel economy, the Suzuki SX4 has the Pontiac beat. The Pontiac Torrent will tax your gasoline budget considerably more than the Suzuki will. As far as MSRP, the Torrent costs quite a bit more than the Suzuki SX4. The Suzuki will save you a bundle at the pump every year compared to the Torrent.

Overview
The Torrent and the SX4 have the same basic after-sale protection. As far as warranty against rust, the Pontiac Torrent has tremendously better coverage than the Suzuki SX4.