Pontiac Torrent vs. Toyota FJ Cruiser Review

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Pontiac Torrent to the dealership as the Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Toyota FJ Cruiser isn't much less costly than the Pontiac Torrent with respect to MSRP.

Utility
There's no clear winner between the Pontiac Torrent and the Toyota FJ Cruiser with respect to hauling capacity. Neither the Pontiac Torrent nor the FJ Cruiser has a marked advantage when it comes to seating capacity. Towing is significantly more the Toyota FJ Cruiser's forte than it is the Pontiac Torrent's.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Toyota FJ Cruiser offers a bit more head room than the Pontiac Torrent, there really isn't much of a difference. The Torrent provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Toyota FJ Cruiser does.

Dimensions
The Pontiac Torrent is likely to feel a bit slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Toyota FJ Cruiser than the Pontiac because of its larger tank. The Toyota rides lower than the Pontiac Torrent, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Torrent compete for the same parking spaces.

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Toyota FJ Cruiser packs quite a wallop and will knock the Pontiac Torrent down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. The Pontiac is likely to feel a little slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Handling
The FJ Cruiser has quite a bit wider tires than the Pontiac Torrent. Note that bigger tires may look and feel better, while smaller tires could provide better handling in deep snow.

Drivetrain
The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a more massive engine than the Pontiac Torrent. Remember that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is significantly more powerful than the Pontiac. The Torrent could learn a lesson or two from the Toyota FJ Cruiser as far as pickup.

Overview
The Toyota FJ Cruiser and the Pontiac Torrent have the same basic warranty.