Pontiac Torrent vs. Toyota RAV4 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 RAV4. Producing a precise gas mileage evaluation is so tough that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Toyota is the winner when it comes to fuel economy. As far as fuel economy, the Toyota has the Pontiac Torrent beat. In terms of MSRP, the Pontiac Torrent doesn't cost much less than the RAV4.

Utility
There's no clear winner between the Toyota RAV4 and the Pontiac Torrent with respect to transporting cargo. Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Toyota RAV4 over the Pontiac Torrent.

Convenience
You will quite certainly have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Pontiac Torrent than with the RAV4.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Torrent offers a bit more head room than the Toyota RAV4, there frankly isn't much of a difference. The Pontiac Torrent offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Toyota RAV4 does.

Dimensions
The Pontiac Torrent is somewhat more ponderous than the Toyota. The Toyota RAV4's tank is about the same size as the Pontiac Torrent's, though the Pontiac Torrent's is slightly bigger. The RAV4 and the Pontiac Torrent compete for the same parking spaces. The Toyota RAV4's shorter wheelbase will likely give a nimbler feel in daily traffic. On the other hand, the Torrent is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Performance
The Pontiac Torrent is likely to feel a little slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the RAV4. With respect to horsepower, the Toyota RAV4 packs quite a punch and will knock the Pontiac Torrent down a few rungs. On the other hand, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Handling
With its tighter turning radius, the Toyota RAV4 is quite certainly more maneuverable than the Pontiac Torrent, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; however, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The RAV4's engine isn't much bigger than the Pontiac's. The Torrent could learn a lesson or two from the Toyota RAV4 regarding torque. Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Toyota RAV4 is considerably more powerful than the Pontiac Torrent.

Overview
The RAV4 and the Pontiac Torrent have the same basic after-sale protection.