The 2008 Pontiac Torrent is a counterpart to the Chevy Equinox, but built on a theta platform. It was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show, but this crossover sport utility vehicle (whose predecessor was the Aztek) is now in its last year of production. From 2009, it will appear as the Terrain. For the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, a standalone edition, the Podium, will be made available exclusively in Canada. For 2008 the electronic stability control system becomes standard across models. Other changes for the year include an electronic trailer sway control, which automatically detects trailer sway and maintains control by activating the stability system; an upgraded control panel with more than 20 features; and three new body colors.

The 2008 Pontiac Torrent comes in two trims - base and GXP. Both are available as all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. While the base model has a 185-horsepower, 3.4-liter V-6 engine, the higher-end GXP gets a 3.6-liter V-6 emitting 264 horsepower.

In the interior, standard features are air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and six speaker CD system. Among the optional features are heated front seats, leather-trimmed seats, six-CD stereo, steering-wheel stereo controls and a power driver's seat. The preferred package has a remote starter. Front and rear skid plates, 16-inch tires on aluminum wheels, and fog lamps are among standard features on the exterior, while 17-inch tires and a roof rack are optional.

While anti-lock brakes and the electronic stability control system are standard, side curtain air bags with rollover sensors are optional.