The Pontiac Torrent is relatively large for the class, with a wheelbase that's 13 inches longer than that of the Ford Escape. The Torrent is based on a car platform. It shares its basic structure with the Chevy Equinox and Saturn Vue. Torrent is the same shape as the Equinox, but Torrent's split kidney grille announces it's a Pontiac and gives it some distinction. Distinction is in fairly short supply in this class, however, and the Torrent looks similar to most SUVs in this category.

All in all, it's a pleasing, subtle design, with clean lines and a forward wedge shape to the sides. The trapezoidal twin-beam headlamps are strong, reminiscent of a Saab, and so is the pseudo skid-plate that wraps up onto the front fascia, coming from under the car. The B-pillar is flat black, so it's barely visible between the tinted glass of the front and rear doors; this accentuates the thick C-pillar, and the pleasant tall rectangular shape of the rear side window. Thick aluminum roof rails are suggestive of those on the Nissan Xterra and help give this car-based SUV a more rugged appearance. The outside door handles are the big grab variety, making it easy to open the doors and climb in without breaking fingernails.

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