For some reason, I always forget how nice a vehicle the Pontiac Torrent is until I’ve slipped behind the wheel.

Maybe it’s because, in spite of its Excitement Division parentage, the Torrent isn’t all that exciting. Even the new, sported-up GXP model is still just a handy crossover vehicle when you come right down to it. Regardless of its performance capability or lack thereof, however, the Torrent GXP is easy to live with. For a suburban-bred crossover vehicle, that’s a quality that’s far more important than any skidpad number.

At a glance the Torrent doesn’t stand out much at all; it looks like any of the generic SUV/minivans humping around town on a given day. Stare for a while and some of the details will begin to jump out at you: the contoured hood, for instance, with its muscle-car style double scallops. Lower bumper extensions front and rear complement a lowered suspension to give the Torrent GXP a more sporting look, and eighteen-inch wheels are standard equipment.

To further earn those “GXP” letters, the Torrent GXP is blessed with a new 264-horse 3.6 liter V6. The engine uses variable valve timing to smooth power delivery and improve fuel efficiency, and is a huge advancement over the ancient 3.4 that powers the standard Torrents. The 3.6 provides eager response around town, and it’s got plenty of torque on tap. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive as a bad-weather stability-enhancing option. The standard six-speed automatic transmission hunts a lot on the freeway though, and the Torrent’s stability gets less enjoyable at high speeds. This sporty crossover is happier on surface streets. All-wheel drive is available.

Carlike MacPherson struts are used up front, with a four-link independent rear. Internal rebound springs and stiffer shock valving add a measure of sportiness to the Torrent GXP, and its cornering is decently flat for a vehicle of this size. Anti-lock brakes are standard. It doesn’t feel like the traditional, waddly SUV on the road, thanks to a lowered stance and the automotive platform underneath. Can it go toe-to-toe with BMW’s sport X3 crossover? Um, not exactly. The standard Torrent feels like a very short, well-behaved minivan; in GXP form, it feels like a well-behaved and lightened minivan, which translates to a decent degree of confidence on the road around town. The Torrent can tow trailers up to 3500 pounds, and the standard StabiliTrak stability control includes Trailer Sway Control programming that helps to mitigate control losses caused by wobbly trailers.

The Torrent GXP’s interior is lovely. I don’t often say that about a Pontiac, but considering the price point, the Torrent GXP looks great inside, with cloth seats, piano-black trim on the console and multicolored panels that feel good to the touch. The Torrent’s odd center console window switch placement is a holdover from previous models. The clever two-tiered console allows space to hide a purse out of sight. There’s comfortable seating for four, and available heated seats up front. People space is good but the 35.2 cubic-foot cargo area behind the seats is smaller than it ought to be (given the Torrent’s size) thanks to intrusive suspension towers. The availability of GM’s OnStar with its emergency contact and turn-by-turn navigation system just sweetens the deal.

In such a suddenly crowded market, it’s easy to overlook the Torrent GXP–I do this for a living, and I’m guilty of it, too. However, Pontiac’s got a very versatile, capable and comfortable crossover in the offering, and it’s worth a look. Torrent pricing starts at $23,470, and the cost of entry to the GXP model is $27,380. My tester had satellite radio, side-curtain airbags and the Sun and Sound package, which adds a sunroof and an improved sound system with a subwoofer, and stickered for a not-so-shocking $30,070.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP

Length: 189.6 in.

Width: 71.4 in.

Height: 69.3 in.

Wheelbase: 112.5 in.

Curb weight: 3919 lb.

Cargo space: 35.2 cu.ft. (seats up); 68.6 (seats folded)

Base price: $27,380

Price as tested: $30,070

Engine: 3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve V6

Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 263 @ 6500

Torque: 250 @ 3100

Fuel capacity: 20.5 gal.

Est. mileage: 16/24