Against 469 other V6 cars rated 2007–2009, the Torrent sits right on their 19.5 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2006, the 3.4L 6-cyl (2006–2009), does 19.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.6L 6-cyl (2008), 19: $72 a year apart.
Every Pontiac Torrent engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 17 / 23.3 | 2006–2009 | $1,949 | |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 16 / 24 | 2008–2008 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18.3 mpg, the Jeep Commander 15.8 mpg and the GMC Envoy 16.5 mpg, next to 20 mpg for the 2009 Torrent. The Torrent is the cheapest of them to run: $510 a year less than the Jeep Commander.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2009) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2007–2009 | −$49 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,200 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2009 Pontiac Torrent gives up 7 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 17 in the city, $659 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2009) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (41%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Torrent changed over the years
The Torrent peaked in 2009 at 20 mpg (17 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 19 — 1 mpg apart, or $101 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 2007 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2006 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Torrent — 2 engines across 2006–2009. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,200. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2009 Pontiac Torrent get?
20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2006 the Torrent has averaged 19.5 mpg.
Is the 2009 Torrent more efficient than the 2008?
Yes: 20 against 19 mpg combined, about $101 a year less to run.
Which Torrent year has the best gas mileage?
The 2009, at 20 mpg combined (17 city, 24 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Torrent get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
Yes: 20 mpg for the 2009 Torrent against 18.3 for the 2010 Jeep Liberty, about $178 a year less to run.
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