The first generation Pontiac Torrent arrived as a sports utility vehicle in 2006. It replaced the Aztec in the Pontiac lineup. The first Torrent was introduced to the public during the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Torrent came in just one model that was available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It was powered by a 3.4 Liter V6 engine with 185 horsepower. The Torrent could tow 1800 lbs and had a five speed automatic transmission, 16 inch tires, air conditioning, keyless entry, CD player and power windows, mirrors and locks. Three optional equipment packages were available with the Torrent. The preferred package included a driver's seat that was powered, seats made of expensive cloth, rear view mirror that dims the lights of traffic and stereo system buttons that were located on the steering wheel. The Premium package came with leather seats and heated front seats. The Sun and Sound package came with a sunroof and a stereo system with a six CD player.

In 2008, the Pontiac Torrent comes in two models; the entry level and the GXP. Both are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The entry-level vehicle has a 3.4-Liter V6 engine with185 horsepower and a five speed automatic transmission. The GXP model has a 3.6-Liter V6 engine with 264 horsepower and a six speed automatic transmission. The entry-level vehicle is equipped with16 inch tires, air conditioning, CD-MP3 player that is compatible to play other music systems, cruise control, and the On Star system. The GXP model is equipped with 18 inch tires, tinted privacy glass, a remote system to start the car, sport seats in the front, powered driver's seat and stereo system buttons located on the steering wheel.