Joining the bevy of crossover SUVs on the market is the new Torrent from Pontiac. Comparable in price to compact sport utilities like Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV, Torrent is actually bigger than most of these vehicles, offering more passenger and cargo room.

Torrent is available in one trim level with one engine: a 185-horsepower V-6. You do have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, and standard features include power locks/mirrors/windows, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, a fold-flat front passenger seat, sliding rear seat with 60/40 spilt seatback and rear window washer/wiper/defogger. Upgrades can be made with the Preferred Package ($1,555) with upgraded cloth seats, cruise control, six-way power driver seat, steering-wheel radio controls; Premium Package ($795, available only with the Preferred Package) adds leather seating and heated front seats; Sun and Sound Package ($1,285) adds a sunroof and seven-speaker Pioneer audio system with six-disc CD player; Security Package ($1,090), adding side-impact and head-curtain airbags and OnStar. XM Satellite Radio ($325) and upgraded aluminum wheels ($295) are also available.

The Torrent boasts an impressive amount of legroom for both front and backseat occupants, while still providing a little over 35 cubic feet of cargo space. Parents will appreciate the easy to locate and access LATCH anchors for child-safety seats. I had to install two types of car seats — a rear-facing infant seat and a forward-facing toddler seat — and both fit snuggly and securely, with plenty of legroom leftover for the front-seat passenger.

Other interior features aren’t as convenient. Cup holders in the front of the cabin pop out from under the center console and are poorly positioned too low to the ground, the same complaint I have for the location of the power outlet. On the plus side, the ample space between the front seats is ideal for a purse or briefcase.

Torrent performs nicely on the road, getting unexpected power from its modest engine. Ride quality is excellent; Torrent is both comfortable and quiet, but handling could use some improvement. The steering has a sluggish quality that detracts somewhat from the overall driving experience.

Safetywise, you can’t get much better. Dual-stage front airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard. In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash testing, the Torrent received the highest rating (five stars) for front and side impacts.

The Torrent makes an excellent family vehicle. It offers the cargo and passenger room of a mid-size SUV for the price of a compact, with safety features that should be at the top of everyone’s shopping list.