Second Place
Hummer H2
What's new
Another vehicle that you have more than likely heard about is the Hummer H2, developed by GM but built by American General. Basically the H2 consists of the front frame section and independent front suspension off of the 2500-series truck and the rear frame section and five-link coil suspension from the 1500-series Suburban/Tahoe. Powering the H2 is the familiar 6.0L V-8, which is backed up by another familiar piece, the 4L65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Wrap the whole thing in a Hummeresque body and dump a new interior into it, and the H2 is born.
Of course the H2 was not just built for looks but also for the trail. A set of 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires and plenty of skidplates are a testament to that. Other trail goodies are its rear Eaton electric locker and a Bosch traction-control system.
What we liked
Our H2's suspension, which was equipped with the optional rear air coils, received lots of kudos from our judges. Its spring rates were spot on for a wide variety of activities, from blasting down graded dirt roads, creeping along a trail in low-range or cruising along the highway. Most of the time the big H2 felt like a Cadillac, as it would absorb anything thrown at it with ease. Another plus was that it also offered a good amount of articulation.
The interior of the H2 also scored well with our judges. Leather-covered seats taken from the Suburban and Tahoe that feature lots of adjustability and support supply plenty of comfort. There is also lots of room inside the massive interior, so measurements such as legroom, shoulder room, headroom and just room in general are ample.
In the dirt, the H2 also did well. A combination of its large tires and height helped to give it plenty of clearance. When it did encounter obstacles a tad too big for it, a plethora of skidplates and under-belly protection protected it. The rear locker was also a big plus. With a push of a button it engaged and greatly expanded where the H2 could wander while off the highway.
What we didn't like
Not everything was smiles and sunshine on the trail, however. When the rear locker is engaged the H2 relies on its traction-control system for the front, and that seemed to take plenty of wheelspin to engage. This fact sometimes left the H2 searching for traction. Other problems on the trail included the lack of comprehensive visibility out of that narrow front windscreen, and the vehicle's sheer size. In tight sections, especially, it was a handful to navigate the H2 and see out of it.
Another sore point for our testers was the power output of the 6.0L V-8. While it does produce 315 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque, it was overtaxed when trying to push around the 6,400 pounds of the H2. Most of our judges were left lusting for more horsepower.
Check It Out If:
You want a Hummer that you can actually use and enjoy.
Avoid It If:
You don't want people staring at you.
The Short Version:
Best steering feel of any GM truck. Best interior of any GM truck. Needs the 8.1L V-8. Has lots of clearance and great tires. Not easy to see out of.
The Final Verdict
The H2 is a solid vehicle that is comfortable and competent. However, its traction-control system and power output cost it valuable points.