By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National November 5, 2004Vehicle Overview
A significantly different breed of Hummer arrived as a 2003 model. Using the same design as Chevrolet's Tahoe and Suburban full-size sport utility vehicles, the H2 is 5.3 inches narrower than Hummer's H1 model. Instead of seating four people like the H1, the less costly H2 holds up to five and promises an easier ride and more creature comforts.
The H2's 6.0-liter V-8 has gained power and torque for the 2005 model year; it's now rated at 325 horsepower and 365 pounds-feet of torque. Medium Wheat-colored leather seating is now standard. A new Luxury interior is available. Also joining the options list are a stainless-steel brushguard and a touchscreen navigation system. General Motors' Gen 6 OnStar communication system has analog and digital coverage and upgraded hands-free capabilities.
A Hummer H2 SUT variant has debuted for 2005. Considered a crossover model, the SUT features the passenger cabin of an SUV and a small pickup truck bed instead of a closed cargo area.
GM has owned the marketing rights to the Hummer brand since 1999. Hummers are built in Indiana by AM General and are sold by GM dealers.
(Skip to details on the: H2 SUT)
Exterior
Styling cues like giant tires and side latches on the hood of the H2 are similar to those on the H1. The ladder-type frame uses hydroformed components. Underbody protection includes skid plates, a fuel-tank shield, chassis-bolted rocker panel protectors and a protective shield for the optional onboard air compressor.
The H2's 122.8-inch wheelbase is nearly 7 inches longer than the Tahoe's. The wheels are positioned at the extreme corners, and the H2 has a 69.4-inch track width. High approach and departure angles permit driving directly into a hole and out again.
Various accessories, including a roof rack, tubular assist steps and roof-mounted lamps, can be installed. A self-leveling air suspension is available.
Interior
Up to six occupants can fit inside the H2 SUV when it's equipped with the optional folding/removable one-place third-row seat; otherwise, maximum seating capacity is five. The 60/40-split second-row seats fold down. Eight-way power adjustment with a memory feature for the driver's seat is standard. Front and rear heated leather seats are standard. Dual-zone automatic temperature control and a Bose cassette/CD audio system with Radio Data System technology are standard.
Under the Hood
Rather than a high-torque turbo-diesel engine like the one in the H1, the H2 gets a 6.0-liter Vortec gasoline V-8 that cranks out 325 hp and 365 pounds-feet of torque. The four-speed-automatic transmission incorporates a Tow-Haul mode.
The BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system includes a Low range. It provides a 40/60-percent front/rear torque split in High Open mode, which changes to 50/50 percent when the transfer-case differential is locked. Five four-wheel-drive modes are controlled electronically. A 33-1 crawl ratio is available for serious rock climbing.
Safety
Antilock brakes with traction control are standard. Side-impact airbags are not available.
Driving Impressions
Far more civilized than the Hummer H1, the H2 driving experience is like that of other large SUVs. Handling qualities aren't bad, and the H2 has good steering feel and feedback.
The H2 rides more tautly than most vehicles, but it's tolerable even for ordinary motoring. Acceleration is reasonably vigorous. You need to climb up to get inside, but this SUV is fairly comfortable. Storage space includes a large console.
H2 SUT
To create the new SUT variant, Hummer engineers replaced the H2 SUV's covered cargo area with a short cargo box. The cargo box is 34.7 inches long and measures 47.3 inches between the wheels. The SUT's midgate has an express-down feature for its glass window. Folding the midgate along with the rear seat adds an additional 3 feet to the cargo box length. A lockable hard tonneau cover and a rubber cargo-bed mat are available. The H2 SUT is 203.5 inches long overall and rides on 17-inch aluminum wheels. Most specifications are identical to those of the H2 SUV. Back to top
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Jim Flammang | Cars.com National | November 5, 2004 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Mike Magda | PickupTrucks.com | November 24, 2004 |
| Anita And Paul Lienert | The Detroit Newspapers | October 13, 2004 |
| Bob Golfen | AZCentral.com | October 9, 2004 |
| Jim Mateja | chicagotribune.com | August 15, 2004 |
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