2007 Hummer H3X: First Drive

GM’s collection of 2007 models available to drive last Wednesday included the Hummer H3X, a new trim level of the popular SUV that debuted last year. The H3X — and standard 2007 H3 — features a larger five-cylinder engine for the new year. It now displaces 3.7 liters and makes 242 hp, a 22-hp gain over the outgoing 3.5-liter engine. We piloted the portly H3X around parking lots, curvy backroads and open highways, though we didn’t get a chance to do any off-roading — something Hummers are famous for.

Staffer Kelsey Mays and managing editor Patrick Olsen offer their thoughts below.

Kelsey Mays: The H3 weighs 4,700 pounds, nearly as much as two Honda Fit hatchbacks. When I drove the H3 last fall, I suffered the ignominy of being passed on the highway by a Toyota Prius. A Prius, for goodness’ sake. More oomph is not just convenient, it’s necessary — especially since Toyota and Nissan market H3 competitors with sprightlier 4.0-liter engines.

With the 3.7-liter five-cylinder, the H3 still feels underpowered, but it’s not the dog it was last year. Accelerator response off the line is adequate, and thanks to tall second and third gears, the four-speed automatic serves up ample passing power. The suspension allows plenty of wriggle room, and steering feedback is minimal. All-disc brakes stopped me with surprising swiftness, but I attributed that to the test vehicle having just 410 journalist-thrashing miles on its odometer.

Despite high gas prices, the H3 is selling well — in part because it’s rated at 20 mpg on the highway with an optional stick shift, making it Hummer’s most fuel-efficient vehicle. Better yet, the larger engine suffers no gas mileage penalty. Given that fact, I can live with its slowpoke tendencies.

Patrick Olsen: I agree with Kelsey on the acceleration; I was expecting more oomph from a truck this size. I liked the interior for comfort, although the two-toned leather was a little strong visually for my taste. I found myself feeling a little “floaty” while driving the H3. I didn’t have as much road feel as I would have liked, and I found the Chevy Tahoe had better grip and feel for me.

One of the things I liked a lot about the H3 was that I didn’t feel like I was driving a tank. I had a great sense of where the edges were, and I never felt like I was behind the wheel of a monster.

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2007 Saturn Aura: First Drive