KansasCity.com's view

The H3 is the most sensible Hummer yet, and the 2007 model gets a new engine and an H3X appearance package.

The H3 is 16.9 inches shorter, 6 inches lower and 6.5 inches narrower than the H2, yet the cabin feels more spacious and the cargo compartment seems to be more practical. And best of all, prices start just under $30,000.

The H3’s more manageable size, lower price and better fuel economy makes it my clear favorite over the H2.

The engine is an enlarged version of the Vortec 5-cylinder. It displaces 3.7 liters and has dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. Horsepower is up to 242. The additional size and power give the H3 a bit more lunge off the line as well as improved midrange throttle response.

The H3X model, which has a base price of $37,545, comes with chrome tube steps, chrome grille, chrome door handles, chrome roof rack and chrome wheels. It can be ordered with any of the eight standard colors as well as two new metallic colors: Sonoma Red and Desert Orange. The orange metallic paint is bright, and it made the H3X test truck even more of a traffic-stopper.

The H3X also comes with a Monsoon sound system, leather seats and headrests embroidered with the H3 logo.

The H3 is derived from GM’s midsize pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. All three share the same body-on-frame construction, suspension and 3.7-liter, five-cylinder powertrain.

Because the H3 has a 4.56 rear axle ratio, it pulls strongly at low speeds, something that is crucial for serious off-road use. And the H3 has been designed to excel off-road. Engineers tested it on California’s Rubicon Trail. It can climb 16-inch vertical steps or rocks and ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph or 24 inches of water at 5 mph.

Buttons in the dash operate the H3’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. It has high and low ranges and an available locking rear differential and traction control. Two tire packages are offered: one with 32-inch all-terrain tires and the other with 33-inch off-road tires.

Large tires and short front and rear overhangs play important roles in the H3’s ability to climb up and down off-road obstacles.

I drove the H3 only on the street, as I suspect most buyers will do. In spite of the rather generous step up to get inside, it didn’t feel at all big and bulky. The side windows are narrow and rear visibility can be challenging because the spare tire intrudes on the view.

The quality of the interior was impressive. There were few seams, great textures and expensive-feeling controls. The steering wheel rim was too thick for my taste.

Front bucket seats were firm, with good side bolsters. The split-folding rear seat had decent legroom.

To fold the rear seat, first pull the bottom seat cushion forward into the foot well area. Then release the seat back and fold forward. The front of the load floor is about 6 inches higher than the back because of the seats. Ribbed rubber covers the cargo load floor and the back of the seats.

The side-opening tailgate facilitates loading. The cargo area is 37 inches tall and 42 inches wide. Maximum length is 63 inches.

Anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are front airbags. Side-curtain airbags and a rollover protection system are optional. GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system comes on vehicles with the automatic transmission.

The optional OnStar system has GM’s advanced crash notification system that provides crash data to 911 personnel so they can dispatch appropriate help. Price

The base price of the H3X is $37,545. The test vehicle had a power sunroof, side-curtain airbags and XM satellite radio. The sticker price was $39,905. Warranty

Four years or 50,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.