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2008 Hummer H2
2008 Hummer H2 Review
Man of the House
With the demise of the H1, the H2 is the biggest Hummer around and remains large enough to fill daddy's shoes.
In addition to the familiar wagon-style model, an SUT version — which has a small pickup bed behind the rear seats instead of a closed cargo bay — is also available, though it sells in even smaller numbers than the standard H2.
Both models come with a powerful V8 engine that provides plenty of muscle for acceleration and passing, as well as strong towing abilities. A durable six-speed automatic transmission and rugged full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential are standard. An air suspension is available to smooth the ride over back roads and broken pavement.
Hummer says the H2 is capable of traveling through water 24 inches deep, climbing 16-inch-tall steps and rocks, paddling through deep sand, and trouncing competitors in high-speed desert runs. While these are certainly admirable qualities, in reality few owners will ever take their H2s out for anything more grueling than a slow crawl over highway pavement during a rush-hour commute.
The SUT version combines aspects of an SUV and a pickup truck. Derived from the Chevrolet Avalanche, it shares that vehicle’s “midgate” configuration, in which the rear wall of the cabin folds down and expands the cargo bed length at the expense of the second row of seats (which fold forward to accommodate the expanded cargo bed). Unfortunately, the pickup bed is shorter (6 feet long with the midgate down) than in the Avalanche and its other derivative, the Cadillac Escalade EXT (both 8 feet long with the midgate down), which tends to limit its use as a cargo hauler. However, a hard cover for the pickup bed is available to create what amounts to a large trunk.
The Hummer H2’s performance and handling characteristics are on par with the Chevrolet Suburban upon which it’s based, which means it’s actually easier to drive than you might think. Still, this large SUV can be unwieldy on congested city streets and in tight parking lots.
Standard equipment in its exaggeratedly styled, albeit roomy, interior is fairly generous. With three rows of seats, the H2 seats seven passengers. The small windows significantly impair outward visibility.
A navigation system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, XM satellite radio capability, and many accessories — like brush guards and cargo carriers — are offered. But you won’t find high-end SUV items like power-retractable side steps or ventilated seats on the options list.
At least for the time being, the automaker is not required to post the vehicle’s fuel-economy ratings, because the Hummer H2 is officially classified as a medium-duty truck, making it exempt from federal rules in that regard. But high single-digit to low double-digit mileage is common. Suffice to say, you’ll pay dearly at the pump to keep this behemoth running.
• See all Hummer models in the Hummer Showroom
You're sorry you never got the chance to own the discontinued Hummer H1; you need to haul or tow heavy loads or drive on rough terrain; you like to draw attention.
You care about fuel economy; you live in a city where streets are narrow and parking is tight.
There's plenty of room in the H2's garish cabin for five adult passengers, though many will need a boost to be able to climb into it. The third row can be a tight fit for two.
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