2005 Hummer H2: Road Test

Archived Review

2005 Hummer H2 

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  • MSRP: $52,430 -$52,485
  • Invoice: $47,973 -$48,024

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Our road test for the 2005 Hummer H2 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Hummer H2 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Hummer H2, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Hummer H2 help you decide if a 2005 Hummer H2 is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
4 4 5.1

At 0-60 mph in about 10 sec by Hummer's claim, these are among the slower large SUVs. Acceleration is fairly strong at lower speeds, but highway merging and passing take patience. Transmission shifts smoothly, usually kicks down quickly for more power.

FUEL ECONOMY

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 2

Over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2s from EPA mileage-reporting program, but test 2004 H2 wagon averaged 10.7 mpg, SUT 10.4-10.7. Uses regular-grade fuel.

RIDE QUALITY

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
5 5 5.8

A bit jittery over smaller bumps, but 3-ton curb weight and large tires help iron out larger ones--though with some bobbing and reverberation. Little difference in ride between base and air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self-leveling feature helps in heavy hauling or towing.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 3.4

Massive weight, tall build induce body lean in turns. Steering feels light at low speeds, but close-quarters maneuverability hampered by wide 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft, for example). Not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape. But huge tires tend to follow road grooves. Brake-pedal feel good in routine use, but mushy in simulated emergency stops. Standard front tow hitch useful for guiding a trailer.

QUIETNESS

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
4 4 6

Some tire roar even at moderate speeds. Pronounced wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise well-muffled.

CONTROLS

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
5 5 5.6

Main instrument cluster is unobstructed. Radio and climate controls set toward middle of wide dashboard and have cryptic markings. Navigation/audio combo a sensible mating of map screen, navigation functions, and radio controls for relative ease of use. Lots of hard plastic that does not look or feel up to the $50,000-plus price.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
7 7 8.1

High step-up, but running boards, handgrips help. Good head, leg, shoulder room, but steering wheel sticks out far and is offset to right of seat center. Visibility hindered by thick roof pillars, rear headrests, and spare tire that blocks much of rear window.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
6 6 6.7

Head room fine, but leg room tight if front seats adjusted more than halfway back. Seat is comfortable, though tight for three adults, despite H2's girth. Wagon's optional 3rd-row seat difficult to get to, suits one child. SUT's power midgate window adds some open-air feel to cabin.

CARGO ROOM

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
7 5 7.8

Wagon rated at 86.6 cu ft, but has a high load floor and a full-size spare tire that weighs some 100 lb and eats lots of luggage space. Optional 3rd-row seat takes up most of the rest. That seat tips or removes, and 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks fold flat after seat bottoms are tipped forward. Still, H2 wagon can't match even compact SUVs for utility. SUT's midgate adds versatility, but folded, sits several inches above cargo-bed floor, hampering slide-in loading of long objects. SUT's spare tire mounts to massive swing-away rear carriage; tailgate very heavy, very high off ground. With split rear seat folded and midgate in place, SUT has 30 cu ft of interior cargo space. Both body styles have limited small-items storage.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
2 2 4.6

For better or worse, these H2s make a unique statement. They're highly capable off-road and fairly civilized on-road. But other big SUVs offer more passenger comfort, capacity, and cargo space. And the same money buys any number of more-luxurious, more-refined competitors.

Total Score

H2 wagon H2 SUT Class Average
44 42 55.1

Total Score: 43

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
23
Average Score
55
High Score
64

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