Acceleration

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	5

With automatic transmission, H3 more than adequate around town, but highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort. No opportunity to test with manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Base, auto.	Class Average
3	3.8

Test automatic-transmission H3s averaged 14.7-15.0 mpg. H3 uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5.4

Base suspension absorbs low-speed bumps well, but H3 prone to bobbing, abrupt vertical motions at high speed. No opportunity to test with off-road suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	4.1

Reasonably agile. No excessive body lean in turns. Responsive steering has hefty feel. Relatively tight turning circle means good low-speed maneuverability. Good stopping power, though some testers complain of mushy pedal action.

Quietness

Base, auto.	Class Average
5	5.2

Tire noise surprisingly well-muffled with standard treads. Generally little wind rush, though headwinds generate considerable roar. Engine obtrusive in rapid acceleration, otherwise muted.

Controls

Base, auto.	Class Average
7	6.3

An improvement in material quality and general design over H2. Simple, white-on-black gauges easy to read in any lighting condition. Most controls fall readily to hand. Power-window switches set too far back on armrest, require awkward contortion to manipulate. Some testers say cupholders interfere with automatic-transmission lever.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base, auto.	Class Average
6	6.7

High step-in, but handgrips, available running boards help. Good head, leg, and shoulder room. Aft visibility compromised by thick roof pillars, narrow glass openings. Spare tire blocks much of rear window.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	6.2

High step-in and awkwardly shaped door opening complicate entry/exit. Lots of head clearance. Leg room limited for taller passengers. Subpar comfort on low, poorly shaped seat cushion.

Cargo Room

Base, auto.	Class Average
7	8.3

Side-opening single-piece rear gate is large and heavy--a disadvantage in confined quarters. Waist-high cargo floor makes a chore of loading heavier objects. Cargo area usefully shaped, suffers little wheel-arch intrusion. Interior storage limited to glovebox, tiny door pockets, small center console.

Value within Class

Base, auto.	Class Average
4	5.7

Hummer's smallest offering is also its most sensible SUV, but that's not high praise. H3 combines comfortable accommodations and decent on-pavement dynamics with the promise of off-road proficiency. Many like-priced rivals match those assets, however, and are faster and quieter.

Total Score

Base, auto.	Class Average
49	56.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		66