Acceleration

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
6	6	5.8

Acceleration is fairly brisk around town and strong at highway speeds. Hummer estimates an 8.0 sec 0-60 mph time, which feels accurate to us. The smooth-shifting transmission is prompt to kick down for more power.

Fuel Economy

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
2	2	2.2

Its over 8600-lb gross vehicle weight exempts H2s from the EPA mileage-reporting program. In our testing, the previous generation H2 averaged 11.3 mpg. Hummer estimates a 10 percent fuel economy improvement with the new engine and transmission. Premium-grade gas is recommended.

Ride Quality

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
5	5	6.4

A bit jittery over small bumps and floaty over big ones despite meaty tires and 3-ton heft. Little difference between coil- and optional air-spring suspensions, though the latter's self-leveling feature helps with heavy hauling and towing.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
2	2	4.2

Massive weight and tall build mean marked cornering lean, though no worse than most large SUVs. Steering feels light at low speeds, yet maneuverability is hampered by jumbo 43.5-ft turning circle (vs. Ford Expedition's 38.7 ft). Not overly sensitive to crosswinds, despite blocky shape, but straightline stability is compromised by huge tires that tend to follow road grooves. Good brake pedal feel and modulation.

Quietness

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
5	5	6.8

Cabin is generally peaceful, though there's marked wind noise above 65 mph. Engine noise is well muffled.

Controls

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
7	7	6

Large, unobstructed gauges are easy to read. Available navigation/audio unit uses a sensible touch screen design and is not hard to learn.

Details

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
7	7	7.6

H2's new interior design is a welcome upgrade from previous versions. The cabin is assembled with good materials with abundant soft-touch surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
7	7	8.6

High step-up, but running boards are available. Overall room is good, and the seats are comfortable. Visibility is hindered by thick roof pillars and rear headrests, though an available rearview camera helps.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
6	6	7.1

Headroom is fine, but legroom is tight if front seats are set far back. The seat itself is comfortable but too narrow for three adults despite H2's girth. Wagon's optional 3rd row seat is difficult to access and best suited for children. SUT's power midgate window is useful for ventilation.

Cargo Room

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
7	5	8.5

Hummer claims wagon versions offer almost 90 cubic feet of cargo space, but the load floor is high and obscured by the spare tire mounted on a massive swing-away rear carriage. The optional 3rd-row seat takes up a large chunk of that room. It folds flat--but not flush with the floor--and can be removed. The 2nd-row 60/40 seatbacks do fold flush into the floor. SUT's midgate adds versatility, but the tailgate is very heavy and very high off the ground. With the split rear seat folded and midgate in place, SUTs offer about 30 cubic feet of interior cargo room.

Value within Class

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
3	3	5.4

Hummer's biggest model is incredibly capable off-road and reasonably well-behaved on-road. For 2008 the H2 becomes a more civilized creature, with more power and a much more welcoming interior. Impressive towing capacity adds to the package. For shoppers uncomfortable with Hummer's aggressive styling and with few off-road aspirations, any number of large trucks match the H2's overall utility and trump it for passenger space and fuel economy.

Total Score

Wagon	SUT	Class Average
57	55	68.6

Scores for all Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		55
Average Score		68
High Score		80