2008 4x4 Of The Year Contestants

Hummer H2 SUV

For 2008 Hummer is offering both the H2 and H2 SUT (Sport Utility Truck) with the new 6.2L aluminum-block V-8. This powerhouse of the test offers more than 390 horses and 415 lb-ft of torque. Plus the Cro-Magnon brow of a roofline and the cavelike cabin make you feel both protected and famous as people glance to see who is driving such an outrageous vehicle. To make the H2 that much easier for driving and towing, there is now a 6L80 six-speed automatic behind the V-8 as well as an optional self-leveling rear airbag suspension. We're still wondering why the H2 only comes with a semifloating rear axle (9.25-inch) when it boasts a full 2,016 pounds of cargo and an 8,000-pound towing capacity. How about an AAM 10.5? And though we realize the 3.73 ring-and-pinion is there to help the fuel economy numbers, we would rather have 4.10s. When we put the H2 up on the rack to check out the underbelly, it quickly walked away with the award for Four Wheeling Attributes for its awesome system of skidplates protecting vital components as well as the massive tow hoops found front and rear and a swing-out tire carrier of epic proportions.

As with all the Hummer offerings, the H2 has a selectable rear locker which when activated not only helps the traction control but also indirectly helps the brakes by reducing the heating of the brakes from constant use when off road.

Once off road, the big H2 was amazingly capable as long as it could fit. However, like many of the current off-road vehicles, the H2 is extremely reliant on out-of-vehicle spotters when rockcrawling, but unlike many other offerings, the H2 (and H3) have excellent rock slider options that can truly take a beating, and near 35-inch-tall tires that keep those many underbelly skids free and clear of obstacles. It would seem that the H2 should be a clear winner in this test. However, it shares the traction control hop that its little H3 brother has and it isn't exactly nimble off road.

The H2 is definitely an American icon, like the big Cadillacs of yore. It is a vehicle that demands attention, loves fuel, and is recognized the world over. The new version offers excellent ride quality and the most powerful engine in our test. Though this burly machine dominates in the wide open like its retired H1 brethren, it is still a bit chubby for many of the tight trails.

Likes
* Big, powerful, go-anywhere feeling behind the wheel
* 6.2L V-8 is drool-worthy
* Paddle shifters are fun

Dislikes
* Fat footprint off-road
* Heavy appetitite for fuel
* Still lousy visibility

Verdict
* Represents all that's good and bad about America