Saturday, March 21, 2009

Hummer H2

Vehicle Highlights
The 2009 Hummer H2 gains the ability to run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. This premium large SUV is available as a 4-door wagon or the SUT, which is a crew-cab pickup truck. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a folding midgate between the cabin and cargo bed. The H2 wagon can seat up to seven; 2nd-row bucket seats are newly available for 2009. H2 is powered by a 393-hp 6.2-liter V8 engine. A 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation is the sole transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 8000 lb. H2s have all-wheel drive with low-range gearing for off-road use. Off-road equipment designed to cope with severe conditions is available. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also standard are OnStar assistance and leather upholstery with heated 1st- and 2nd-row seats. A wireless cell phone link, heated steering wheel, and power tilt steering column are among the new features on the 2009 H2.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Typically based on mainstream Large SUVs, Premium Large SUVs are super-sized luxury liners. All are powerful, pricey, and extremely thirsty at the pump.

Our Best Buys are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Our Recommended pick is the Cadillac Escalade.

The Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class both add diesel engines for 2009, while the Cadillac Escalade adds a gas/electric hybrid model.