2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV First Look Review: Super Truck
Arriving a few months after the GMC Hummer EV Pickup, the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV debuted over the weekend as the all-electric successor to the H2. The Hummer EV SUV ditches the H2's thirsty V8 engines in favor of a new all-electric Ultium Drive platform with up to 830 horsepower on tap. GMC promises that this vehicle will offer capable off-road performance combined with on-road luxury, impressive technology, and unique features like a removable Sky Panel roof.
The Hummer EV SUV will arrive with four flavors: EV2, EV2X, EV3X, and Edition 1. When production examples roll off the assembly line in early 2023, GMC hopes that the Hummer EV SUV will revolutionize several segments, including full-size SUVs, adventure vehicles, and electric vehicles. Will it succeed where past Hummers failed? It's too early to know for sure but the future certainly looks promising.
Macho, Iconic Styling
It's been over a decade since the Hummer name graced the front of a new SUV, but the macho styling seems to integrate well with a modern design aesthetic. The iconic Hummer grille has been modernized for a new decade and now features an integrated headlight bar. Other signature Hummer touches include H2 hommage wheels, optional tow hooks, a square body shape, and a mounted spare tire in the back. GMC even added new features such as the Infinity Roof with removable Sky Panels and I-Bar.
The Edition 1 debuts a new GMC color called Moonshot Green Matte. This matte hue will later be available on other SUV trims and the EV Pickup.
Compared to the Hummer EV Pickup, the SUV's wheelbase is around nine inches shorter and 20 inches shorter overall. These smaller proportions give the SUV superior departure and breakover angles plus a tighter 35.4-foot turning circle. GMC says the Hummer EV SUV can turn tighter than the much smaller Ford Mustang Mach-E using the four-wheel-steer function.
Massive Interior Improvements
Aside from the Lunar Shadow color scheme, not much looks different in the Hummer EV SUV's cabin than the pickup. This isn't an insult, as the truck features the most premium interior design we've seen from GMC. The user experience team worked alongside Perception, a creative agency best known for working on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Owners will experience these new graphics on a 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch diagonal driver information center display. These screens pack some well-thought-out features such as the in-vehicle energy app, digital key, HD surround vision, and off-road widgets. Crucially, the Hummer EV packs the most important feature of all, enhanced Super Cruise, standard on all trim levels.
Though the old Hummer H2 offered a tiny third-row seat option, GMC designed the Hummer EV SUV as a pure five-seat vehicle. GMC hasn't shared full interior dimensions, but with a longer wheelbase than the Yukon, we expect passenger space to be impressive.
Supercar Performance And Truck Capability
GMC calls the Hummer EV SUV a "super truck," and based on the metrics, we completely agree with this statement. The EV2 and EV2X are the "slowest" trim levels, and they still include two electric motors producing 625 hp and 7,400 lb-ft of torque. The EV2 comes with 16 battery modules yielding a 250-plus-mile range, while the EV2X gets 20 battery modules good for more than 300 miles. Stepping up to the EV3X or Edition 1 boosts the electric motor count to three and output to 830 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque with a 300-plus-mile range and 3.5-second 0-60 mph time. An Extreme Off-Road Package cuts the range but adds greater capability.
The SUV boasts 800-volt DC public fast-charging capability of up to 300 kW, including a new feature that switches the batteries from parallel to series mode while plugged in. A one-pedal driving mode helps regenerate energy from the brakes and comes in handy while off-roading. Taking a page out of Ford's book, the Power Station generator can jump-start another EV or power electrical equipment or accessories.
Full-Size Practicality
Thanks to the integrated batteries within the floor, GMC could maximize the Hummer EV SUV's interior practicality. With the rear seats folded, GMC says the SUV offers up to 81.8 cubic feet of cargo space, plus additional storage underneath the floor and within the side trim. This is less space than what's offered in the full-size Yukon, but it's more than an EV currently on the market.
Like Hummers of old, the EV SUV features a swing-out tailgate with a full-size spare. This tailgate is powered and opens automatically like a vault. GMC says the rear opening measures 48 inches, making it easy to load gear into the back. Like the pickup, the rear glass can slide down for greater versatility. Though there's no quote on the dimensions, the Hummer EV SUV gets a secondary "frunk" as well.
Pricing & Competition
The Hummer brand previously symbolized power and excess, so this latest electric revival from GMC sticks to that mantra. The least expensive EV2 model doesn't arrive until Spring 2024, starting at $79,995. Stepping up to the EV2X and EV3X cost $89,995 and $99,995, respectively, with those models arriving in Spring 2023. The Edition 1 model costs $105,595 or $110,595 with the Extreme Off-Road Package. These models arrive first starting in early 2023.
GMC's most direct competition comes from Rivan with the R1S SUV. The Rivian is a bit less expensive, starting at $70,000, and will hit the market earlier, starting in August 2021.
