That sure doesn't sound like an easier vehicle to maneuver around town or squeeze into a tight parking space - that is until you factor in the differences in width. The H1 measures in at 2,565 mm (101.0 in) including the mirrors while the new H2 seems relatively narrow at 2,062 mm (81.2 in) excluding mirrors. That makes the H2 503 mm (19.8 in) slimmer than the original. Even if you add 5 inches to each side of the H2 for mirrors it still comes up almost a foot skinnier, a serious benefit in the bush too.
All you need to do to engage low range is push a button on the dash. Its electronic shift transfer case will do the rest, optimizing its throttle programming for better off-road control in the process. Its heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission seems perfectly suited to the job at hand, downshifting when needed and upshifting without hesitation. The full-time 4WD transfer case differential allows a 40/60 front/rear torque split when in 4HI, its normal driving position. When in 4HI Locked a 50/50 torque split is achieved by locking the differential - the first time an Eaton electric differential lock has been used in this application. What's more, press the traction control button when 4HI Locked is engaged and its program modifies to let the wheels spin more freely, optimal in loose dirt and gravel. Need more ride height? Another button will raise the chassis. After all that it's off to the races - or at least a monster truck rally.
But wait a minute? As good as all this sounds can the H2 bring honor to the Hummer name by living up to its bigger brother's stellar off-road reputation? In one way it surpasses it. Remember the width stats? The H1 can be extremely difficult to navigate through narrow heavily treed passages. On the contrary the H2 will work better in these circumstances, but only these circumstances. Its 43.6 degree approach and 35.9 degree departure angles are excellent as are its 828 mm (32.6 in) front and 878 mm (34.6 in) rear overhangs, but its 237 mm (9.3 in) ground clearance is not even remotely near the H1's 406 mm (16.0 in) clearance. With that in mind the H2 doesn't even come close to surpassing the 2002 Toyota 4Runner's ground clearance at 249 mm (9.8 in). That said it beats the 2003 version slightly by 5 mm (0.2 in). So if you happen to hang up the H2 on a tree stump or jagged rock feel confident that the well placed skid plates and underbody shields will probably protect anything vulnerable from damage.
All you need to do to engage low range is push a button on the dash. Its electronic shift transfer case will do the rest, optimizing its throttle programming for better off-road control in the process. Its heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission seems perfectly suited to the job at hand, downshifting when needed and upshifting without hesitation. The full-time 4WD transfer case differential allows a 40/60 front/rear torque split when in 4HI, its normal driving position. When in 4HI Locked a 50/50 torque split is achieved by locking the differential - the first time an Eaton electric differential lock has been used in this application. What's more, press the traction control button when 4HI Locked is engaged and its program modifies to let the wheels spin more freely, optimal in loose dirt and gravel. Need more ride height? Another button will raise the chassis. After all that it's off to the races - or at least a monster truck rally.
But wait a minute? As good as all this sounds can the H2 bring honor to the Hummer name by living up to its bigger brother's stellar off-road reputation? In one way it surpasses it. Remember the width stats? The H1 can be extremely difficult to navigate through narrow heavily treed passages. On the contrary the H2 will work better in these circumstances, but only these circumstances. Its 43.6 degree approach and 35.9 degree departure angles are excellent as are its 828 mm (32.6 in) front and 878 mm (34.6 in) rear overhangs, but its 237 mm (9.3 in) ground clearance is not even remotely near the H1's 406 mm (16.0 in) clearance. With that in mind the H2 doesn't even come close to surpassing the 2002 Toyota 4Runner's ground clearance at 249 mm (9.8 in). That said it beats the 2003 version slightly by 5 mm (0.2 in). So if you happen to hang up the H2 on a tree stump or jagged rock feel confident that the well placed skid plates and underbody shields will probably protect anything vulnerable from damage.