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What is it? Hummer expands its range with a crew-cab pickup truck based on a stretched H3 frame, with a 22-inch longer wheelbase. Much is shared between the midsized H3 SUV and the H3T, including a base 242-horsepower five-cylinder engine and a 300-horsepower V8 for Alpha variants. Peak towing capacity is 5,900 pounds.
The chassis features an independent front suspension and leaf-spring rear setup. The standard configuration targets on- and off-road use, with 32-inch all-terrain tires on 16-inch wheels and a 4.56:1 rear axle ratio for the five-cylinder engine, 4.10:1 for the V8. For more extreme duty, an optional Off-Road Adventure suspension adds specially tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, and taller 33-inch tires.
Inside, the H3T seats five in a cabin that is essentially identical to an H3. In our H3 road test, we wrote, “Most interior details are attractive and, for the most part, the cabin is well constructed.” However, we criticized some control placement, rear seat comfort, and visibility.
Safety features include standard side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, four-wheel ABS, and OnStar. A rearview camera is available.
What is new or notable: The H3 is now available with a pickup-style bed that measures six-inches longer than that in the full-sized H3 SUT. However, the H3T does not have a folding “midgate” like its larger sibling that could enable the cargo space to extend into the cabin. The H3T tailgate does remove and the bed features a rail accessory system for quick installation of mounts for a variety of functions. The bed will accommodate a 4x8 sheet, or recreational machines, such as an ATV, dirt bikes, or snowmobile.
CR's take: Hummer has not addressed many critical weaknesses shared with the H3 SUV that lead to that model being one of the lowest-rated vehicles in its class.
When will it be available? Summer, 2008.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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