Hummer Vs Range Rover
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Full 2009 HUMMER H2
Full 2009 HUMMER H2
What's New for 2009
The 2009 Hummer H2 returns with added features and a few cosmetic options. Inside, there are second-row captain's chairs, a new third-row-seat storage option that frees up more interior space, Bluetooth, OnStar integration into the navigation system, real-time traffic updates, a heated and power tilt steering wheel and a revised stand-alone rearview camera. A new Black Chrome limited edition will also be available later in the model year. Mechanically, the V8 engine is now FlexFuel E85 capable.
Introduction
Few vehicles on the road make a statement quite like the Hummer H2. Patterned after the stalwart military transport Humvee, the H2's dimensions and Tonka-like profile give it the aura of a playground bully. But as with many goliath/bully narratives, the mighty are being challenged by the meek, becoming victims of their own audacity. An uncertain future looms for the Hummer brand due to rising fuel costs, changing public opinion and dwindling sales. Despite all of this, the 2009 Hummer H2 remains the iconic, in-your-face leader of the pack. The off-road capabilities of the H2 are legendary, while its brash reputation appeals to image-conscious urbanites.
As with most of the GM lineup, the Hummer H2 shares much of its underpinnings with other models. Its rugged frame is similar to that of the previous-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, though the H2 boasts short overhangs and massive ground clearance that help bolster its off-road credentials. Underneath the hood is a robust 6.2-liter V8 that's powerful enough to motivate all of the H2's 6,600-plus pounds. Meanwhile, it's all wrapped up with bold exterior styling that still makes the H2 one of the most distinctive-looking vehicles on the road.
While these brash qualities are certainly admirable in today's politically correct world, there's no getting around the H2's obvious faults. Its bulky exterior dimensions are at odds with the cramped rear seating and limited cargo room, and its dismal fuel economy will put greedy smiles on the faces of oil execs. For daily use, SUVs like the Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class will be much more pleasing to own and offer additional cachet and prestige as well. Unless you're truly in need of something that can traverse 2-foot-deep streams, the 2009 Hummer H2 is probably one full-size luxury SUV you can pass on.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2009 Hummer H2 is a full-size luxury SUV. Besides the generously appointed standard H2, two options packages are offered -- the H2 Adventure and H2 Luxury. Standard H2 equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, auxiliary rear climate control, leather seating, power front seats with driver memory, heated front and second-row seats, remote engine start, OnStar, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker Bose audio system with in-dash six-disc changer, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.
The H2 Adventure package includes all standard equipment and adds more off-road might with a front brush guard, self-leveling rear air suspension, first aid kit, portable lamp and toolkit. The H2 Luxury package is geared decidedly for on-road splendor, opting for opulence over utility by foregoing the rough-and-tumble Adventure gear for 20-inch chrome wheels, chrome accents, third-row seating, a premium Bose surround-sound audio system, a navigation system with real-time traffic and a rearview camera, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Those who would rather pick and choose are in luck, since most of these add-ons are available as individual options. Second-row captain's chairs are also an available option across all variants.
New for 2009 is the Black Chrome package. Limited to a production run of only 1,300, the package substitutes the bright chrome trim with black chrome as well as body color-matching wheel flares, rocker moldings and hood louver. Exclusive to the Black Chrome package is the Sedona Metallic body color and matching interior.
Powertrains and Performance
Pushing the 2009 Hummer H2 down the road is a 6.2-liter V8 producing 393 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Power passes through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control on its way to turning all four wheels. When the pavement runs out, the H2 conquers the wilderness with the help of a dual-range transfer case, electronically controlled throttle calibrated for the low range and driver-selectable rear differential locker. For those expecting to haul more than the Hummer can store internally, towing capacity maxes out at 8,200 pounds.
Because the H2 has a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of more than 8,500 pounds, the EPA does not provide fuel economy estimates. Obviously, your fuel card is going to take a hit when it comes time to fill up the 32-gallon tank.
Safety
Standard H2 safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control with rollover prevention, traction control and full-length side curtain airbags. OnStar is also included with emergency communications and turn-by-turn navigation.
Interior Design and Special Features
The H2's interior, updated last model year, is furnished with surfaces that are soft to the touch and clearly superior to the hard plastics found in lesser cabins. The H2's passenger capacity now ranges from four to seven thanks to this year's newly optional second-row captain's chairs. Rear-seat accommodations include climate control and an optional entertainment system to keep passengers cool, comfortable and occupied. Despite an exterior that gives the impression of an echo-inducing cabin, interior space is surprisingly modest. Rear legroom is limited for taller passengers and the optional third-row seat is less roomy than a Toyota RAV4's. Meanwhile, the 86.6 cubic feet of cargo space is smaller than other full-size luxury SUVs.
Driving Impressions
The 2009 Hummer H2 excels off-road with its lofty ground clearance, steep angles of approach and departure, long suspension travel and tenacious tire grip. Among luxury SUVs the H2 is quite literally the off-road king of the hill. Back on city pavement, however, the H2's demeanor is a bit like an overloaded rolling suitcase in a crowded hallway being pushed by an NFL linebacker -- unwieldy and awkward, but its massive proportions are enough to intimidate its way past nearly anything else. Despite its size and mass of 6,614 pounds, it should reach 60 mph in less than 10 seconds. It's no sloth, and like the aforementioned linebacker, it's doubtful anyone would be challenging the hefty H2.
Used Car: 2009 Hummer H2 Review
Used Car: 2009 Hummer H2 Review
Review Last Updated: 4/22/13
How we calculate scores
Research analyzed for this review
The 2009 Hummer H2 offers unparalleled off-road capability and plenty of in-your-face style, but unless you actually plan to ford swamps and climb mountains, any other 2009 large SUV will likely serve you better.
The 2009 Hummer H2 is ranked:
- #21in Used Luxury Large SUVs under $50K
- #11in 2009 Luxury Large SUVs
When it was new, the 2009 Hummer H2 offered an unmatched ability to tackle challenging terrain, and while not a terrible performer on paved roads considering its shape and size, many of its rivals are much more refined and maneuverable. Classified as a heavy-duty vehicle, the EPA did not perform fuel economy tests on the H2, but one critic recorded about 10 mpg in city traffic and a bit more on the highway, which is low, even for a large SUV.
Powering all four wheels is a 6.2-liter V8 that puts down 393 horsepower, which reviewers said is plenty of power to get the more than three-ton H2 moving. In addition to its off-road prowess, the H2 can tow up to 8,200 pounds, which is fairly good, but there are plenty of affordable and luxury large SUVs that can match or exceed that rating.
Inside, the 2009 Hummer H2 comes standard with leather seating for five, and an available third row that increases seating capacity to seven. Reviewers generally said that the H2 was comfortable and had fairly good fit and finish, but several were disappointed that the H2 seemed much smaller inside than what its large exterior proportions suggest. They also said the available third row is cramped, and difficult to remove when you want to expand cargo capacity. The H2 can carry up to 86.6 cubic feet of cargo with the available third row removed and the middle row folded forward, which is very low for the class. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, heated first- and second-row seats, a Bose stereo and satellite radio. When it was new, features like a DVD entertainment system, navigation and a back-up camera were all optional.
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