2005 Hummer H2 SUT
Base price: $51,995
Price as tested: $60,210
This week, we test the 2005 Hummer H2 SUT, a Sport Utility Truck melded into the Hummer design. The H2 SUT’s practical cargo box expands into the second row of seating through a folding midgate. The process is similar to Chevy’s Avalanche, yet simpler.
The notion of adding a cargo box to the H2 shows practicality even in this high-end consumer market. Is it possible that someone who can afford a Hummer wants to use it for hauling lumber?
Why not?
Also, is it possible the already easily recognized H2 can look even more unique? With a truck bed, it does.
Similar to its Hummer siblings, the four-door H2 “pickup” is loaded with a head-shaking combination of luxury (heated front and rear leather seats, for example) and off-road capability (a boulder-clearing 10.8-inch ground clearance with air suspension engaged, front winch receiver and built-in air compressor, for starters).
Thanks to the roof rack crossbars option, the H2 SUT is the tallest in the family at 81.7 inches — nearly 7 feet off the ground! (Note: That’s too high for the average garage). With the cargo box, it’s also the longest at 203.6 inches — just shy of 17 feet! The gaudy numbers continue, with a 6,400-pound curb weight, 6,700-pound towing capacity and 9,000-pound winch capacity.
Under the hood sits the 325-horsepower Vortec 6000 V-8. Mated to a full-time four-wheel-drive system that includes “4-low-locked” position (which sends equal torque to both rear wheels), the engine will pull this huge vehicle with ease, even uphill. When it comes to stopping, the four-channel, anti-lock braking system with Dynamic Rear Proportioning is smart enough to handle it.
What’s amazing about the SUT model is that nothing about it feels “big” when you’re driving. It handles and corners like a vehicle half its size and weight. Its squared-off shape is a bonus when it comes to visibility, thanks also to large windows.
But what about the cargo box? Without the midgate folded, it measures just 34.7 inches long. Fold down the midgate and the cargo box length nearly doubles to 72.2 inches. Of course, expanding the bed into the back seat exposes the entire cabin area to the great outdoors.
Standard features are extensive, and include battery rundown protection, Onstar, rear-seat audio controls, power sliding sunroof, underbody protection, rocker panel protection, a Class III trailer hitch, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and 315/70R17 all-terrain tires (yes, 315s!).
Our tester came with the $3,740 1SC Luxury Series package, which added a lot of chrome and the XM Satellite Radio system with three-month subscription. Our unit also had a $1,275 air suspension package; a $950 locking, hard tonneau cover (definitely recommended for that cargo box); an $850 chrome wrap-around brush guard; and a $550 “uplevel chrome” package.
We need to point out that the H2 SUT’s fuel mileage is much like any other Hummer: poor. The 32-gallon tank is big, but you’ll only go maybe 300 miles before you’re pulling in for more gas. (EPA mileage numbers are “not applicable” for this vehicle; inquire with a dealer.)
The H2 SUT is big and brazen like its sister Hummers, but we found an appreciation for its ride, comfort and capabilities. And while our test price was $60,000-plus, a “bare” H2 SUT is in the low $50,000 range — not that far above Chevy’s Suburban or Ford’s Expedition.
Likes: Stealth Gray color, capabilities, on-board air compressor, excellent ride, XM Satellite Radio.
Dislikes: Fuel mileage.
