What Is the Difference Between a Hummer H2 and H3?
by Lisa JensenHummers epitomize the toughest in four-wheel drive, sport utility vehicles. General Motors introduced the H2 to the consumer market in 2003, and the H3 in 2006. Both are sturdy vehicles that can handle off-road terrain, though the H3 is generally more practical for most drivers. The H2 comes with a few more standard luxury features. GM suspended production and sold Hummer to a Chinese company in 2009 but the deal fell through by early 2010.
Engine
The H2 has a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 393 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The H3 has a 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine with 239 horsepower and 241 lb-ft of torque. The Hummer H2 has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,600 lbs., with towing capacity of 8,200 lbs. and 9,000 lbs. winch capacity. The Hummer H3 gross vehicle weight rating is 6,001 lbs. and it can tow 4,500 lbs.
Exterior
The H2 is bigger all around, at 203.5 inches long, 81.2 inches wide and 79.2 inches high, with a 69.4-inch track width and 122.8-inch wheelbase. The H3 is 188.1 inches long, 85 inches wide and 73 inches high, with a 65-inch track width and 111.9-inch wheelbase. The H2 has a 32-gallon fuel tank while the H3's fuel tank capacity is 23 gallons. The H2 comes with a front winch receiver and full undercarriage rocker panel protection. The H3 has skid plates.
Interior
The Hummer H2 is roomier inside than the H3, with 40.5 inches of headroom, 66.4 inches shoulder room and 63.8 inches hip room. The H3 has about the same headroom, but about 10 inches less shoulder and hip room. Cargo area behind the second row is 37.3 inches long and 67.6 inches wide in the H2, with a total of 40 cubic feet cargo area or 86.6 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat. The H3's cargo area is 31.7 inches long and 42.1 inches wide, with total cargo capacity of 25 cubic feet behind the second row, or 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat.
Luxury Features
Leather seats and a leather wrapped steering wheel are standard on the Hummer H2, as is a Bose sound system with a six-disc CD changer. Chrome door handles and fuel filler door are also standard on the H2. These features are all options on the H3, which comes standard with a cloth interior and single CD disc changer. Other extra features on the H2 are rear seat audio controls with headphone jacks, triple-sealed doors with enhanced acoustical insulation, and a driver's seat with a standard memory feature for two drivers. The H2 has heated front and rear seats, while heated front seats are an option only on the H3 Luxury model.
Price
GM began winding down the brand in early 2010 when the deal with Sichuan Tengzhong fell through. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 Hummer was about $63,090 for the H2 and $33,390 for the H3.
References
Writer Bio
Lisa Jensen grows organic food and lives in an adobe house that she built. She teaches aikido, is an experienced back-country skier and backpacker and is active in her community. A graduate of the University of Calgary, Jensen writes about gardening, home projects, social sciences and sports and recreation.
