What's New for 2010For 2010, the Hummer H3 sees only minimal changes the lower portion of the front bumper is now dark gray instead of silver, the 5.3-liter V8 adopts flexible-fuel capability and the H3X package is renamed the Appearance package.
2010 HUMMER H3 Vehicle OverviewPowertrains and PerformanceAll 2010 Hummer H3 models are equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The standard engine is a 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder that generates 239 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque, backed by a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Acceleration is lackluster thanks to the H3's nearly 5,000-pound weight, and the maximum towing capacity is rated at a modest 4,500 pounds. EPA estimated fuel economy checks in at 14 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined with either transmission.
The Alpha model picks up the pace with a 5.3-liter V8 cranking out 300 horses and, more importantly, 320 lb-ft of mass-moving torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Overall performance is noticeably improved, with 0-60 sprints in the 8-second range, and maximum towing capacity shoots up to 6,000 pounds. As expected, estimated fuel mileage suffers further, rating 13 mpg city/16 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
Interior Design and Special FeaturesThe H3's cabin is handsome in a utilitarian kind of way, but a bit plain when compared to the Hummer H3's bold exterior design. The available leather seating livens things up a bit with a two-tone color scheme and contrasting piping. Build quality is acceptable, though most rivals offer finer appointments. Also, stereo and climate interfaces aren't as user-friendly as those found in other GM vehicles.
The seats are comfortable, though outward visibility is compromised for shorter drivers and passengers due to the H3's high beltline and low-profile window design. Rear-seat occupants have plenty of room to stretch out once inside, but ingress and egress through the smallish door openings can be a challenge, and taller individuals may find headroom somewhat tight. Cargo capacity lags behind some rivals, at just 63 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo-floor liftover is also quite high, but easily accessed though the side-hinged rear door.
Driving ImpressionsThe standard inline-5 generally manages to keep up with traffic when tooling around town, but the 2010 Hummer H3's near-5,000-pound mass causes it to strain when faced with steeper inclines and high-speed passing situations. The Alpha's burly V8 solves this problem, of course, and is accompanied by a muscular exhaust note and improved throttle response at all speeds.
Off the road, the junior Hummer comes into its element and can overcome just about any terrain you encounter, owing to 9 inches of ground clearance, ample wheel travel, standard skid plates and impressive approach and departure angles. Given this off-road capability, the H3 performs admirably on pavement, with decent stability at speed. The ride is surprisingly smooth and belies the H3's tough-truck nature.
Marque Hummer already have a torrid time recently with the slump in U.S. sales this year led to a strategic review which saw the closure of four assembly plants.
In an attempt to reverse declining sales, GM has released images of the upcoming limited edition H2 "Black Chrome" - the annual H2 special for 2009. With blackened chrome shadow shiny chrome accents replace the standard models, the "Black Chrome" Edition has a more mysterious "stealth-like" feel to it. The new black chrome effect can be found on areas such as grille, fuel door and 21-inch wheels of the SUV.
The Black Chrome Limited Edition will be available in three colors, but only the Sedona Metallic paint scheme (pictured) will be exclusive to the Black Chrome version of the H2, complete with matching interior. Only 1,300 units will be available worldwide.
