Right now is not exactly the best time to be Hummer. After heavy investment

Hummer H2 is a big machine in need of a big update. Well, at least as far as its interior goes. (Photo: Hummer)

of fleeting dollars, GM isn’t seeing the return it expected as the popularity of sport utility vehicles is beginning to wilt. Furthermore, after the cancellation of the brand’s hallmark product, the terrain-busting, army-transporting H1, the Hummer brand is left with the very large H2 and H2 SUT, plus the baby H3. Though Hummer does not have the same die-hard following as Jeep, as they’re not as old as the iconic 4x4 brand or anywhere near as affordable, the effect of removing the H1 is akin to Jeep killing the Wrangler, and leaving only the Commander and the Patriot. The original H1 won’t be coming back, but GM is trying to make good by giving the baby H3 the muscular V8 engine it’s always deserved, and is overhauling its biggest product underneath its plated exterior, the H2 and its pickup brother, the H2 SUT.

The new engine that the H2 receives is actually one we’re starting to get familiar with, as we’ve seen it used in a growing variety of GMT900-series vehicles, starting with the Escalade, and then moving outwards to include the

The new engine will help the H2 crawl better off-road, as will the new six-speed automatic gearbox. (Photo: Hummer)

GMC Yukon Denali and Sierra Denali. Now, the 393-horsepower 6.2-litre OHV aluminum-block V8 with 415 lb-ft of torque and variable valve timing finds its way under the hood of the H2, which should give this big beast a little extra muscle (not that it needed it). The addition of the upgraded engine represents a gain of about 20-percent, which is amplified by the new six-speed automatic transmission. Previously the H2, like all older-generation GM trucks, used a regular four-speed automatic. Like the Escalade et al, the H2 features the “Tap Up/Tap Down” shift system that aids in towing and off-roading. The new engine and transmission now enables the H2 to lug up to 3,629 kg (8,000 lbs) worth of trailer behind it, whereas the less powerful outgoing model could only haul 2,948 kg (6,500 lbs).

Not everyone will use the H2 for off-roading or towing (in fact, we wonder how many actually do now), but anyone who hops on board will be sure to enjoy its new interior. The old cabin was rudimentary in a sense

Ah, now that's much better! The H2's interior is less toy-like, and more professional. And luxurious. And better organized... (Photo: Hummer)

that it was little more than slabs of hard, unfinished plastic with old-style buttons, knobs and switches placed haphazardly all over. It might’ve been heavy duty, yes, but it didn’t convey a professional appearance as it ought to have for the money asked. When most vehicles are facelifted, it’s the exterior, and perhaps the powertrain that is improved, but in the case of the H2, the biggest gains are inside.

The flat-topped dashboard that replaces the original spans from side to side without unnecessarily bulging upwards for vents or the instrument bin. The dash-top vents themselves are now recessed in the dashboard, and feature an analogue clock in between. The look has successfully changed from life-sized Tonka truck to something that’s cleaner and more sophisticated (if you could ever call a Hummer that). Focus in a little more and it won’t be too difficult to see where a large number of the new and redesigned components have been pulled from. The stereo and dual-zone HVAC for instance are the same as on the Tahoe or Silverado, much like the armrest and many of the buttons that operate various gadgets. This isn’t criticism in the slightest,

Better safety and luxury equipment is also included in the package. (Photo: Hummer)

as they’re a big step forward in appearance and organization over the outgoing H2. Hummer also adopted a new rotary knob for the 4WD system, though the locking of the differentials is still conducted via a push-button. The whole interior has been designed around tighter tolerances too, so the cabin looks better put together. Those riding in the second and third rows receive their own heating and cooling controls, plus a DVD navigation system is an extra-cost option. Finally, a new design for the front seats was implemented to improve comfort; they now feature seatbelts mounted on the B-pillars rather than integrated into the seats, which allow GM to install pretensioners for added safety.

And speaking of safety, there are more features to be had than ever before on the new ’08 H2. ABS brakes were standard from the start, but the H2 now gains traction and stability control as well as brake assist,

Don't forget the H2 SUT. It's still available too. (Photo: Hummer)

which is the first time this feature has been offered on a GM truck. All three rows of seats are protected from the violent effects of a rollover collision with full-length curtain airbags, while those in front have front and side airbags too. Additionally, the H2 is offered with two different types of navigation systems. The first is via OnStar, which guides drivers with voice commands, while the latter is done through the optional satellite navigation system, which uses an LCD display. Cars equipped with the LCD display also gain a reverse camera, something the H2 didn’t have before.

With more power, a much better interior and the newly announced 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine on the way, the Hummer H2 looks to be set to carry its way on through the end of the decade, and the early years of the next. Those who said that its days were numbered certainly didn’t anticipate GM pulling this mid-life makeover, which just goes to show that you never know what’s up the General’s sleeve.

Specifications (Hummer H2):

• Est. Base Price (Hummer H2 SUV MSRP): $70,500
• Body Type: 5-door SUV or 4-door pickup
• Layout: front engine, 4WD
• Engine: 393 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque, 6.2L, 16-valve OHV V8
• Transmission: 6-spd auto
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB; SUV): 4,821 / 2,062 / 2,075 / 3,119 mm (189.8 / 81.2 / 82.0 / 122.8 in)
• Towing Capacity: 3,629 kg (8,000 lbs)
• Tires: 17-inch
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive; 60/160,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus LX 570, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
• Web Site: www.hummer.gm.ca