2010 Hummer H3

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Hummer H3 is a tough, off-road-ready vehicle -- but its talents aren't as apparent when it gets on solid pavement. Its base engine is underpowered on the highway and its fuel economy is dismal when compared to every other midsize SUV.

• "H3 is reasonably agile with no excessive body lean in turns. Responsive steering has a hefty feel. A relatively tight turning circle aids low-speed maneuverability. Stopping control IS good, though some testers complain of mushy brake pedal action." -- Consumer Guide
• "The H3 is a four-wheel drive and the ride is smooth and turning smooth and stable. The sturdy suspension seems to absorb the bumps long before they get to its occupants." -- Autotropolis

Acceleration and Power

The Hummer H3 base model comes with a 3.7-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 239 horsepower and 241 pound-feet of torque. Base and Adventure models are paired with a five-speed manual transmission or optional $1,730 four-speed automatic (which is standard on Luxury models).

Most writers feel the base engine is fine for off-road driving, but less so for accelerating the H3's hefty 4,695-pound mass down paved roads and highways. For more power, they recommend the Alpha trim's 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with the four-speed automatic transmission. Buyers should note, however, that the Alpha will cost them -- it costs around $8,000 more than the lowest trim of the base H3.

For more power at a more affordable price, buyers should look at the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Not only does its 4.0-liter 258-horsepower V6 engine make more power than the base model H3, but the FJ weighs several hundred pounds less. Best of all, it costs about $10,000 less than the H3.

Fuel economy is a huge downside for the H3. According to the EPA, the base engine achieves 14/18 mpg city/highway, while the V8 achieves 13/16 mpg. These figures give it the worst fuel economy in both the affordable midsize SUV and off-road SUV classes. The FJ Cruiser offers more base power with a better 16/20 mpg fuel economy rating. For even better fuel economy, consider the Jeep Patriot. It comes with capable off-road skills, boasts the best fuel economy rating (23/28 mpg) of any off-road SUV and costs a whopping $15,000 less than the H3.

• "The standard inline-5 generally manages to keep up with traffic when tooling around town, but the Hummer H3's 4,700 pounds cause it to strain when tackling inclines and high-speed passing situations. The solution to this problem, of course, is the V8 engine found in the Alpha model. With it, the H3's character undergoes a transformation of sorts, with a muscular and much more promising exhaust note, and improved throttle response at all speeds." -- Edmunds
• "Five-cylinder wagon models offer good acceleration around town with automatic transmission, but highway passing and merging reserves only adequate. Alpha V8 is stronger in all situations; Hummer estimates a 0-60 mph time of 8.0 seconds." -- Consumer Guide
• "The H3's inline-five engine may leave more aggressive drivers hungry for more power, despite its almost alarming thirst for fuel." -- Car Gurus
• "The Alpha feels relatively light on its feet in city traffic, with the V-8 producing strong acceleration." -- Cars.com.
• "Much of the blame for the H3's lackadaisical thrust can be attributed to the modest gear spread of the H3's four-speed automatic, which was retained on account of insurmountable underhood packaging constraints." -- Car and Driver

Handling and Braking

Even when it isn't  kicking up dust or fording streams, critics say that the Hummer H3 has fairly good handling -- considering that it's a truck.

• "The ride is surprisingly smooth and belies the H3's tough-truck nature, but we would still advise you to steer clear of the 2009 Hummer H3 if you never intend to take it off the beaten path." -- Edmunds
• "Steering and handling are fine. The ride is generally composed, but can become truck-like on some roads. After all, this is a truck." -- MSN
• "Handling is one area in which the H3 distinguishes itself from its larger sibling, the H2. All H3s will breeze through tighter turns with a level of agility not typically associated with the Hummer name. The H3 also combines a sturdy and responsive steering system with a tight turning circle, together producing a reassuring and controlled feel on and off the pavement." -- Car Gurus
• "Base and off-road suspensions absorb low-speed bumps well, but H3 is prone to bobbing at high speed." -- Consumer Guide

Off-Roading

Hummers excel at off-road driving and the 2010 Hummer H3 is no exception. The H3's standard ground clearance is 9.7 inches, which is high even for an off-road vehicle. Fording ability is 24 inches at 5 mph and 16 inches at 20 mph. A Skid Plate Package with skid plates for the front, steering and suspension is standard.

The optional Off Road Suspension Package ($1,725), standard on Adventure models and optional on Luxury models, comes with a fully locking electronic front and rear differential, a special two-speed transfer case and 33-inch tires (which increase ground clearance to a very impressive 10.5 inches).

• "General Motors says its engineers and designers created the H3 to have best-in-class off-road ability. Our experience indicates that they achieved their goal." -- New Car Test Drive
• "With a manual and low-ratio transfer case [with the Adventure package] the vehicle crawls as if it were cogged directly to the earth's surface at a pace precisely controlled by your foot." -- Car and Driver
• "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." -- Edmunds