Hummer H3T: Go Anywhere, Carry Anywhere

Retaining the same legendary off-roading abilities, Hummer soon introduced the scaled down H3, which while making access to the Hummer brand easier for many buyers, was also a vehicle that was altogether more sensible in dimensions, engine capacity and fuel consumption. With the new H3T, some of its sister H3 model’s manoeuvrability in town and off-road has been sacrificed to offer a Hummer that provides superb off-roading, comfortable and spacious eating and a pick-up bed for added convenience and the ability to haul large, heavy and awkward items or cargo lock, stock and barrel over inhospitable terrain.

The Hummer H3T, as an excellent off-road vehicle with tentative links to the original military Humvee yet similar underpinnings and levels of interior luxury as other American double-cabin pick-ups, seems to make sense and follows a tradition of these dual work and private use pick-ups as well as that of practical applications for military-derived vehicles such as the old long wheelbase Land Rover 109 and 110 pick-ups.

While the H2 SUT with its short bed was more of a lifestyle vehicle, the H3T is however a standard H3 from B-pillar forward, but from that point backwards features a longer 3410mm wheelbase and 5403mm length in comparison with the H3’s 2842mm wheelbase and 4763mm length. The extra length allows for both rear seats that enjoy almost the same space as the H3, in addition to large cargo bed that accommodates 950 liters within its walls, and much more if stacked above.

With its permanent four-wheel-drive, low gear transfer case, excellent axle articulation and rugged chassis, the Hummer H3T shares a similar level of off-road proficiency to the shorter H3. However, while both cars have the same short front overhangs, the same ability to ford water to a depth of 610mm and a matching grade capability of 60% and side slope capability of 40%, the H3T’s longer wheelbase and rear overhang do slightly reduce its off-road ability. As engineering is always about compromise, it is only natural that adding length for more cargo capacity will have an effect elsewhere.

In this case means that the H3T’s longer rear overhang in comparison to the H3, translates into a minute reduction of approach angle from the H3’s 37.4° to 37.1° for the H3T and departure angle from 34.7° to 30.9°. The longer wheelbase also means that when both are fitted with 32-inch tires, the H3’s excellent 22.1° breakover angle comes down to a still terrific 19° for the H3T. Given the added convenience and cargo carrying, and the basic H3’s tremendous off-road capability, the H3T still surpasses the requirements of the vast majority of drivers and situations, with some of the most demanding off-road bits perhaps requiring one to approach with more of an angle.

Considering its vast length increase over the H3, the H3T is certainly a bit more tricky around the tightest of urban streets, but is however surprisingly manoeuvrable when considered in relative terms. Rear side visibility is somewhat better than the H3 owing to the thinner rear pillar, while the long cargo bed would make reversing a delicate procedure were it not for the reversing camera fitted which remedied this issue.

With a light and manageable steering and brakes that bite hard, the H3T can be surprisingly easy to drive around town, and the biggest up-shot of the long wheelbase is the improvement to its ride quality, over the shorter H3. The greater distance between the wheels gives the H3T very good high speed stability and improves its dynamics through quick lane changes and fast sweeping turns. The wheelbase increase, along with the use of gas-charged dampers, also somewhat masks the inherently bouncy nature of the rugged and off-road oriented rear leaf spring suspension, making the H3T a comfortable long distance cruiser.

Driving the H3T is the same 3.7-liter in-line five-cylinder engine featured in the H3, with its immediate delivery and smooth yet charismatic five-pot engine note. With 239 Net HP available at 5800rpm, the H3T hits the 100km/h mark in a reasonable time considering the 2238kg kerb weight, and is happy cruising at highway speeds and overtaking in a timely manner.

However, acceleration times and maximum speeds are not what the H3T is about, for with a restrained displacement and cylinder count for this class of vehicle, the H3T’s 20-valve DOHC engine makes a terrific job of hauling its hue frame with an effortless manner, whereby generous torque is immediately available and delivered in a broad and rich manner that peaks at 241lb/ft at 4600rpm. This progressive build-up of horsepower and creamy torque band suits the H3T’s nature, in traversing tough off-road terrain and steep inclines with resolve and indefatigability, while also allowing for a maximum trailer weight of 1996kg.

While the long wheelbase and pick-up cargo bed seems a bit unusual at first glance, the H3T’s look quickly grows on one with its butch, aggressive and purposeful demeanour, and in some ways can even be said to look better than the boxier H3 SUV it’s based on. Inside, the H3T is spacious and boast a host of creature comforts and comfortable seating, in addition to user-friendly dials, buttons and functions, while access to the cabin is easy and comfortable, with the rear doors benefitting from better accessibility over the standard H3.

With prices in Jordan starting from JD 29,900, the Hummer H3T is priced well and offers a lot of truck for the money, considering the sheer load lugging capacity, the tremendous off-roading capability and high comfort levels, not to mention the kudos of the Hummer badge and road warrior styling, which in any case seems even better suited to double cab style of this go anywhere, carry anywhere vehicle.

Specifications

• Engine: 3.7-liter, 20-valve, DOHC, variable valve timing, in-line 5-cylinders,
• Bore x stroke: 95.5 x 102mm
• Compression ratio: 10:1
• Gearbox: 4-speed auto, four-wheel-drive, with low ratio transfer case
• Gear ratios: 1^st 3.06:1; 2^nd 1.63:1; 3^rd 1:1; 4^th 0.7:1; R 2.29:1
• Final drive ratio: 3.56:1
• Low range locking gear reduction: 2.64:1 (optional 4.03:1)
• Crawl ratio: 36.8:1 (optional 56.2:1)
• Power, HP SAE Net (kW): 239 (178) @ 5600rpm
• Torque, lb/ft SAE Net (Nm): 241 (327) @ 4600rpm
• Maximum engine speed: 6300rpm
• Length: 5403mm
• Width: 2161 mm
• Height: 1831mm
• Wheelbase: 3410mm
• Track, F/R: 1651 / 1664mm
• Headroom, F/R (with sunroof): 1034 / 1002mm (1014 / 947)
• Legroom, F/R: 1063 / 868mm
• Shoulder-room, F/R: 1381 / 1372mm
• Hip-room, F/R: 1366 / 1336mm
• Cargo capacity: 950 liters
• Payload: 494kg
• Fuel tank: 102-liters
• Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion, 16:1 ratio
• Lock-to-lock: 3.125 turns
• Turning circle: 13.3 meters
• Kerb weight: 2238kg
• Maximum trailer weight: 1996kg
• Suspension, F/R: Independent SLA / Leaf spring, 46mm gas-charged dampers
• Brakes, front: 312 x 28mm disc, four-piston caliper
• Brakes, rear: 312 x 12mm disc, single-piston caliper
• Approach / departure / break-over angles w/32-inch tires: 37.1° / 30.9° / 19°
• Grade / side slope capability: 60% / 40%
• Maximum water fording depth: 610mm
• Tires: P265/75R16
• Price, starting from: JD29,900