I know this is a Jeep column and many of you dislike even the mention of the Hummer name, but to be fair, we do occasionally have to review them as (friendly) competitors (but all Jeep owners know it isn’t much of a competition!). So, lets take a quick look and compare the 2009 Jeep Wrangler and the 2009 Hummer H3.
The method will be simple, just look at the key similarities and differences between them – features, drivetrain, price, mileage
First the Hummer H3 – introduced in 2006 as a mid-size SUV, General motors leverages the same basic pickup platform as the Canyon and the Colorado (which is a big part of how they are able to keep the price down!)
2009 Hummer H3
Features
Available in three different models the Hummer H3 for 2009 is available with different trim levels: H3, H3x, and H3 Alpha; and in the case of the ‘Alpha’, a limited edition version with a more powerful engine. Addons for the Hummer include something REALLY funny from my perspective: off road suspension! What on earth else would you expect on a Hummer! oh well, I guess they know their market. Also available are roof marker lamps, a heavy duty lamp bar, colored front grille, locking differential, sunroof, a block heater for colder climates and a few other things including the obligatory fancy schmancy sound system.
Drivetrain
As mentioned above the 2009 Hummer H3 comes with two engine options and two transmission options. The basic models come equipped with the 5 cylinder 3.7 litre Atlas Vortec that delivers 242 horsepower; the high-end limited edition H3 Alpha comes standard equipped with a mighty 5.3 litre V8 that delivers 300 horsepower (although it is definitely geared more for the street than off-road – the V8 option is purported to shuttle the H3Alpha from 0 to 60 in under 8 seconds….sounds a bit like the SRT gas guzzler written about previously to me!)
Safety
The federal government safety group gives the 2009 Hummer H3 a 5-star much improved grade over the 2008 model year in which the 2008 Hummer H3 was rated “Acceptable” in crash tests from the front and “Poor” for rear crash tests http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=629.price and mileage
For a Hummer the 2009 H3 starts at a reasonable $30,000 (I bet you can get a deal on one now that the economy is in a shambles!) and GM claims it will get up to 16 MPG in the city
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