This week, saying goodbye to the 2024 GMC Hummer SUV EV test vehicle in my driveway was a surprisingly somber moment. This feeling caught me off guard, considering my history with the Hummer brand. Since General Motors brought Hummer to the consumer market in 1998, and even before that with AM General’s civilian versions of military vehicles in 1992, I’ve driven them all. And frankly, I’ve never been disappointed to see one go—until now.
It’s not that previous Hummers were inherently bad vehicles. They consistently delivered on their brand promise: well-engineered, boldly designed, and undeniably capable off-road machines that commanded attention. They fulfilled the expectations of their buyers in terms of performance and presence. However, they simply didn’t align with my personal driving preferences. But as an automotive reviewer, personal taste is secondary to evaluating whether a vehicle meets the needs and expectations of its target audience.
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A Hummer I Could Actually Live With
This new electric GMC Hummer SUV, the 2024 Hummer, is different. It’s the first Hummer that genuinely sparked a desire to spend more time with it. Almost everything about this vehicle resonated positively.
Its aesthetics are undeniably striking, enhanced by a deep, lustrous blue paint and imposing 35-inch off-road tires. The cabin offered a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers, complemented by a superb Bose sound system.
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV front view showcasing its bold design and off-road tires
Notably, this electric SUV version is also significantly more compact, being 20 inches shorter than the electric GMC Hummer pickup. The pickup, launched in 2021, felt more like a publicity stunt, a deliberate move to generate headlines and excitement for GMC’s new line of electric off-road luxury vehicles. In that regard, it mirrored the original Hummer ethos – built to grab attention. Perhaps that, combined with a somewhat shaky production launch, explains why the pickup didn’t leave a lasting impression.
The 2024 Hummer EV SUV, however, feels different. While it retains the assertive styling Hummer is known for, its 196.8-inch length positions it squarely as a competitor to luxury SUVs like the BMW X7 and Rivian R1S. And in that competitive landscape, it holds its own remarkably well.
Still Provocative, But Surprisingly Practical
Despite its considerable 86.7-inch width, the EV’s four-wheel steering system provides surprising maneuverability in everyday driving scenarios like parking lots and city streets.
Yes, it still features the signature CrabWalk mode. But, realistically, is that a major selling point for daily driving? The sideways movement is more of a novelty, a fun trick to demonstrate. The real benefit in daily use comes from the enhanced steering agility.
Driving previous Hummers often felt cumbersome on public roads, like navigating in shoes that were too tight. The 2024 Hummer EV SUV, in contrast, felt surprisingly comfortable and relaxed in typical driving conditions.
The electric powertrain, featuring three motors producing a substantial 830 horsepower, complements the responsive steering. This combination makes the SUV feel much smaller and more agile than its size would suggest, especially at higher speeds.
Like its predecessors, the electric Hummer still seems to elicit strong reactions from some. During my test drive, an incident with an aggressive Ford Fusion driver highlighted this – a sudden acceleration to overtake, followed by slowing down to express disapproval with a rude gesture. It’s a reminder that the Hummer brand continues to be a polarizing symbol.
Personally, I found myself smiling every time the Hummer EV SUV’s choreographed LED lighting sequence activated as I approached. This positive impression persisted despite some interior shortcomings. The interior materials, particularly the plastics, feel somewhat underwhelming for a vehicle in this price bracket. Similarly, the toggle switches for climate and other controls could benefit from improved illumination.
One significant issue encountered was a malfunctioning side-hinged power tailgate, which refused to open. Online forums suggest this isn’t an isolated incident, and it’s a reliability concern GMC needs to address.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I genuinely look forward to the opportunity to drive the Hummer EV 3X SUV again.
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2024 Hummer EV SUV offers two main trim levels:
2X: Starting at $98,550
3X: Starting at $104,650
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude a $2,295 destination charge.
Looking Ahead for Hummer EV
Moving forward, it would be interesting to see GMC Hummer explore more accessible price points. As General Motors’ dedicated electric off-road brand, there’s an opportunity to revisit the segment’s roots and develop a more affordable, open-air, canvas-topped model. Imagine an electric dune buggy, smaller and lighter than the current Hummer offerings, something that owners of the larger Hummer pickup or SUV might consider towing for recreational off-roading.
Whatever direction GMC Hummer takes, I’m eager to see what’s next. It’s time to evaluate Hummer based on its current evolution, not just its past legacy.
2024 GMC Hummer EV Luxury Electric SUV: Quick Specs
Base price: $98,550 (All prices exclude $1,395 destination charge)
Model tested: GMC Hummer EV 3X
Price as tested: $105,315
Key Specifications (as tested):
Powerplant: Three electric motors
Total system output: 830 hp; Torque NA
Transmission: Direct-drive single-speed automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 53 MPGe combined city/highway equivalent. Estimated annual electricity cost, $1,450.
Range: 314 miles
Charging time: 10.5 hours at 240v
Wheelbase: 126.7 inches
Length: 196.8 inches
Width: 86.5 inches
Height: NA
Curb Weight: NA
Towing capacity: NA
Assembly Location: Detroit
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter *@**mark_phelan*. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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