I was genuinely surprised to find myself reluctant to say goodbye to the 2024 GMC Hummer SUV EV test vehicle this week. This feeling is unprecedented for me, considering my history with Hummers. Since General Motors launched the consumer Hummer brand in 1998, and even before that with AM General’s civilian versions of military vehicles starting in 1992, I’ve driven them all. And frankly, I’ve never missed one upon its departure.
This isn’t to say previous Hummers were lacking. They consistently delivered on their brand promise: well-engineered, boldly designed, relentlessly capable off-road, and visually striking. Whether they suited my personal daily driving preferences was irrelevant. My role as a vehicle reviewer is to assess if a car meets the reasonable expectations of its target buyers, not to judge based on personal taste.
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A Hummer Worth Living With: My 2024 SUV Review
However, this new electric GMC Hummer SUV is different. It’s the first Hummer I’ve ever driven that sparked a desire to spend more time with it, to truly get to know it better. I found myself enjoying almost every aspect of this vehicle.
Its aesthetics are undeniably impressive, boasting a deep, lustrous blue paint and imposing 35-inch off-road tires. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, offering ample room for passengers and featuring a superb Bose audio system. Notably, this SUV variant is a significant 20 inches shorter than the electric GMC Hummer pickup.
The Hummer pickup, introduced in 2021, seemed primarily designed for publicity – a bold move to generate headlines and excitement, and to attract customers to GMC Hummer’s new family of luxury off-road EVs. In that sense, it aligned perfectly with the attention-grabbing nature of previous Hummers. Perhaps this focus on spectacle, coupled with a somewhat shaky production launch, explains why the pickup didn’t resonate with me personally.
The electric SUV, however, is a different proposition. While maintaining the brand’s signature in-your-face styling, its 196.8-inch length and overall dimensions position it as a direct competitor to SUVs like the BMW X7 and Rivian R1S. In this competitive landscape of 2024 SUVs, the Hummer EV SUV holds its own remarkably well.
Front three quarter view of the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV in a parking lot, showcasing its large tires and distinctive grille.
Maneuverability and On-Road Comfort in this 2024 SUV
Despite its substantial 86.7-inch width, the electric Hummer SUV’s four-wheel steering provides surprising maneuverability in parking lots and on suburban streets. Yes, it features the famous CrabWalk mode, but let’s be honest, is that a feature you’ll truly use regularly? It’s more of an entertaining novelty, a party trick to impress, rather than a daily necessity. The real benefit lies in the enhanced steering which you’ll appreciate every day.
Driving previous Hummers on public roads often felt cumbersome, like wearing ill-fitting clothes. In contrast, the electric SUV felt comfortable and surprisingly relaxed to drive. The combination of three electric motors producing 830 horsepower and the responsive steering system makes this SUV feel much smaller and more agile than its size would suggest, especially at higher speeds. This is a significant advantage in the 2024 SUV market, where drivers expect both power and ease of handling.
Like its predecessors, the electric Hummer SUV still seems to evoke strong reactions from some individuals, as evidenced by an incident with an aggressive Ford Fusion driver. However, personally, I found myself smiling every time the Hummer EV SUV’s choreographed LED exterior lights activated upon approach. Although, I must admit, the interior materials are noticeably plasticky for a vehicle in this price range. The toggle switches for climate and other controls could also benefit from improved illumination.
My primary disappointment was a malfunctioning side-hinged power tailgate, which refused to open during my test. Online forums suggest this is a relatively common issue, and one that GMC Hummer needs to address promptly. Despite this minor setback, I genuinely look forward to experiencing the Hummer EV 3X SUV again.
2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV Trim Levels and Pricing
Here’s a quick overview of the available trim levels and starting prices for the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV:
- 2X: $98,550
- 3X: $104,650
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $2,295 destination charge.
Future of Hummer and Electric SUVs in 2024 and Beyond
Looking ahead, I would be interested to see GMC Hummer explore more accessible price points. As General Motors’ dedicated brand for electric off-road vehicles, why not tap into the segment’s roots by developing an affordable, open-top, canvas-covered runabout? An electric dune buggy, smaller and lighter than their current offerings, could be incredibly appealing. It could even be something Hummer pickup or SUV owners might consider towing for recreational adventures. This could broaden the appeal of the Hummer brand within the evolving 2024 SUV landscape.
Regardless of GMC’s future direction, I am genuinely intrigued and looking forward to seeing what they develop next. It’s time to evaluate Hummers based on their current evolution, not solely on their 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:
- 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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