The 2022 Gmc Hummer Ev makes a statement the moment you lay eyes on it. Finding it in a parking lot would only be a challenge if that parking lot happened to be at a GMC dealership – and even then, its sheer size would likely make it stand out. This all-electric behemoth isn’t trying to be subtle; it’s here to redefine “badass” in the EV era and potentially sway traditional truck enthusiasts into the electric future. But after spending a week with this imposing vehicle, the question remains: beneath the impressive technology and muscular exterior, is the Hummer EV a true king of the road, or is it a relic struggling to find its place in an evolving automotive landscape?
Bold and Brash Aesthetics
Let’s start with what GMC undeniably nailed – the visual presence. The 2022 Hummer EV pickup is a beast, plain and simple. While the upcoming SUV version might offer a sleeker profile, this truck variant embodies sheer power and size. The massively flared fenders dominate its profile, and its overall dimensions are nothing short of imposing. The illuminated “HUMMER” grille leaves no doubt about its identity, ensuring it commands attention wherever it goes. This vehicle is unapologetically in-your-face, a rolling declaration of automotive bravado.
Physics-Defying Performance
GMC unleashed the most potent version of the Hummer EV first, and its performance pushes the boundaries of what seems physically possible for a vehicle of this size. Boasting a tri-motor system, with two motors at the rear and one at the front, the Hummer EV delivers a staggering 1,000 horsepower and over 1,000 pound-feet of torque. While GMC’s quoted “at-the-wheel torque” figures might be a bit misleading, the real-world result is undeniable. Despite weighing in at approximately 9,000 pounds – equivalent to 1.5 GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups – it can launch from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3 seconds. This is supercar acceleration in a full-size electric truck. It defies logic, demanding focus to keep this rocket ship on wheels pointed straight, but the sheer capability is undeniably impressive, especially its repeatable performance.
Super Cruise: Hands-Free Highway Hero
Another standout feature of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is GM’s Super Cruise technology. This hands-free driving system, functional on pre-mapped highways across the US, remains a top-tier offering in the market. Even in the Hummer EV’s expansive frame, Super Cruise maintains lane centering with precision on both straightaways and curves. Its automatic lane-changing feature operates smoothly and confidently. Super Cruise significantly reduces driver fatigue on long journeys, requiring minimal intervention and enhancing the overall driving experience.
Cabin Tech: Modern and Functional
The Hummer EV’s cabin tech is commendable. The 13.4-inch center touchscreen, running the latest GM infotainment system, is responsive and feature-rich. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are seamlessly integrated, alongside a suite of built-in Google apps, including Maps. The graphics, powered by Epic Games’ Unreal Engine, are visually impressive. The split-screen functionality is particularly useful, allowing simultaneous use of navigation and smartphone mirroring. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also well-designed, offering customization via steering wheel controls and presenting information in a clear and modern format.
Interior Quality: Where the King Falters
However, once the initial thrill of the Hummer EV’s performance and technology subsides, some significant shortcomings emerge. The interior quality is a major letdown, especially considering the vehicle’s price point. While durability is expected in a pickup, the pervasive use of cheap, hard plastics throughout the dashboard and center console feels underwhelming, reminiscent of a basic rental car. Leather is sparsely used, primarily on the seats and steering wheel. Materials that appear leather-like on the door panels and armrest are actually rubberized, which, while visually interesting, still feels inadequate for a vehicle costing upwards of $100,000. Exposed bolts in the armrest cubby further detract from the perceived premiumness, creating a stark contrast to vehicles in the same price bracket, such as Range Rovers.
Ergonomics and Practicality Quirks
Beyond material quality, the Hummer EV exhibits some strange ergonomic choices. The shifter is excessively large, making it awkward to grip comfortably, even for those with larger hands. The angle of the rear glass creates distracting reflections of the infotainment screen in the rearview mirror at night, hindering visibility. The passenger-side mirror’s zoomed-in perspective, presumably due to the vehicle’s width, makes parking and lane changes more challenging than necessary. Small but noticeable omissions, such as the lack of illumination for headlight and wiper stalks and climate control switches, further contribute to a sense of cost-cutting. The absence of auto-up windows, attributed to vertical window design issues, feels like an unnecessary compromise.
Ride and Noise: Not Quite Refined
The ride quality is acceptable but not exceptional. While the air suspension effectively absorbs many road imperfections, there’s an underlying firmness that feels somewhat out of place in a vehicle intended for comfort and off-road capability. The large, off-road tires generate noticeable road noise, compounded by wind noise seeping through the T-tops and around the steeply raked windshield and mirrors. The Hummer EV is far from a quiet vehicle, especially at highway speeds.
Efficiency and Range: Extravagantly Inefficient
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is its energy consumption. Despite a substantial 200+ kWh battery pack promising a 329-mile range, real-world efficiency is significantly lower. During testing in wintry conditions, the observed range dropped to around 230 miles, translating to a mere 1.1 kWh per mile. This is roughly one-third the efficiency of a Hyundai Ioniq 5 tested under similar conditions. While the Hummer EV supports rapid 350kW DC fast charging, the sheer amount of energy required to replenish its massive battery pack raises questions about its environmental footprint and practicality.
Price and Value: A Hard Pill to Swallow
With a price tag exceeding $110,000 for the Edition 1 model tested (including destination charges), the 2022 GMC Hummer EV enters territory occupied by luxury SUVs like the Range Rover and Mercedes EQS. However, in comparison to these rivals, the Hummer EV’s interior quality and overall refinement fall short. While more affordable, lower-range Hummer EV variants are planned, the tested model’s price feels disproportionate to its perceived value. For the same money, one could purchase two Ford F-150 Lightning Pro electric trucks, highlighting the Hummer EV’s premium positioning and questionable value proposition.
Conclusion: A Statement, But at What Cost?
The 2022 GMC Hummer EV is undoubtedly a statement vehicle. It’s a testament to engineering prowess, delivering astonishing performance and advanced technology in a massive, attention-grabbing package. However, beneath the surface, compromises in interior quality, efficiency, and practicality raise concerns. While it may appeal to those seeking a bold and unapologetically large electric vehicle, its high price and inherent inefficiencies make it a questionable choice for the environmentally conscious or value-driven buyer. The Hummer EV proves that electrification alone won’t fundamentally alter consumer desires for large, sometimes wasteful vehicles. It exists as a powerful symbol, but ultimately feels more like an extravagant indulgence than a step forward in sustainable and sensible electric vehicle evolution. Is it a King of Kings, or simply a Bummer EV? The answer likely depends on your priorities and budget.
