General Motors seems to have aimed to establish a bold statement about the appeal of electric vehicles by launching a flagship model that exceeds conventional consumer requirements. This resulted in the creation of the GMC Hummer EV, available in both pickup and SUV formats.
A demonstration of the brand’s Ultium battery and electric vehicle platform, the GMC Hummer EV offers an abundance of features and capabilities to its owners.
The SUV features exaggerated dimensions, supercar-level acceleration, practical range, and a luxurious ride experience. However, it suffers from significant inefficiency, has a weight that rivals that of heavy-duty trucks, some software bugs, and cheap interior materials considering its hefty price tag.
It presents a paradox on wheels.
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV after a week spent shuttling the kids to events, running errands, and engaging in some fun driving (Watts To Freedom, for the uninitiated).
Pro: The Hummer EV SUV features an even more striking design than the truck
In my previous review of the GMC Hummer EV pickup, I noted, “if America were a vehicle it would surely be the GMC Hummer EV pickup truck.” This observation holds equally true for the SUV, which, due to its increased popularity, may indeed be even more emblematic of American culture. Those looking to draw attention will be attracted to the SUV for its sheer proportions.
At 92.1 inches wide , the SUV matches the width of the pickup, yet its wheelbase is 8.9 inches shorter, and its total length is reduced by 20 inches. This reduction in length alters its overall stance, giving the SUV an appearance reminiscent of a character from children’s animation.
It delivers a tangible Tonka Truck experience, much like the Bronco Raptor. The child within me thoroughly enjoyed it, while my adult self couldn’t help but think, “this is absurd.” Despite this absurdity, the modifications from the pickup version enhance its off-road capabilities and make it more manageable in parking situations.
Pro: The Hummer EV offers abundant power
This vehicle includes three electric motors that produce a total of 830 hp. Weighing an astounding 8,887 pounds, the Hummer EV SUV accelerates from 0-60 mph in a remarkable 3.5 seconds. To activate WTF (Watts To Freedom) mode, you need to press the traction control button twice while stationary, then confirm via the steering wheel controls that you indeed wish to enter this mode, followed by a wait as the air suspension lowers the vehicle. During this sequence, the system cools the battery, vibrates the driver’s seat, and begins to rumble as if preparing for a rocket launch. When ready, you press the accelerator, and the gauge cluster shows green—indicating go—after which you release the brake and feel a surge of acceleration. The launch experience is more intense than in the truck, with the front end feeling as if it’s about to lift off the ground while the rear sinks due to the soft tires. Development prototypes even managed to perform wheelies. Conversely, slamming the brakes causes the front to dive steeply. My 8-year-old son was thoroughly impressed.
Con: The Hummer EV comes with a hefty price tag
The starting price of my Hummer EV SUV 3X model was $98,845, which included a mandatory $2,295 destination fee. After adding options, the total cost rose to $118,205. A significant addition was the $9,995 Extreme Off-Road Package, which enhanced the Hummer EV SUV’s capabilities with features like 35-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a rear recovery hook, rock rails equipped with steps, skid plates, underbody cameras, and various locking differentials that enhance off-road performance.
Unfortunately, the interior quality does not reflect the six-figure price, featuring numerous hard plastics and rubbery materials that feel cheap…
The doors of the Hummer EV SUV introduce an atmosphere that feels more suited for a $50,000 Yukon, at best. In comparison, a Rivian offers a significantly superior interior experience while costing either the same or less.
Pro: Hummer EV SUV has usable range
The Hummer EV, despite its nearly 9,000-pound weight, delivers up to **314 miles of EPA-rated range**. My model, equipped with the Extreme Off-Road Package and 35-inch all-terrain tires, managed 298 miles of EPA-rated distance. This noteworthy range can be attributed to the SUV’s substantial 170-kwh battery pack, which is somewhat smaller than the truck’s 205-kwh battery due to the SUV’s reduced length. This range alleviated any concerns I had about battery life, as larger battery packs often do. However, it raises the question of how much battery capacity is solely dedicated to supporting its own mass.
Con: Hummer EV SUV drinks energy
With its considerable weight and less-than-aerodynamic design, the Hummer EV SUV is notably inefficient. Over a span of 300 miles, my vivid orange test vehicle averaged **1.5 mi/kwh**. To put this in perspective, that’s roughly half the efficiency of a Chevrolet Blazer EV that I previously tested under similar conditions. I also obtained better efficiency from a Ford F-150 Lightning in much colder weather. Rivian models can achieve over 2.0 mi/kwh on all-terrain tires, maintaining similar metrics even in low temperatures with a four-motor setup. In contrast, the Hummer EV is a significant energy consumer.
Pro: Hummer EV SUV is hard to unsettle
Possessing up to **16.0 inches of ground clearance** in Extract Mode, the Hummer EV SUV can navigate almost any obstacle with ease. While I’m not suggesting I sped over parking lot bumps or railway crossings recklessly, the vehicle easily handles such terrain without faltering. With its 13 inches of suspension travel, cushy all-terrain tires, and a standard ride height of 10.1 inches, it can absorb impacts and handle speeds much beyond what is typically considered safe or sensible, both off-road and on conventional roads. Nonetheless, considering its weight, I wouldn’t dare to push this vehicle at high speeds off-road like I might with a Braptor. Given the circumstances, something would yield—and it likely wouldn’t be the ground.
Con: Hummer EV SUV has electronic issues
Like the Hummer EV pickup I previously reviewed, the SUV model also encountered its fair share of electronic irregularities. During my week with the vehicle, it frequently displayed the Hummer logo on the screen as the system lagged while attempting to load functions. On one occasion, the touchscreen became unresponsive for several minutes. More concerning was the long side-opening tailgate—lengthened to accommodate the SUV’s width— which only functioned correctly via its power control on rare occasions. I would press the button to open it and hear a click, yet sometimes nothing would happen; at other times, it only opened slightly enough for me to put a finger inside to access it.
Similar to America itself, the 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV is unapologetically extravagant. It embodies an excess of features that may not cater neatly to mainstream consumers. However, for those willing to embrace this electric SUV, it offers an extraordinary presence on all fronts—both advantageous and otherwise.
Image Source: Brandon Woyshnis / Shutterstock
