Living in the shadow of the larger H2 we ask- does the new H3T Alpha bring useful truck utility to the table or does it simply live down to the expectations set by the excessive models that came before it? We drive a Hummer H3T Alpha and find out.
Bar none- the meanest and most capable small truck ever. While owning a Hummer isn’t everyone’s style, the H3T is the quintessential go anywhere, do anything, and bring along your friends type of vehicle. Had GM introduced the H3/H3T before the H2, they may have avoided the brands current stigma. Who do we have to talk to get one for a long term test?
Strengths
--- The 5.3L 300hp V8 powers the H3 like the smaller I5 never could
--- 33-inch tires and a serious 4×4 system grind through snow, rocks, dirt, water…. anything
--- Serious storage potential. GM offers a slew of accessories from a ski rack to a slant back bed cap so you can bring friends and their stuff at the same time
--- Recognized for off-road ability by Popular Mechanics and won Four Wheeler Magazine’s 2008 Pickup Truck of the Year
Weaknesses
--- Uplevel audio system cannot play MP3 files nor does it has an auxiliary input
--- A perfect application for Active Fuel Management- but the H3T Alpha doesn’t have it
--- You better have a thick skin- people will stare, swear, and make gestures anywhere you go
--- Truck bed storage compartments eats up valuable space and do not lock
Driving Dynamics & Performance
What made our particular H3T so special was its 5.3L 300-horsepower V8. Base H3 and H3T models come with a smaller 3.5L inline-5. The V8, included when you upgrade to the H3T Alpha, is a much better match to the H3T’s intimidating exterior presence. If you’ve ever driven an H3 powered by the I5, you no doubt know its bark is much worse than its bite. readfully slow acceleration has been a bane of the H3’s existence from the start- thankfully the Alpha fixes that quite nicely.
Essentially the same 5.3L V8 from the full size Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, the engine has been de-tuned slightly for Alpha duty. It’s interesting to note that the V8 does not carry GM’s Active Fuel Management- as it does in the full size truck line.
Active Fuel Management cuts off 1/2 of an engine’s cylinders at cruising speed to save fuel with no takeaway in power when you need it. After only being able to muster 12.8mpg during our week stint in the H3T we’re curious why AFM was not included. We do concede much of that driving was on snow and dirt covered back roads and we may have fallen in love with the sound of wide open throttle acceleration (it sounds great!).
Still- why GM didn’t take the opportunity to integrate a proven fuel saving feature is a bit baffling to us. (Editor’s Note: Hummer let us know that they did start with active fuel management included on the H3T Alpha. Unfortunately- because of the vehicle’s aerodynamics the system would not stay in 4-cylinder mode long or often enough to make a difference)
The extra bump of V8 power makes all the difference. At idle the truck lets out a signature GM small-block growl. While the first Hummer models took luxury over utility, the H3T is the first model out of the brand that we feel properly executes the utility appeal of the Hummer nameplate over being a pimped out box of testosterone.
While a truck in design and form, the H3T drives more akin to a tank. Solid steering and a connected chassis are stiff yet never become tiring. It’s still light in the rear on frost heaves and washboard roads- but stays surprisingly composed.
As good as the H3T is on-road, it’s the vehicles off-road ability that really shines. Full time four-wheel-drive, optional 33-inch off-road BFG tires, and fully locking front and rear differentials combined with aggressive approach/departure angles mean you never have to doubt if you can tackle the trail ahead of you.
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