2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV

Dual-motor Hummer EV² and EV^2X models will make 625 horsepower, while the three-motor EV^3X and Edition 1 versions produce 830 horsepower. While that's less than the 1,000 horsepower GMC quotes for the related Hummer EV truck, rest assured that no version of the Hummer EV SUV lacks for power. Look for three-motor Hummers to cover 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, or about half a second slower than the truck. Even so, this is pretty outrageous for an SUV this massive. For context, the last Corvette Stingray we tested sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.

The difference in horsepower and acceleration between the truck and SUV is down to battery size. Since the SUV makes do without a bed, it rides on a wheelbase nearly 9 inches shorter than the truck's. Because the battery is mounted between the wheels, the reduced space necessitated a smaller battery pack. Don't worry, rock crawlers — GMC engineers have designed built-in protection underneath the vehicle to shield the battery from harm.

There are two available battery sizes for the Hummer EV SUV. GMC doesn't quote kWh capacity like other automakers but says the base battery has 16 modules and the upsized one has 20 modules. (The one in the Hummer EV truck has 24.) GMC says the Hummer EV SUV should have an all-electric range from about 250 to 300 miles, depending on the SUV's configuration.

All but the base EV² is equipped with an 800-volt architecture that allows the Hummer EV to fully utilize the most powerful DC fast chargers available. Even so, GMC says charging the battery from 20% to 80% capacity will take about 55 minutes under optimal conditions. Longer charging times than a typical EV's is one unfortunate downside to a large EV fitted with a large battery pack. It simply takes longer to recharge.

The most prominent parts of the interior are the two bright displays — a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a horizontal 13.4-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash. Graphics here are supercool thanks to a partnership with Perception, a creative group known for its work on the Marvel Universe films. Google Maps are included as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.

Beneath the center screen are two rows of physical buttons, a plus in our eyes since we much prefer the tactile feel of a button while you're driving as opposed to a featureless touchscreen. Designers made the most of these buttons by making the climate control buttons multi-functional, a slick little element that means both the seat heating and cooling features are accessed by one button.

However, there are plenty of plastic components here, which is disappointing on an SUV that comes close to costing near six figures. Particularly egregious are the trim on the aforementioned physical buttons as well as on the drive mode selector dial. However, the seats are comfortable and the heating and cooling elements do their job nicely.

The cabin feels fairly open and spacious inside, helped even further by the Hummer's removable roof panels that GMC calls Sky Panels. Imagine a targa for the first row and a T-top for the second, and you get the general idea. The same reinforcements that help protect the battery provide enough strength and support to keep the Hummer rigid even with the top off.

The SUV also gets a few cool tech features not available on the truck. The first is an onboard 19.2-kW charger for faster fill-ups at home. However, you’ll need a 100-amp circuit to take full advantage and add 30 miles of range each hour. The SUV's battery can also be used to power tools or household appliances at up to 3 kW (120-volt outlet) or help charge another EV with up to 6 kW of output (240-volt outlet).

Power delivery from the electric motors is super smooth and it's easy to get up to the speed limit and beyond if you're not careful. Straight-line acceleration is a blast. Even without the Watts To Freedom launch mode, you'll enjoy embarrassing small sports cars off the line with the Hummer's blistering electric torque.

If you enjoy gaining electrons for free, you can set the Hummer up for maximum regeneration and one-pedal driving. It takes a moment to get used to it but this feature means drivers never have to touch the mechanical brakes unless it's an emergency. The SUV's size means it's not the most economical in terms of power consumption. Using one-pedal driving can help mitigate some of that inefficiency. Around turns, the Hummer SUV tracks obediently, but the experience of driving this heavy beast on curvy roads is not particularly enjoyable.

One thing you'll notice is plenty of wind noise at higher speed. Not that we are surprised — this is essentially a giant brick cruising down the highway with no engine noise to mask its cutting of the air. Road noise also makes its way into the cabin, although it's more noticeable with the available 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires.

We also like the Air Down mode, useful for letting air out of the tires for more traction. Simply set your desired tire pressure and start deflating. When the preselected psi is reached, the Hummer honks to let you know. It's much easier than constantly checking your gauge. There's also the impressive CrabWalk mode, which uses the Hummer's four-wheel steering to drive diagonally at a crawl. The four-wheel steering also helps bring the SUV's turning circle to just 35.4 feet. No three-point turns necessary.

On our first drive event of the SUV, we only got to ride shotgun through a muddy off-road course, so we can't speak to how the SUV feels to drive when the going gets rough. We can say, however, that the Hummer had no problem navigating the sloppy mess even at full tire pressure. However, we want to get the SUV on our own turf and add some high-speed desert running and rock crawling into the mix, without the chauffeur, before we make a final decision.

With our money on the table we would go for the SUV over the truck for its increased breakover and departure angles. Plus, the SUV comes with a full-size spare tire, something the truck lacks.

The rear cargo area is accessed through a swing-out rear door. We're only mentioning it because when the vehicle is a lane-busting 86.5 inches wide, that rear door swings out very far. Be sure no cars or kids are back there when you decide to open her up.