Hummer H2/H2 SUT

Impressions: Compared to the enormous military-derived H1 Alpha, which is no longer available to the general public, the H2 represents a more practical and somewhat cost-effective approach to Hummer ownership. You get the chunky Hummer look and much of the off-road capability (probably more than you'll ever need) in a smaller (everything is relative in Hummer-land) package that's easier to drive, park and pay for. The H2 is also available in an SUT pickup-truck model. On its own, the box doesn't offer much capacity, but the SUT comes with GM's Midgate system. Just power down the back window, fold the rear seat forward and drop down the Midgate wall to realize a healthy 4x6-foot load floor. With the Midgate up and back in place, the truck can still carry five people, while the regular H2 can hold six with the optional single-person third-row seat (the rest of the space is consumed by the full-size spare tire). With a 325-horsepower 6.0-liter V8, an independent suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive, the H2 is one tough truck, which is no real surprise since it's based on a modified version of the previous-generation Chevrolet Suburban sport-utility vehicle (an all-new Suburban is on the road this fall), although it can be equipped with as much luxury/utility as anything else in the GM truck lineup. For 2007, a new Glacier Blue model is available that includes a wide assortment of interior/exterior dress up items and comes with, in GM's words, a "light silvery blue" exterior. Base price: $53,400 Type: Full-size, four-door sport-utility vehicle/pickup Base engine (hp): 6.0-liter OHV V8 (325) Optional engine: None Layout: Front engine, four-wheel drive Transmission: Four-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 10/13 Safety: Front airbags; anti-lock brakes Weight (lb.): 6,400 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: hummer.com