I realize this is a Jeep board, but it never hurts to keep an eye on competition. Hummer released some previews of the H4 which they will be showing in earnest at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Set to compete against the Wrangler, the H4 is said to have 4 seats (2+2), and a choice of rears (flat bed, hatchback, or square wagon). It is thought to have independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, and is rumored to be receiving the 3.6 liter 304hp and 273 torque V6 from the Caddy CTS (18/26 city/highway).

The pictures in this link (http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/14401/hummer-hx-concept.html)
are some sketches that led to the upcoming prototype for Detroit.

Interesting, but the article says "it will be more premium than the Wrangler." Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the beloved things about the Wrangler is its spartan no-nonsense nature. Would anybody be all THAT interested in going way out into the boonies in a $40,000+ vehicle? I'd kinda be surprised if it makes it to showrooms.

I practically guarantee it will make it to show rooms, in less than a year after it is unveiled.

This is a vehicle Hummer sorely needs. They constantly get bashed on two levels:

1.) a lot of hype but not as capable as the Wrangler.
2.) Too big and too much gas guzzling.

Here is a vehicle that is 10" shorter than the H3, offering an open air experience, and a powerful and economical (for Hummer) engine.

Further, in another article it is said to be estimated at between $20,000 and $30,000. It can't be more than the H3 at base.

My guess is that if it offers a full-time transfer case (like all other Hummers), it will take a lot of business from Jeep.

Interesting, but the article says "it will be more premium than the Wrangler." Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the beloved things about the Wrangler is its spartan no-nonsense nature. Would anybody be all THAT interested in going way out into the boonies in a $40,000+ vehicle? I'd kinda be surprised if it makes it to showrooms.

Most people with modern Hummers don't go offroad. H2, and H3 "can" but never could as well as the Wranglers. The h3 is the same size as the current Wrangler, what this H4 is, I dunno; maybe its closer to Patriot competition? :lol: i doubt it :doh:

Most people with modern Hummers don't go offroad. H2, and H3 "can" but never could as well as the Wranglers. The h3 is the same size as the current Wrangler, what this H4 is, I dunno; maybe its closer to Patriot competition? :lol: i doubt it :doh:

The H3 (186.7" length) is not even close to the size of a Wrangler (152.8" length). Even the 4 door is shorter (173.4").

The H4 is slated to be the same width as the H3, but its wheelbase is 10" shorter. For a comparison, the H3 has a wheelbase of 111.9", while the Wrangler has a wheelbase of 95.4" (2-door) and 116"(4-door). The H4 will supposedly only seat 4 as opposed to 5.

From concept, this vehicle was supposed to be the most off-road capable Hummer since the H1. We'll see what that means in January.

I would still think that Jeep purists will point to the fact that it has an independent front suspension as a weak link. However, this vehicle can compete because it should be more comfortable to drive than the Wrangler, yet more capable than any other Jeep product. Further, it will have a fairly powerful engine...assuming they keep the weight below the 4,500 lbs. mark.

Not really liking the back seat, what’s the point if you have the top on? I’ll keep my
original CJ-7!

2.) Too big and too much gas guzzling.


hmmm any word on the H4's mpg? I seriously doubt a dramatic increase...

And they wonder why they are going bankrupt.:doh:

I wonder what kinda price this will be at

its a concept.. its not a production preview/concept or anything yet. IIRC, it doesn't even run. First they are rolling out the pickup anyways.

http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/01/2009HummerH3T_Top.jpg

Would anybody be all THAT interested in going way out into the boonies in a $40,000+ vehicle?

Just last week I ran into a discussion on a Finnish off-roading forum where someone was planning on how to modify his H2 for better off-roading capabilities. Remember, this is Finland, where car prices are straight through the roof... The price for a new Hummer H2 is about 150 000 USD here. :wow:

All kinds of people out there. :)

I'm from Toronto and I can honestly say I don't think I have even seen a dusty H2 or H3 let alone one with an offroad scratch. They seem to be for panache rather than puddles here.

Interesting, but the article says "it will be more premium than the Wrangler." Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the beloved things about the Wrangler is its spartan no-nonsense nature. Would anybody be all THAT interested in going way out into the boonies in a $40,000+ vehicle? I'd kinda be surprised if it makes it to showrooms.

and most are loaded at around $30K
that is comparable to a rubicon which is around $28K

if price on H4 drops less than current H3,
it would be worth considering.

I think that's pretty cool looking, but I'm sure too much money for me.

and most are loaded at around $30K
that is comparable to a rubicon which is around $28K

if price on H4 drops less than current H3,
it would be worth considering.

I believe that is the idea. If the Hx is a couple grand more than the Wrangler, but offers full-time 4wd and fully independent suspension (that is obviously more advanced than your CUV), it may be worth it for the average person who is looking for a daily driver that can go off-road. Better gas mileage (and cheaper gas) would help too.

I'm from Toronto and I can honestly say I don't think I have even seen a dusty H2 or H3 let alone one with an offroad scratch. They seem to be for panache rather than puddles here.

I think the H2 is ridiculous. Too big for off-roading. But then, so is the Commander.

The H4 will be the right size, and the right price. It is supposed to be the most off-road capable Hummer since the H1 (thus, more capable than the H2 and H3).

You may not see an H2 off-road because its too big to fit on trails, and it cost to much to risk scratching. You will see an H4, when they are released, especially if you can remove some of the protruding body pieces that are most likely to get damaged.

I think the H2 is ridiculous. Too big for off-roading. But then, so is the Commander.

If you mean it is too big just to take one or two persons and the minimum amount of gear they need during the drive off-roading, okay, I'll give you that. (It's hardly designed for that, either, though.) But if you mean it's too big to be able to go off-road at all, then I have to disagree.

Of course, I am not an off-roading expert. Absolutely opposite, in fact. Only proper off-roading I've done was in the Army. But then again, seeing as the vehicle I did drive off-road was this one... http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/popup.dsp?id=489

Combat mass 16 metric tons, 7.35 meters in lenght, 2.90 meters in width, 2.47 meters in height. If that sucker can go off-road, a Hummer certainly isn't too big to do the same!

The commander is nowhere near as big as an H2 and in fact is not that bad off-road.

That hummer truck is really nice looking! now, if it comes with a small turbo diesel... gold - pure gold.

I think the H2 is ridiculous. Too big for off-roading. But then, so is the Commander.


You may not see an H2 off-road because its too big to fit on trails, and it cost to much to risk scratching. You will see an H4, when they are released, especially if you can remove some of the protruding body pieces that are most likely to get damaged.

Wouldnt take a Hummer through logging trails,
but would love to take it through SW desert trails or Baja,

as for price,
depends on the person,
Some will easily spend $30K-$50K on a dedicated rock crawler,
is that too much money for an offroader?

Hummer H1 was a very capable vehicle.

H2 and H3 have been dominating the SCORE stock-full and stock-mini classes, respectively. SCORE "stock" classes are heavily modified (big $) but must use "production-based" power train and suspension. In contrast, Jeeps have always been relegated to their own class (Jeepspeed), that allows more modifications and still don't perform very well in comparison to the other limited classes.

I am not a fan of the H2, but at least on paper H3 has great off-road capability for a pretty reasonable price, with good aftermarket support. There are many of them on the road out here, but I have only ever seen one off-road, and have never seen an H2 off the pavement.

If the H4 can deliver a lighter, more maneuverable vehicle with better fuel economy, it will definitely be worth taking a look at it.