For 2006, the Hummer H2 receives redesigned outside rearview mirrors. There’s also a new Special Edition, featuring Pacific Blue exterior, unique rocker molding with integrated assist step, 17-inch polished forged aluminum wheels, heated windshield wiper system with washer heater, carbon fibre interior accents and a lower-profile roof-mounted light bar. It also contains a rearview-mounted camera with a two-inch screen that slides out when the vehicle is in reverse – a first for GM – and a rear-seat DVD system with dual headrest-mounted viewing screens.

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Hummer

Both the H2 and its SUT pickup version come in a single trim line, powered by a 6.0-litre V8 with four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Both are based on a shortened Chevrolet Suburban truck frame. Features include power foldaway heated mirrors with driver’s side auto-dimming, roof rack side rails, full underbody skid plates, 17-inch aluminum wheels, trailering package, variable intermittent wipers, automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, HomeLink garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto up/down on all windows, ten-way power adjustable heated front seats, driver position memory, leather interior, 60/40 folding second seat with heated cushions, Bose CD/cassette system with eight speakers, four-wheel disc brakes and OnStar.

The SUT adds a short cargo box with a locking tailgate, swing-away spare tire and an extra set of taillights in the bumper. Like the Chevrolet Avalanche, the SUT features a “Midgate”, which remains upright when rear passengers are inside. When more cargo space is required, the power rear window lowers into it, and the Midgate and rear seat can be folded forward to increase the pickup bed. The bed also contains built-in cargo tie-downs, a hard tonneau cover, 110-volt outlet, and drain holes for easy cleaning. Other features include a leather interior, seat-position memory, a one-button express-down that lowers all four windows plus the Midgate window simultaneously, and a huge Sky Roof power sunroof.

Although it’s actually 406 mm shorter than a Suburban, the H2 is big, and its tall sides and short windows give the feeling of being inside a fortress. It’s large enough that it bypasses fuel consumption testing, although estimates run as high as 22 L/100 km (13 mpg Imperial). With its Borg-Warner two-speed transfer case, traction control that can divert power to a single wheel and a driver-selectable locking differential, the H2 is more capable than you’d think; it can handle a 40 per cent slope, ford 500 mm of water and climb 400 mm rocks. Exactly the type of terrain many of its urban buyers ask it to cover as they make their way through the urban jungle from the condo to the office.