The powertrain is excellent. The engine drives through GM's 4L65-E electronically controlled four-speed overdrive transmission, the Borg-Warner 44-84 transfer case with a 40/60 front/rear torque bias, and steep 4.10:1 axle ratios. The tank range is given at 350 miles, based on a 32-gallon fuel tank and about 11 miles per gallon under ideal conditions. Fuel economy is not the H2's strong suit. But power and torque are plentiful, the engine is well muffled and quiet, and if you need to put oil in it, the H2's hood opens from the rear.

The body-on-frame Hummer 2 uses torsion-bar front suspension and a fully independent five-link rear suspension taken from the latest generation of GM's midsize sport utilities. It uses conventional coil springs and shock absorbers. However, there is an optional air suspension system that lowers the truck 0.7 inches, self-levels and can make difficult off-roading somewhat more comfortable. The relatively quick steering is helped out by one of the smallest turning circles in the segment at 43.5 feet. The Hummer 2 feels more nimble than it should at 6400 pounds, but it's not quick enough in its reactions to scare anybody. The tires are the Hummer 2's first form of suspension, and they combine well with the iron and steel bits to provide a plush ride on road, but a lot of control and stability off road.

Brakes on a serious SUV require more than just enough power to stop a fully loaded 6400-pound five-door family vehicle from 70 mph or more. Brakes on a serious SUV also demand the extra good pedal feel and system feel that make challenging off-road conditions easier on the nerves. Even when soaking wet, these brakes performed flawlessly, with lots of pedal feedback.

Hummer 2 marks the first use by GM and AM General of a new Borg-Warner transfer case, two-stage traction control and special-conditions strategy. With this system, you get pushbutton range shifting for high and low ranges, with or without rear differential locking, and a drive system that allows any one wheel with traction to propel the truck by using ABS circuitry to stop and start the rotation of the tires. The TC2 or second traction control strategy allows all four tires to spin freely at high rpm, a strategy needed on some loose or slick surfaces.

Huge LT315/70R17 BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires were easy to steer on highway and off. The truck carries an onboard compressor and hose fittings to enable deflating and reinflating tires as road and surface conditions dictate, using the air suspension's compressor. As big as they are, with that much contact patch on the road, the tires were surprisingly quiet at highway cruising speeds.