2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup: 7 Things We Like and 3 We Don’t
The original Hummer lineup was big, beefy and thirsty for fuel — three qualities that arguably contributed to its demise during the recession of 2009. The new 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup shares the first two of those characteristics, but not the third.
Related: 2023 GMC Hummer EV Pickup Review: Awesome in Nearly Every Way
With its all-electric powertrain and sheer size, the reincarnated Hummer EV shatters any preconceived ideas you may have about either electric vehicles or pickup trucks. If you can get past its rather notable proportions and in-your-face style, it is undeniably an impressive vehicle.
A rolling showcase demonstrating the EV technology we can expect to see throughout the GM lineup over the next few years, the Hummer EV is a state-of-the-art EV. And for that, GM deserves credit. The public seems to agree; the new pickup is already sold out.
As awesome as it is, there’s room for improvement. Here are seven things we like about the 2023 GMC Hummer EV pickup and three things we’re not as excited about.
Things We Like
1. Next-Level Powertrain
At the heart of the Hummer EV is a new electric powertrain GM is calling the Ultium system; it comprises a modular and scalable lithium-ion battery pack that can be adapted to vehicles of different sizes. Everything from the quick-charging battery to the motors and controllers is new, along with the platform that houses all of it. In pickup form, the two-layer, 24-module lithium-ion battery provides 212.7 kilowatt-hours of juice and can add 100 miles of range in just 12 minutes (if you find the right DC fast charger).
2. Capability
The Hummer EV backs up its aggressive looks with two electronic modes for off-road driving. The aptly named Off-Road mode is made for higher speeds, while Terrain mode is meant more for slow rock crawling. Both work well, optimizing things like throttle and steering response for various conditions. Combined with the increased maneuverability of four-wheel steering and loads of easily modulated torque from the electric powertrain, the Hummer EV pickup is impressive off-road; it’s further aided by easy one-pedal driving, which uses the electric motors for controlled deceleration.
3. Tough Looks
With a look that is both familiar and modern, the Hummer EV embraces its heritage with a more contemporary style. Tall, wide and jacked up on huge off-road tires, with prominent skid plates and fender flares, the Hummer EV means business. The look is backed up with short approach and departure angles for climbing through the underbrush.
4. Seriously Quick
A 0-60 mph time of about 3 seconds would be impressive in any vehicle but is mind-blowing for a 9,000-pound pickup truck. Its top speed is wisely governed to 106 mph, which is probably more than fast enough for a vehicle this size and weight.
4. Remarkable Maneuverability
Rear-wheel steering makes the Hummer EV remarkably maneuverable for its size, which helps with both parking and easing around obstacles off-road. The rear wheels turn up to 10 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, tightening up the turning circle. A unique CrabWalk feature lets the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to slide diagonally around objects. While perhaps limited in its day-to-day practicality, it can be fun to use.
5. Good Road Manners
In everyday driving, the Hummer EV isn’t much different from any other full-size pickup truck. It’s civilized and maneuverable, even if its steering is no less numb than in some other big pickups. Braking performance is just as impressive as its acceleration, and an adjustable air suspension delivers a smooth, nicely controlled ride. A side benefit of all that weight is that side winds don’t bother it.
6. Impressive Displays
Two huge screens dominate the dash, and they are some of the most impressive we’ve seen. Developed with help from video game maker Epic Games, the 13.4-inch center touchscreen and 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster are vivid, easy to use and fun to play with.
7. Roomy Interior
Given its exterior dimensions, it would be fair to expect plenty of interior room in the Hummer EV. It delivers with ample headroom and legroom front and rear and big, well-bolstered seats that stay comfortable for all-day cruising.
Things We Don’t Like
1. Noise
Our test Hummer EV Edition 1 pickup came with a standard “infinity roof,” which includes four transparent removable panels. While a decidedly cool feature, the uninsulated panels combined with the giant off-road tires contribute to a noisy cabin at speed.
2. Visibility Challenges
Big outside mirrors make for acceptable visibility to the sides and rear, and a total of 18 different camera views around and under the truck help to see what’s going on below. But the chunky styling and squat windshield can make seeing traffic lights a challenge. And as much as we like the sizable driver information display, the steering wheel blocks a considerable chunk of the screen.
3. Insufficiently Luxurious Interior
While the cabin offers plenty of room front and rear, its materials quality and look are not what we’d expect in a $112,000 truck. Our high-end Edition 1 test truck was swathed in cheap-looking hard plastics and vinyl trim — in sharp contrast to other upscale GM vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade. We get that the Hummer EV is designed for a different niche, but buyers spending this kind of money are likely to expect a more luxurious interior.
More From Cars.com:
- Ceiling the Deal: GMC’s Hummer Electric Truck to Feature Removable Roof Panels
- 3 Things to Know About the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup Truck
- Electric Hummer Performance Specs Are Out … and They’re Bonkers
- GMC Slows Electric Hummer Charge as Lincoln Pulls Plug on Rivian-Built SUV
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