Is the GMC Hummer EV SUV a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 4 Cons

Big, bold and in-your-face, the GMC Hummer EV SUV is a modern reinvention of GM’s military-inspired SUV and pickup truck of 20 years ago, but now with electric power and packed with tech. At more than 8 tons, the Hummer EV SUV is no lightweight; its oversized dimensions and aggressive styling can be offputting to some, and maybe even thought of as antisocial — but the thing is, the reinvented Hummer is a really capable and enjoyable SUV.

Related: 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV Review: (4) Tons of Fun!

Like the competing (if less extroverted) Rivian R1S, the Hummer EV SUV is expensive, well equipped and has decent range. And like the Rivian, the Hummer is also offered in a pickup truck configuration. The Rivian has a nicer interior and is roomier in spite of being slightly smaller, but thanks to rear-wheel steering and a tight turning circle, the Hummer is surprisingly easy to maneuver and handles far better than you might think. The Hummer EV SUV continues for 2026 with tech updates and a power increase.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman tested a 2024 Hummer EV SUV with 22-inch premium wheels and all-terrain tires instead of the more aggressive off-road setup to see what it’s like to live with this big SUV in normal driving. Tap the link above to read his expert review; below, read on for a quick look at five things we like about the 2024 Hummer EV SUV and four things we do not.

What Do We Like About the GMC Hummer EV SUV?

1. It Looks the Part

Whether you care for the look or not, the Hummer EV SUV is distinctively styled, with a look all its own that is instantly recognizable. That in itself is a core part of its appeal. The businesslike look incorporates traditional Hummer styling cues and off-road capability with high bumper cutouts and an available Extreme Off-Road Package with big chunky tires for clawing through the rough stuff.

2. Power and Range

The Hummer EV SUV powertrain combines a 170 kilowatt-hour battery paired with either one motor for each axle in 2X versions, or with one motor up front and two in the rear like our 3X test vehicle. 2024 2X versions were good for 570 horsepower, while 3X models cranked out 830 horsepower. Driving range was similar, at up to 303 miles for the 2X and 314 for the 3X. All-wheel drive was standard either way.

3. Four-Wheel Steering

More than a fun party trick, four-wheel steering is a must-have feature for a truck this big, making parking and maneuvering a lot easier. The ability for rear wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels makes the Hummer feel like a smaller SUV in tight spaces. Other trick features include an adaptive air suspension with adjustable ride height, several modes for off-roading and CrabWalk mode, where all four wheels turn in the same direction to allow for questionably useful (but still cool to watch) sideways driving.

4. Drives Small

Engineers have done a brilliant job of masking the Hummer EV SUV’s 8,700-pound curb weight, with impressive acceleration, responsive steering and a tight turning circle all creating a surprisingly agile feel. While its weight rivals that of a heavy-duty diesel pickup, we recorded a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.76 seconds with our test vehicle, and the big SUV never felt unwieldy or overly cumbersome.

5. WTF Mode

For maximum acceleration and giggle factor, a Watts to Freedom mode maximizes straight-line acceleration by lowering the suspension to its lowest setting, preparing the battery for rapid discharge, tightening up responses, and engaging launch mode. Dubbed WTF mode (naturally), it makes the Hummer EV SUV highly entertaining on a drag strip — and also on an autocross course.

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What Do We Dislike About the GMC Hummer EV SUV?

1. Get a Grip

The 22-inch all terrain tires on our test vehicle proved quiet enough and fine for everyday driving, but they lacked sufficient grip to handle the Hummer’s significant power and weight when pushed. The result was most noticeable in our acceleration tests, and on the handling course when the tires were pushed to the limit.

2. Big Appetite

Our tested Hummer EV SUV returned about 1.1 miles of travel per kWh, which works out to only about half of what most modern EVs can deliver. Thanks to its huge battery, its range of more than 300 miles is impressive, and the Hummer can go from a 20% to 80% charge in 30 minutes when connected to a 350-kilowatt DC fast charger. But even that is almost twice as long as some other EVs.

3. Interior Shortcomings

The Hummer’s interior is impressive, with a spaceship kind of look including unique bronze trim and big high-definition screens running a Google Built-In multimedia system. The front seats are big and comfortable, and there’s room for three adults in the third row. But the big battery under the floor makes for a high step-in and reduces rear foot room. Cargo room is not very generous, either. Our biggest disappointment was with overall interior quality, with lots of cheap-looking plastics that reek of cost cutting.

4. Pricey Proposition

By definition, any electrically powered luxury SUV is an expensive proposition, made even pricier when additional motors and big batteries are factored in. Our 2024 three-motor 3X model came to $106,945 (including destination fee), roughly $8,000 more than the two-motor 2X. But that’s tens of thousands of dollars more than a Rivian R1S, which has a nicer interior but is not as capable off-road.

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