2008 Hummer H2 Receives Major Refresh: More Power, Premium Interior & Enhanced Safety
The iconic Hummer H2, which brought military-inspired styling to mainstream consumers, receives its most significant update since launch for the 2008 model year. While maintaining its bold exterior presence, the H2 gains a completely redesigned interior, a more powerful engine, and important safety upgrades that address previous criticisms of the vehicle.
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- New 6.2L Vortec V8 engine producing 393HP and 415 lb-ft torque
- Completely redesigned interior with premium materials
- First-ever third-row seating option
- Towing capacity increased by 1,700 lbs to 8,200 lbs
- Standard electronic stability control with rollover mitigation
Exterior: Evolutionary Refinements
While the H2's instantly recognizable boxy silhouette remains unchanged for 2008, Hummer has made subtle but effective exterior enhancements:
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Larger openings for improved engine cooling
New silver-painted finish for premium look
Revised 17-inch and 18-inch alloy designs
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Interior: Luxury Transformation
The 2008 H2's cabin receives its first complete redesign, addressing one of the most common criticisms of earlier models:
- All-new instrument panel with premium soft-touch materials
- Revised center console with improved ergonomics
- Available heated/cooled front seats with premium leather
- First-ever third-row seat (optional on SUV models)
- Enhanced sound insulation for quieter cabin
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Powertrain: Significant Upgrade
The 2008 H2 replaces its previous 6.0L V8 with GM's new 6.2L Vortec V8, delivering substantial performance improvements:
6.2L Vortec V8
393 HP @ 5,700 RPM
415 lb-ft @ 4,300 RPM
6-speed automatic
8,200 lbs (1,700 lb increase)
Safety: Addressing Concerns
The 2008 model introduces several important safety features that were notably absent from earlier H2s:
- Standard electronic stability control with rollover mitigation technology
- Three-row curtain airbags (new for 2008)
- Seat belt pretensioners on all outboard positions
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Panic brake assist for emergency stopping
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Market Positioning & Availability
The refreshed 2008 H2 represents Hummer's attempt to appeal to both traditional off-road enthusiasts and luxury SUV buyers. Pricing starts at $53,000 for the base SUV model, with the SUT (pickup) version commanding a $2,500 premium.
Production began in late 2007, with first deliveries expected in early 2008. The updates come at a crucial time for Hummer, as the brand faces increasing competition from luxury SUVs and growing environmental concerns about large vehicles.
Against rivals like the Land Rover LR3 and Lexus LX 570, the 2008 H2 now offers comparable interior luxury while maintaining superior off-road capability. However, fuel economy remains a weakness at an EPA-estimated 10/14 mpg (city/highway).
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