Sorry GM Hummer fans, the Hummer has officially landed on one embarrassing list two times. The H2 and H3 Hummer both ranked as one of the most useless off-roading SUVs you can buy. So, let’s see why. 

The Hummer ranked twice as the worst off-roading SUV 

MotorJunkie compiled a list of 30 SUVs that need to be avoided for off-roading, and the Hummer H2  ranked in 5th place, while the Hummer H3 landed in 26th place. We aren’t sure if the list goes from best to worst or vice versa. 

However, it’s worth noting that the Mercedes GLS 63 AMG is number one on the list, and the Volvo V80 Cross Country landed in the 30th position. Also, the Hummer is the only model that made it on the list twice. 

Why is the Hummer H2 bad off-roading? 

When GM put the first Hummer into production for civilian use, it didn’t sell well. So, they decided to make the Hummer H2, which is more truck-based. The massive SUV with a V8 looked like a powerful tank for off-roading but had a few flaws. 

One of the most significant flaws is its size. The massive, wide frame is too large for most off-roading trails, which is why you see mid-sized vehicles and compact options off-roading instead of enormous trucks and SUVs. 

The Hummer H2 is also too heavy for off-roading. It weighs 6,400 lb! While following off-roading SUVs like the lighter Jeep Wrangler, the Hummer H2 sinks into the mud and gets stuck. To make matters worse, the weak truck frame under the H2 couldn’t handle the weight. 

A massive amount of steel was put on a factory stock pickup truck body as GM scrambled to make the Hummer H2. The front axle shafts, ½ ton GM tie-rods, idler arms, steering box, unit bearing hubs, and more struggle under the weight. 

Also,  due to the weak factory suspension and massive wheels found on the Hummer H2, the ride isn’t smooth at all. One bump sends you flying, which sort of ruins the appeal of an expensive luxury SUV. 

Speaking of being weak, the H2 had a 6.0-liter engine that only provides 316 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. It was also paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This isn’t enough power for the weight of the vehicle. But in 2008, it was upgraded to 403 horsepower. 

Why is the Hummer H3 bad for off-roading?  

The Hummer H3 was a little smaller and came with smaller tires to fix some of the issues with the H2. However, it was still too heavy for the Chevy Colorado truck frame it sat on. Also, the H3 was manufactured with cheap plastic materials prone to cracking, making it risky to take on the trails. 

Because the Hummer H3 has awful blind spots, it’s difficult to see where you’re going on the trial. The six-speed transmission failed to provide enough power to climb over rocks or maneuver over steep inclines. 

Unlike the Humvee, an excellent military-grade off-roader, the civilian Hummer is more of a daily driver and an uncomfortable one. It has the rugged appearance of an off-roading vehicle, but looks can be deceiving.