The GMC Hummer EV Does Off-Roading Better Than Your Favorite Truck
GMC is breaking new ground. The automaker recently unveiled the all-new 2022 Hummer EV. And it may be ushering in an era of off-road prowess and electric capabilities. The resurrected Hummer will first assume a truck design and later arrive as an SUV.
It’s also a stark contrast to its discontinued gas-guzzling predecessor. This Hummer will run entirely on batteries. You might assume that means less beefy power. But you’d be wrong. In fact, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV is proving to be better off-road than even some of your favorite pickups, including the Ram 1500 TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor.
A similarity in specs and ground clearance
Comparing the Ford F-150 Raptor, Ram 1500 TRX, and GMC Hummer EV shows a few similarities. When the Hummer EV’s Extract Mode is engaged, water-fording depths are roughly 32 inches, which mirrors the measurements of the pickups. Front suspension is around 13 inches for all three contenders as well. The maximum ground clearance is also similar for these three off-road masters, measuring 11.5 inches at base modes for each. But that’s about where the similarities end.
But the Hummer EV is well-equipped beyond these traditional truck competitors in a variety of ways.
How the GMC Hummer EV is better
Engaging Extract Mode on the Hummer EV raises its ground clearance to 15.9 inches, according to GM Authority. Its approach angle, an impressive 49.7 degrees, beats out Ford and Ram as well. Extract Mode does even more for the Hummer EV’s departure angle, achieving a 38.4 angle. The Ford Raptor hits 23 degrees, and the Ram gets to 23.5 degrees. When it comes to off-road adventures, these variations in angles can mean the difference between powering through a trail and needing a tow.
Can an EV compete when it comes to horsepower?
What most people might question is the 2022 GMC Hummer EV’s ability to match up with Ford and Ram in terms of horsepower. Can an EV version of anything really compete in torque and horsepower?
It might come as a surprise to truck enthusiasts everywhere, but the Hummer EV Edition 1 boasts three electric motors capable of 1,000 hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. This kind of performance translates to a three-second time to reach 60 mph. Compare that to the 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor’s 450 horses and the Ram Rebel 1500 TRX’s 720 horses, and it’s easy to see the Hummer EV is ready for serious adventure.
Other unique characteristics of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV
This performance beast offers a few other features that some other pickups lack. For example, the Hummer EV has removable roof panels and an adjustable air suspension. Adding to the roster of innovative extras is Super Cruise — a semiautonomous driving platform — and a power tonneau cover, Car and Driver reports.
Even cooler is the four-wheel steering platform that allows this vehicle to drive diagonally and even “crab” sideways, Car and Driver says. Your average gas-powered rival won’t offer that fun off-road capability.
The Hummer name may be old, but there’s nothing conventional about the all-new Hummer EV. The most expensive version of this model, the Edition I, will be available in fall 2021 and cost $112,595. Less expensive trims will become available in early 2022. And considering how burly and powerful these beasts will be off-road, you might be willing to trade in your trusty combustion-engine pickup to get one for yourself.
