2008 Hummer H2 First Drive

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Outside

There are some notable changes on the 2008 Hummer H2, but few can be found on the outside. You have to peer inside to see the updated cabin and pop the hood to get a glimpse at the larger V-8, yet H2 nuts might notice that the slots in the grille are a smidge larger and the lower bumpers are now silver rather than black. By the way, if you do notice such inconsequential changes, you really need to get your … oh, nevermind.

The H2 SUT continues on with its nifty midgate design, which when employed extends bed length from nearly three feet to a more usable six feet.

Inside

Let’s cut to the chase – the previous H2’s dash vents were a bit gratuitous, resembling a certain part of the female (or possibly overweight male) anatomy. Well, that’s how some of our editors viewed them, and since we’re close to Plasticy Hills, word of a redesigned H2 interior made their one-track minds curious.

One look inside the new model and it’s clear that taste, subtlety and refinement are the guiding principles for the 2008 H2, at least for the interior. There’s a soft-touch dash, accented with rubberized surfaces. Hard plastics can still be found, but they’re much less plentiful and matching grains help to play down their presence. A leather-wrapped steering wheel puts the feeling of quality in the driver’s hands.

Other bits befitting such a pricey ride are alloy door handles with matching material on the center dash and shifter plate, gen-u-ine steel used for the shift knob instead of chintzy plastic, a mesh headliner, chrome-ringed gauges and an instrument panel reminiscent of high-end versions of GM’s redesigned pickups and SUVs.