- 2,799
- 73
- 48
- Location
- Mesquite, NV
How much TORQUE does that dressed up Tahoe have? I have a feeling that the resale value is about to tank now that a "Made by China" label is about to be pasted on.Indeed, it is unfortunate that the Chinese continue to gobble up American interests and no doubt this is an inevitable byproduct of the current economy. However, those who perpetuate the myth that H2’s (2008 or newer) are overblown Tahoes have never owned one, compared them side by side, or even driven one, for that matter. Think what you may, the new H2 (2008 and newer) is a quantum leap from the older models.
I was ready to purchase a new 2006 H1 and had altogether cast off the idea of an H2 because of this “Tahoe” thing. After talking to a few mechanics I began looking into it and discovered that two have little in common including a small section of frame and GM’s ubiquitous trim components. Other than few similiarities, they are very different vehicles altogether built in different plants. The H1 is an outstanding vehicle and I have driven them extensively in their civilian and military versions but they are just not as practical and I didn’t feel like having another vehicle that only gets driven a few times a year.
While the Tahoe is a nice truck, it pales in comparison to the H2. The H2’s drivetrain components are far more robust; it has 393hp and is a real pleasure to drive at 80mph on the highway or in two feet of snow. It is heavier than a full-size Suburban and its wheelbase is only seven inches shorter making for an exceptional ride on any surface. For a vehicle this size, it is well-mannered and quiet on the road but has the cohones to get you where you need to go here in Colorado.
The numbers don’t lie.
H2 specs
Wheelbase 122.8
Width 81.2
Curb weight 6,641
Payload 2,200
Trailering 8,200
Tahoe specs
Wheelbase 116.0
Width 79.0
Curb weight 5,387-5,581
Payload 1,721-1,913
Trailering 5,621-6,000
Notice the substantial difference of about 1,100lbs in curb weight between the two.
One night on my way home, I was waiting to turn at a stoplight when a guy (who had fallen asleep at the wheel) hit me head on 45mph. The traffic investigator told me that if I had been in another SUV such as many of the Japanese makes, I would have likely been a fatality. The other guy left the scene on a stretcher. The most surprising thing is that my “totaled” Hummer was DRIVEN into the body shop for appraisal. Guarantee you couldn’t do that with a Tahoe or most other SUV’s.
I drove and considered every SUV above $50,000 including the Porsche Cayenne, Audi, BMW, Suburban, Range Rover, and several others, and there really is no vehicle that does everything quite as well as the H2. Only thing they should add is a diesel which is already completed in prototype. Think what you may about Hummers, if you possess the financial wherewithal to purchase a new SUV/truck in this price range, you owe it to yourself to give it serious consideration. You will not be disappointed.
So the H2 is 10% more SUV than a Tahoe at only twice the price. Good deal man. I have the bucks to drive WHATEVER I want, but there's no way I'm driving an H2 or an H3.