Two off-road stalwarts are alike…in their differences
By Sue Mead
|
December 20, 2006
Introduction
Some would say that comparing the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to a Hummer H3 is like matching a bass boat against a houseboat. And perhaps that's true…but we were surprise at how much these SUVs have more in common: both have been deployed for military duty, both boast a hard-core off-road pedigree, and of course sport very similar grilles (Jeep would say too similar). Given Jeep's new design, Hummer could also rightly claim that the Unlimited looks a bit too similar to the H3. They also share a lineage to the American Motors family. Intrigued after getting an opportunity to drive each – at different times – over the same terrain on the Rubicon Trail, we took a second look, compared notes and came up with some interesting differences and similarities.
2007 Jeep Wrangler – What's New
All-new, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited represents the first four-door Wrangler model offered by Jeep, with seating for up to five passengers, and increased cargo capability. Wrangler is Jeep's signature off-road vehicle, and the Unlimited model now expands utility while retaining its tough-terrain abilities. Its Rubicon edition adds further backcountry competence, with a collection of bolder-climbing hardware that's hard-wired on the assembly line and, therefore, warranted by the manufacturer.
2007 Hummer H3 – What's New
Though certainly not new for 2007, Hummer's newest H3 does come with more power for the model year. This rig appeals to customers who desire the brand's image, but don't wish for the size and cost of the big brother H2. At almost 17 inches shorter than the H2, the baby Hummer retains the same Big-Daddy gangster appearance that has defined this brand, but also sports an efficient five-cylinder engine that has proven more practical. An Adventure Package brings increased capability in the lands where the pavement ends and off-road fun begins.
Jeep – Military history
Jeep and Hummer are civilian brands today, but each has roots as effective military vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Willys MBs were produced during World War II, and were popular among soldiers for their powerful engines and the General Purpose flexibility. The models became known as the ‘GP,' or Jeep. Long before the HUMVEE dominated Army fleets and took command of the TV-nightly-news image of today's war-zone coverage, Jeep vehicles played a critical transportation role, and still do today. Jeep even produced a special Wrangler Willys edition to commemorate this World War II hero.
HUMVEE – Military History
The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HUMVEE, was commissioned in 1986 and has been a regular on the battlefront since the Gulf War. The tank-like military model inspired the publicly available H1, a recently discontinued version that was once championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The governor of California went on to purchase nine H1s altogether. Although the H3 is a good amount smaller and based in platform on GM's Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup trucks, it retains design characteristics worthy of deployment.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Powertrain
Jeep offers a new engine in the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited that produces more horsepower and torque than the previous unit. The 3.8-liter V6 engine yields 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque, bettering the old inline-six's 190 horses and 235 lb.-ft. Standard six-speed manual and optional four-speed automatic transmissions provide improved fuel economy, despite the engine's power and vehicle's curb weight increases (300 lbs. heavier). Jeep reports a fuel economy of 17/19 (manual, 16/19 auto) for its new Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. (Of note, the 2006 Rubicon Unlimited achieved 15/19 with manual and 14/18 with the auto, making the new model more efficient, though 2008 EPA adjustments will likely take care of that).
2007 Hummer H3 – Powertrain
Hummer has updated the 2007 H3's engine despite this model being relatively new. The former 3.5-liter motor is replaced by a new 3.7-liter unit good for 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, increases of 22 and 17, respectively. Both five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are offered. Hummer posts a fuel economy rating of 15/19 for the new H3.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – 4WD
The 2007 Wrangler Unlimited is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The Unlimited X and Sahara 4WD models are engineered with a second-generation Command-Trac system that has a two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low range ratio. An optional limited-slip rear differential supplements the part-time 4WD system. Stepping up to Rubicon trim yields the Off-Road Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with 4.0:1 gearing, front and rear electric axle lockers, an active front sway bar that disengages and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich tires.
2007 Hummer H3 – 4WD
All 2007 Hummer H3s arrive with a two-speed 4WD transfer case by Borg-Warner. The standard low range ratio is 2.64:1, but a 4.03:1 gear is available for more intense obstacle clearing when the Adventure Package is optioned. Other Adventure gear includes a fully locking rear differential, shock absorbers tuned for off road driving and 33-inch Bridgestone tires.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Nuts and Bolts
Underneath the bodywork, the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited benefits from a frame that is engineered with traditional live axles front and rear with a Dana 30 front and heavy-duty Dana 44 rear unit. Rubicon models come with Dana 44s at both ends. Jeep employs a re-circulating ball steering setup; one they claim is the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle. The Wrangler also gets four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Tire choices range from 225/75 on 16-inch wheels up to 255/70s on 18 inchers. Rubicon gets an exclusive LT255/75R17 B.F. Goodrich Mud Terrain tire.
2007 Hummer H3 – Nuts and Bolts
The H3's front suspension relies on an independent torsion bar and large 36-mm stabilizer bar. Out back, dual-stage leaf springs, gas-charged shocks and a 25-mm stabilizer bar dictate handling. In contrast to Jeep's steering system, Hummer is set up with the more modern rack-and-pinion setup. Four-wheel discs with ABS are included, and the front rotors are half an inch larger in diameter than those of the Jeep. Hummer H3s ride on 16-inch wheels wrapped in either 265/75 Goodyears or 285/75 Bridgestones. Special H3x street models wear exclusive 18-inch wheels and tires.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Exterior Dimensions
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been lengthened significantly when compared with the last model. A 116-inch wheelbase stretches 20.6 inches longer than that of the standard Wrangler and 12.6 inches longer than the previous two-door Wrangler Unlimited. At 173.4 inches in length, the new model eclipses the old Unlimited by 6.4 inches. Equipped with the automatic transmission, Rubicon Unlimited weighs in at 4,340 pounds.
2007 Hummer H3 – Exterior Dimensions
Despite its newfound size, the Wrangler Unlimited does not quite measure up to the 186.7-inch long H3. However, Hummer only fits a 111.9-inch wheelbase in that body, yielding longer overhangs. The Hummer H3 is also taller by 3.6 inches and significantly wider. Curb weight is a hefty 4,700 lbs.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Getting Around Off Road
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited maneuverability specs vary according to its fitted tires. With the large P255/70R18 tires, the Unlimited posts impressive figures: approach angle is 44.4 degrees, departure is 40.7 degrees and breakover is 20.9 degrees. These tires allow a laudable ground clearance of 10.2 inches. Wrangler Unlimited's smallest tires, P225/75R16s, produce approach, departure and breakover angles of 40.6, 37.5 and 17.8 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches.
2007 Hummer H3 – Getting Around Off the Road
When equipped with 33-inch Bridgestone tires, the H3 allows an approach angle of 40.4 degrees, departure angle of 36.5 degrees and breakover angle of 25 degrees. Hummer will clear 9.1 inches of material above the ground when these 33-inch tires (part of the Off-Road Suspension Package) are included.
Interior space – H3, Wrangler Unlimited
It may be bigger on the outside, but the H3 is smaller where it counts: inside the cabin. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's cargo capacity is, in fact, unchallenged by the baby HUMVEE. Behind the Jeep's rear seat exists 46.4 cubic feet of space, handily beating the 29.5 cubes created inside the 2007 Hummer H3. With the rear seat folded, that gap widens: Jeep swallows 86.8 cubic feet while the Hummer manages only 55.7. Passenger accommodation also falls in Jeep's camp. Wrangler Unlimited's rear seat passengers enjoy 40.4 inches of headroom and 37.2 inches of legroom, while second row riders of the H3 get by with 35 inches of legroom and a maximum of 39.9 inches of headroom (37.9 when the sunroof is chosen). Front H3 passengers enjoy nearly one full inch more of legroom, however.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Visual Cues
Despite its new door configuration, the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited remains distinctly Jeep – with a Hummer flair. The seven-slot grille, round headlights, geometric wheel flares and exposed hinges all recall past models, but the squared-off side panels and smaller window openings hint at Hummer.
2007 Hummer H3 – Visual Cues
The same could be said for the 2007 Hummer H3. Blocky body pieces, unique wheels, vault-like windows and The General's own slotted grille mimic styling features of the larger H2. However, H3's size is a “new” phenomenon in the Hummer world, again putting a fresh twist on the familiar.
Ride and Drive – Rubicon Trail
We drove both the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited and the 2007 Hummer H3 over a portion of the legendary Rubicon Trail. This rugged, boulder-strewn trail is rated a 10 on a 4WD scale of 1-10. Each vehicle had been “aired down” — running with less air pressure in the tires enlarges the rubber contact patch, helpful when traveling on extreme rock climbs. The Rubicon Jeep is an ideal size for this trail, which had been the official off-road proving grounds for all Jeep vehicles until Jeep began to produce models built for duty on pavement and graded dirt roads only. Today, however, almost all manufacturers of 4WD models, as well as many enthusiast owners, come to conquer the Rubicon.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Ride and Drive
The new Jeep may be bigger, but it's a great fit for many of the narrow passages on the trail that wind through giant trees, rocks and boulders. We found its gearing perfect for the slow speed crawl needed to ascend and descend the extreme section of the trail known as Cadillac Hill (named after an early-vintage Cadillac went over the side of the hill in the 1930s). We also had some opportunity to drive more briskly in low range, as well as in high range, and found plenty of readily-available power on tap. The Rubicon edition's suspension travel, ground clearance, and tires worked in concert to give us a safe and comfortable ride.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Ride and Drive
Our only complaint centered on the clutch-start override feature that is now engineered into this model, allowing you to start the manual transmission in first gear with a simple twist of the key and use no clutch. Our vehicle “bogged down” on a number of occasions and we needed to turn off the ignition and reboot the ECU, as well as clean out the fuel line by throttling the Jeep in neutral in order to use this feature along the extreme sections of the trail. On the ergonomic front, we found getting in and out of the small-statured Jeep an easy slide-in, and truly appreciated the four openings, but longed for a grab handle to ease in entry and exit, as to hang onto when passengering over bumpy terrain.
2007 Hummer H3 – Ride and Drive
Despite it smaller dimensions in the Hummer family, the H3 feels – and is – large on the trail. As a result, motoring it on tight passages requires slower speeds and much more attention to “spotting”. In the more open sections of the trail, it is truly confidence inspiring with potent power, gearing and 4WD hardware, and a testimony to its centerpiece role in today's military. The only notable drawback is its ergonomics, as getting in and out (again, without ample grab handles!) requires a tall step up, in addition to using the back stowage, as the tailgate is heavy and awkward to open and close when positioned along extreme and off-camber sections of the trail.
2007 Hummer H3 – Ride and Drive
We drove manual and automatic transmission variants of the 2007 Hummer H3, and found each pleasing. While it doesn't have the clutch-start override feature like the Jeep, we found the manual box easy to navigate and the clutch pedal set up perfect for our taste.
All-new, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited represents the first four-door Wrangler model offered by Jeep, with seating for up to five passengers, and increased cargo capability. Wrangler is Jeep's signature off-road vehicle, and the Unlimited model now expands utility while retaining its tough-terrain abilities. Its Rubicon edition adds further backcountry competence, with a collection of bolder-climbing hardware that's hard-wired on the assembly line and, therefore, warranted by the manufacturer.
2007 Hummer H3 – What's New
Though certainly not new for 2007, Hummer's newest H3 does come with more power for the model year. This rig appeals to customers who desire the brand's image, but don't wish for the size and cost of the big brother H2. At almost 17 inches shorter than the H2, the baby Hummer retains the same Big-Daddy gangster appearance that has defined this brand, but also sports an efficient five-cylinder engine that has proven more practical. An Adventure Package brings increased capability in the lands where the pavement ends and off-road fun begins.
Jeep – Military history
Jeep and Hummer are civilian brands today, but each has roots as effective military vehicles. Hundreds of thousands of Willys MBs were produced during World War II, and were popular among soldiers for their powerful engines and the General Purpose flexibility. The models became known as the ‘GP,' or Jeep. Long before the HUMVEE dominated Army fleets and took command of the TV-nightly-news image of today's war-zone coverage, Jeep vehicles played a critical transportation role, and still do today. Jeep even produced a special Wrangler Willys edition to commemorate this World War II hero.
HUMVEE – Military History
The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HUMVEE, was commissioned in 1986 and has been a regular on the battlefront since the Gulf War. The tank-like military model inspired the publicly available H1, a recently discontinued version that was once championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The governor of California went on to purchase nine H1s altogether. Although the H3 is a good amount smaller and based in platform on GM's Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon pickup trucks, it retains design characteristics worthy of deployment.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Powertrain
Jeep offers a new engine in the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited that produces more horsepower and torque than the previous unit. The 3.8-liter V6 engine yields 202 horsepower and 237 lb.-ft. of torque, bettering the old inline-six's 190 horses and 235 lb.-ft. Standard six-speed manual and optional four-speed automatic transmissions provide improved fuel economy, despite the engine's power and vehicle's curb weight increases (300 lbs. heavier). Jeep reports a fuel economy of 17/19 (manual, 16/19 auto) for its new Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. (Of note, the 2006 Rubicon Unlimited achieved 15/19 with manual and 14/18 with the auto, making the new model more efficient, though 2008 EPA adjustments will likely take care of that).
2007 Hummer H3 – Powertrain
Hummer has updated the 2007 H3's engine despite this model being relatively new. The former 3.5-liter motor is replaced by a new 3.7-liter unit good for 242 horsepower and 242 lb.-ft. of torque, increases of 22 and 17, respectively. Both five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are offered. Hummer posts a fuel economy rating of 15/19 for the new H3.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – 4WD
The 2007 Wrangler Unlimited is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The Unlimited X and Sahara 4WD models are engineered with a second-generation Command-Trac system that has a two-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low range ratio. An optional limited-slip rear differential supplements the part-time 4WD system. Stepping up to Rubicon trim yields the Off-Road Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with 4.0:1 gearing, front and rear electric axle lockers, an active front sway bar that disengages and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich tires.
2007 Hummer H3 – 4WD
All 2007 Hummer H3s arrive with a two-speed 4WD transfer case by Borg-Warner. The standard low range ratio is 2.64:1, but a 4.03:1 gear is available for more intense obstacle clearing when the Adventure Package is optioned. Other Adventure gear includes a fully locking rear differential, shock absorbers tuned for off road driving and 33-inch Bridgestone tires.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Nuts and Bolts
Underneath the bodywork, the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited benefits from a frame that is engineered with traditional live axles front and rear with a Dana 30 front and heavy-duty Dana 44 rear unit. Rubicon models come with Dana 44s at both ends. Jeep employs a re-circulating ball steering setup; one they claim is the stiffest possible steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle. The Wrangler also gets four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Tire choices range from 225/75 on 16-inch wheels up to 255/70s on 18 inchers. Rubicon gets an exclusive LT255/75R17 B.F. Goodrich Mud Terrain tire.
2007 Hummer H3 – Nuts and Bolts
The H3's front suspension relies on an independent torsion bar and large 36-mm stabilizer bar. Out back, dual-stage leaf springs, gas-charged shocks and a 25-mm stabilizer bar dictate handling. In contrast to Jeep's steering system, Hummer is set up with the more modern rack-and-pinion setup. Four-wheel discs with ABS are included, and the front rotors are half an inch larger in diameter than those of the Jeep. Hummer H3s ride on 16-inch wheels wrapped in either 265/75 Goodyears or 285/75 Bridgestones. Special H3x street models wear exclusive 18-inch wheels and tires.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Exterior Dimensions
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has been lengthened significantly when compared with the last model. A 116-inch wheelbase stretches 20.6 inches longer than that of the standard Wrangler and 12.6 inches longer than the previous two-door Wrangler Unlimited. At 173.4 inches in length, the new model eclipses the old Unlimited by 6.4 inches. Equipped with the automatic transmission, Rubicon Unlimited weighs in at 4,340 pounds.
2007 Hummer H3 – Exterior Dimensions
Despite its newfound size, the Wrangler Unlimited does not quite measure up to the 186.7-inch long H3. However, Hummer only fits a 111.9-inch wheelbase in that body, yielding longer overhangs. The Hummer H3 is also taller by 3.6 inches and significantly wider. Curb weight is a hefty 4,700 lbs.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Getting Around Off Road
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited maneuverability specs vary according to its fitted tires. With the large P255/70R18 tires, the Unlimited posts impressive figures: approach angle is 44.4 degrees, departure is 40.7 degrees and breakover is 20.9 degrees. These tires allow a laudable ground clearance of 10.2 inches. Wrangler Unlimited's smallest tires, P225/75R16s, produce approach, departure and breakover angles of 40.6, 37.5 and 17.8 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches.
2007 Hummer H3 – Getting Around Off the Road
When equipped with 33-inch Bridgestone tires, the H3 allows an approach angle of 40.4 degrees, departure angle of 36.5 degrees and breakover angle of 25 degrees. Hummer will clear 9.1 inches of material above the ground when these 33-inch tires (part of the Off-Road Suspension Package) are included.
Interior space – H3, Wrangler Unlimited
It may be bigger on the outside, but the H3 is smaller where it counts: inside the cabin. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's cargo capacity is, in fact, unchallenged by the baby HUMVEE. Behind the Jeep's rear seat exists 46.4 cubic feet of space, handily beating the 29.5 cubes created inside the 2007 Hummer H3. With the rear seat folded, that gap widens: Jeep swallows 86.8 cubic feet while the Hummer manages only 55.7. Passenger accommodation also falls in Jeep's camp. Wrangler Unlimited's rear seat passengers enjoy 40.4 inches of headroom and 37.2 inches of legroom, while second row riders of the H3 get by with 35 inches of legroom and a maximum of 39.9 inches of headroom (37.9 when the sunroof is chosen). Front H3 passengers enjoy nearly one full inch more of legroom, however.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Visual Cues
Despite its new door configuration, the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited remains distinctly Jeep – with a Hummer flair. The seven-slot grille, round headlights, geometric wheel flares and exposed hinges all recall past models, but the squared-off side panels and smaller window openings hint at Hummer.
2007 Hummer H3 – Visual Cues
The same could be said for the 2007 Hummer H3. Blocky body pieces, unique wheels, vault-like windows and The General's own slotted grille mimic styling features of the larger H2. However, H3's size is a “new” phenomenon in the Hummer world, again putting a fresh twist on the familiar.
Ride and Drive – Rubicon Trail
We drove both the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited and the 2007 Hummer H3 over a portion of the legendary Rubicon Trail. This rugged, boulder-strewn trail is rated a 10 on a 4WD scale of 1-10. Each vehicle had been “aired down” — running with less air pressure in the tires enlarges the rubber contact patch, helpful when traveling on extreme rock climbs. The Rubicon Jeep is an ideal size for this trail, which had been the official off-road proving grounds for all Jeep vehicles until Jeep began to produce models built for duty on pavement and graded dirt roads only. Today, however, almost all manufacturers of 4WD models, as well as many enthusiast owners, come to conquer the Rubicon.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Ride and Drive
The new Jeep may be bigger, but it's a great fit for many of the narrow passages on the trail that wind through giant trees, rocks and boulders. We found its gearing perfect for the slow speed crawl needed to ascend and descend the extreme section of the trail known as Cadillac Hill (named after an early-vintage Cadillac went over the side of the hill in the 1930s). We also had some opportunity to drive more briskly in low range, as well as in high range, and found plenty of readily-available power on tap. The Rubicon edition's suspension travel, ground clearance, and tires worked in concert to give us a safe and comfortable ride.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Ride and Drive
Our only complaint centered on the clutch-start override feature that is now engineered into this model, allowing you to start the manual transmission in first gear with a simple twist of the key and use no clutch. Our vehicle “bogged down” on a number of occasions and we needed to turn off the ignition and reboot the ECU, as well as clean out the fuel line by throttling the Jeep in neutral in order to use this feature along the extreme sections of the trail. On the ergonomic front, we found getting in and out of the small-statured Jeep an easy slide-in, and truly appreciated the four openings, but longed for a grab handle to ease in entry and exit, as to hang onto when passengering over bumpy terrain.
2007 Hummer H3 – Ride and Drive
Despite it smaller dimensions in the Hummer family, the H3 feels – and is – large on the trail. As a result, motoring it on tight passages requires slower speeds and much more attention to “spotting”. In the more open sections of the trail, it is truly confidence inspiring with potent power, gearing and 4WD hardware, and a testimony to its centerpiece role in today's military. The only notable drawback is its ergonomics, as getting in and out (again, without ample grab handles!) requires a tall step up, in addition to using the back stowage, as the tailgate is heavy and awkward to open and close when positioned along extreme and off-camber sections of the trail.
2007 Hummer H3 – Ride and Drive
We drove manual and automatic transmission variants of the 2007 Hummer H3, and found each pleasing. While it doesn't have the clutch-start override feature like the Jeep, we found the manual box easy to navigate and the clutch pedal set up perfect for our taste.
Photos courtesy of the automakers