The revival of the Hummer brand under the GMC badge has marked a significant turning point in the automotive world. What was once a gas-guzzling military-inspired SUV has now evolved into an all-electric powerhouse: the 2025 Hummer EV. With impressive off-road capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and an all-new electric powertrain, the Hummer EV is reshaping the expectations of full-sized utility vehicles. However, one question remains critical for many prospective buyers and enthusiasts—how does the towing capacity of the Hummer EV stack up against its gas-powered predecessors? In this article, we delve deep into the towing performance of the new electric Hummer compared to the legacy gas models, exploring strengths, limitations, and practical implications for users.
Towing Capacity of the Electric Hummer
The electric Hummer, especially in its pickup truck (Hummer EV SUT) and SUV variants, boasts a formidable towing capacity thanks to its tri-motor electric drivetrain. Depending on the trim level, it can tow up to 7,500 to 8,500 pounds. The Edition 1 model, in particular, leads the way with its high-output motors and advanced torque vectoring system, which allows for stable and responsive towing.
One of the electric drivetrain’s major benefits is instant torque delivery, which gives the vehicle a serious advantage when hauling heavy loads from a standstill. This is particularly useful in off-road or uneven terrain scenarios, where quick traction and power are essential.
Additionally, it comes equipped with features like Super Cruise with trailering capability, integrated trailer brake control, and a multi-camera view system to assist with hitching and maneuvering trailers. These technologies make towing not only possible but easier and more intuitive compared to older models.
Towing Capacity of the Hummer H2
Before the EV revolution, the Hummer H2 was the go-to model for those looking for towing strength. Equipped with a 6.0L V8 engine in earlier models (later upgraded to a 6.2L V8), the H2 had a maximum towing capacity of around 8,200 pounds. This figure is quite respectable for its time and puts it slightly ahead of the base EV models in terms of sheer weight it can pull.
However, the H2’s towing experience wasn’t as refined. The gas engine delivered its peak torque higher up in the rev range, meaning that it lacked the low-end grunt and immediate response that electric motors offer. Additionally, fuel efficiency plummeted under towing loads, and stability was often an issue due to the H2’s relatively short wheelbase and high center of gravity.
Towing Capacity of the Hummer H3
The Hummer H3, a smaller and more modestly powered sibling of the H2, was not built primarily with towing in mind. Its 3.5L or 3.7L inline-5 engines, and later the 5.3L V8, gave it a modest towing capability of 4,500 to 6,000 pounds, depending on the engine and configuration.
This places the H3 well below the towing range of the electric model. Moreover, the H3 lacked many of the technological aids that are now standard in the EV, such as stability controls specific to towing, rearview trailer assistance, and multi-view camera systems. Overall, while the H3 served its purpose as a more compact and fuel-conscious Hummer, it fell short as a serious towing vehicle.
Torque Comparison: Instant Electric vs Traditional Gas Power
One of the critical differences that affects towing is the torque curve. The electric model delivers over 11,500 lb-ft of wheel torque, thanks to its three-motor configuration. While this number is often misunderstood due to gear multiplication factors in electric vehicles, the practical takeaway is that it provides instant torque at zero RPM—a huge plus for towing from a stop, merging onto highways, or ascending steep grades.
In contrast, traditional gas-powered Hummers like the H2 and H3 rely on internal combustion engines that must rev to higher RPMs to reach peak torque. This delay can reduce towing responsiveness and efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic or on steep inclines.
Additionally, the smooth, linear acceleration of electric motors reduces strain on the drivetrain and trailer, resulting in a more stable towing experience.
Payload Capacity: An Overlooked Towing Metric
While towing gets most of the attention, payload capacity—how much weight the vehicle can carry in the bed or cabin—is equally important. The electric pickup variant offers a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds, which is relatively modest for a full-sized truck. This is partly due to the heavy battery pack and luxury features that add to the vehicle’s curb weight.
In contrast, the gas-powered H2 offered payload capacities ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 pounds, depending on configuration. However, it lacked the advanced weight-distribution and stability features found in modern electric trucks.
Ultimately, while the electric model may be slightly behind in pure payload numbers, it compensates with better weight management, ride quality, and tech-enabled hauling capabilities.
Towing Tech and User Experience
One of the standout areas where the electric Hummer excels is in towing technology. It comes equipped with several high-tech tools that make towing safer and more efficient:
- Dynamic Trailering Assist: Uses cameras and sensors to help align the trailer with the hitch.
- Trailer Brake Controller: Integrated into the dash for easy control and braking balance.
- Super Cruise: Allows for hands-free driving even while towing on compatible highways.
- Torque Vectoring and Stability Systems: Help keep the trailer stable, especially at highway speeds or in crosswinds.
Gas-powered Hummers like the H2 and H3 simply do not match up when it comes to tech. While they could haul decent loads, the lack of modern driver-assist systems made towing more challenging and less safe, particularly for inexperienced drivers.
Environmental and Efficiency Considerations
Efficiency is another area where the electric Hummer changes the game. Towing with a gas-powered Hummer—especially the H2—means you’re likely getting single-digit miles per gallon. In contrast, while towing does reduce the range of the EV, it still maintains a better energy-to-output ratio in terms of cost and environmental impact.
Charging infrastructure and trip planning do become more critical when towing with an EV, but with growing networks of fast-charging stations and vehicle route planning built into the infotainment system, long-distance towing with an electric truck is becoming increasingly viable.
Practicality and Use Cases
For the average driver who tows occasionally—whether it’s a boat, a camper, or a trailer full of gear—the electric Hummer is more than capable. Its towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds covers most recreational needs, and the added comfort and tech make the experience smoother and more user-friendly.
For those needing maximum towing capacity—such as commercial users or those hauling heavy trailers regularly—the older gas-powered H2 might still hold an edge due to its slightly higher tow rating and fewer range limitations. However, it comes at the cost of fuel economy, emissions, and modern safety features.
Conclusion
The electric Hummer represents a bold step into the future of heavy-duty utility vehicles. When compared to its gas-powered predecessors like the H2 and H3, it holds its own in nearly every towing metric—offering robust capacity, unparalleled torque delivery, and a suite of advanced technologies that make towing safer and more convenient. While the H2 may slightly edge it out in terms of maximum raw towing power, it lacks the refinement, efficiency, and tech-driven performance that define the new electric generation. For most users, the EV is not just a match for the gas models—it’s an upgrade.
