Hello all. I am in the beginning phases of the search to replace my Tahoe. The H3 is on my short list of vehicles that I am considering. The one red flag that I have is the power. We do a lot of driving(weekly during the summer months)from the Phoenix area up to the mountains which obviously involves some pretty good climbs. My Tahoe doesn't even blink at the several mile stretches of fairly steep grades. Any insight on how an H3 would do?

I did a search but couldn't really find anything. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

Move Qik---- If you want power. The H3 is not the answer. It does not have enough power to navigate steep grades.It will strain and shift gears trying to move up a steep grade or pulling a trailer.

 

I think it all depends on the situation.The 3.5L is a little weak, but there is a noticable difference with the 3.7L '07 models. I have driving both a few times (I have the 3.5) and I can tell you the 3.7 would be the way to go. OR, you can get yourself an '08 H3 Alpha, which has a V8 in it. That would definitely be a good bet. MoveQik is right though, depending on the situation and grade, you might find yourself wishing you had more power. If you bought a '07 3.7L, installed a Cold air induction Kit, changed the exhaust, and even get the PCM upgrade us H3 owners have usedo n here, you can pump at least 20 more HP out of the engine, all without voiding the warranty (dependant on your dealer though). There is ALOT of info on this forum about all of this as well. Don't rule out the H3 Alpha though.

 

The dealers all mention the Alpha but they have no delivery date and no pricing information. Is there any good info on it out there?

 

The other "Hummer Guy" I think got one in at his dealer and he posted some info on it. Go to www.hummerguy.net and check it out. I'm not 100% sure he has any pics or specs, but he is definitely the best resource on this forum for the H3 Alpha.

 

I live in Phoenix with my 07 H3, automatic. It will not climb I-17 to Flagstaff like your Yukon. I think it's a bit hobbled with the power and more so with the 4 speed tranny. The Alpha, or a 5 speed, might solve the issue. Also a PCM tune from pcmforless might fix it too (that's on my wishlist for a future upgrade). You won't have problems with the H3 going up our local mountains but you won't be the guy in the left lane effortlessly passing everyone. I have added an Airaid filter and Gibson exhaust to boost the power.

That said--I love this H3 despite my previous vehicles' abilities to effortlessly climb I-17 to the Rim. I've also taken the H3 across I-40 in Colorado through Dillon. I would like more power but it's not a make or break deal for me. And I'm in California now and didn't have any issues with the drive over here.

So wait for the Alpha and take it for a 24 hour test drive (Lund Hummer does this-ask for Dorian and say Alex sent you) up I-17. Or pay for my PCM tune and we'll head up I-17 together to test it out . And really--even if you head up to the Rim several times each summer, how long do you really spend on the hill climb? Can you live with not being the guy flying up the hill in the left lane? I didn't think I could but I like so much else about my H3 I've forgiven it's I-17 weakness. After all, I've put on 7000 miles in the past 9 weeks. And I still get up the hill much easier than my friend in his 06 Jeep Wranger.

 

No doubt that I-17 climb is a b*tch! My in-laws live in Prescott, AZ (BEAUTIFUL!) and I rented, get this, a PRIUS (!) to drive us around on vacation. I found the drive back on I-17 south from Flagstaff far worse. I started up that hill by the casino at about 75-80 and by the time we crested the hill 5-10 miles later I had it completely floored, the Prius drive battery was completely exhausted and the little 4-banger was struggling to keep the 4 of us up that hill at barely 50 mph.

I only wish I could get my new H3 out there to play by the Vortexes in Sedona, the Dells East of Prescott, etc. etc.... You are a lucky dog to live in such an off-roading paradise!

Jeff

 

Thanks Alrock. That is what I was looking for. We go to the "other" up north, the White Mountains. The info you gave me was what I was looking for. We are up there every weekend during the summer and I think I would regret buying a vehicle that struggled getting to a place that we spend so much time. In addition, I occasionally need to tow a trailer to take things back and forth.

I'll do some more poking arond on the Alpha and see what I can find out here locally.

 

I have an 06 and am completely disappointed in the power. But that's just me. If you have doubts, run.

 

I have an 07 H3 and i am happy with everything. I live in Pittsburgh PA where we have mountains and steep hills all over, I have no problem. But if you are talking about towing heavy trailers and what not, the Alpha is the way to go!!