Capabilities
The H3 featured a two-speed, electronically controlled full-time four-wheel drive system that made it for both on-road and off-road driving. Electronic locking front and rear differentials were optional. Like the Hummer H2, the H3 can ford 24 inches (610 mm) of water (tested in depths up to 31 in or 787 mm) at a speed of 5 mph (8.0 km/h) and 16 in (406 mm) of water at a speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). Standard ground clearance measured at 9.7 in (246 mm) while the approach, departure, and breakover angles are measured at 37.4°, 34.7°, and 22.1° respectively, allowing the H3 to scale a 16-inch (406 mm) vertical wall and negotiate grades of 60% and side slopes of 40%. Front and rear recovery hooks were standard, with an optional trailer hitch and wiring harness.
Maximum towing capacities were 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) for the straight-5 with manual transmission, 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) for the straight-5 with automatic transmission, and 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) for the V8 with automatic transmission. Cargo volume with the second-row seats in the upright position was 25.0 cubic feet (0.71 m3) that could be expanded to a maximum of 62.8 cubic feet (1.78 m3) when the seats are folded down. The V8 models featured the least maximum payload capacity of just over 1,100 lb (499 kg) while straight-5, manual transmission models allowed the greatest payload at 1,300 lb (590 kg).