However, one key aspect of the Hummer that I suspect is underrated is its all-wheel steering, which not only makes it as maneuverable at low speeds as much smaller vehicles, but actually noticeably maneuvers the rear end around in a way that feels on how to drive. It also allows for crab walk, which I think is a gimmick with little real-world applicability, although it’s at least usable. Rivian’s tank turn, a focus of his early promo campaigns, has been delayed and remains without an apparent ETA.
While both are inherently powerful off-roaders, they share some major disadvantages. Both are bulky beasts, the Rivian weighs nearly 7,000 pounds and the Hummer over 9,000. The Hummer is closer in weight to an M35 Deuce-and-a-Half 6×6 than a YJ Jeep Wrangler. They’re so heavy-footed that I think they’ll likely damage themselves if driven carelessly or incompetently – I’ll admit I managed to hit both trucks while they were crawling on rocks, causing inconsequential but noticeable damage caused. And if they suffer a blow that immobilizes them, their weight will likely make recovery quite an ordeal.
Their weight also poses a number of challenges when it comes to maintenance and modification that are only associated with their extreme mechanical and electronic complexity. Technicians working on both require specialized high-voltage training and costly insulated tools, as well as specialized shop machinery such as heavy-duty alignment stands. This means that these trucks are inherently expensive to maintain and will only become more expensive over the next few years as they age and things break more frequently. It also means that the off-road aftermarket for any jeep will likely be modest compared to jeeps and therefore its eventual potential could be limited. They are for people who want to drive off-road but for whom it is not their main pastime.