9.1-inches of ground clearance A 25-degree breakover angle with the optional 33-inch tires A 40-degree approach angle A 37-degree departure angle Ability to ford 16 inches of water at 20 mph Ability to ford 24 inches of water at 5 mph Ability to climb a 16-inch vertical step or rock These capabilities ensure that manly men, and manly women, who dare take their new Hummer H3 off-road can enjoy the same capabilities as the industrial-strength H1 and brutish H2.

Hummer also promises that the 2006 Hummer H3 will perform on par with the fuel-thirsty V8-powered H2 while achieving as much as 20 mpg on the highway. Under the H3's squared-off hood resides a Vortec 3500 engine with dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and drive-by-wire throttle control. This is the same 3.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine from the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon that has underwhelmed critics who complain that the motor delivers sluggish response off the line. Making 220 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 225 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm, the engine is expected to equal the H2's V8 performance under most conditions.

Power is delivered to all four wheels through a standard five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The Borg-Warner two-speed full-time 4WD transfer case includes 2.64:1 low range gearing, but an optional 4.03:1 low range ratio is available for optimum rock hopping capability.