Can a 9,000lb "Super-truck" actually handle technical trails?
The GMC Hummer EV is a masterclass in excess: 1,000 horsepower, 11,500 lb-ft of torque, and a curb weight that challenges the structural integrity of most bridges. But the real question for enthusiasts isn't about its 0-60 time—it’s about what happens when the pavement ends. We took this multi-ton behemoth off-road to see if tech like CrabWalk and Extract Mode are genuine tools or just party tricks.
The Technical Edge: Off-Road Features
Off-roading a vehicle this heavy should be a disaster, yet the Hummer EV utilizes its massive battery and tri-motor setup to manipulate physics:
Four-Wheel Steer & CrabWalk: In tight sections, the Hummer feels half its size. The ability to steer the rear wheels allows for a turning radius tighter than some compact sedans, while CrabWalk lets the truck move diagonally to bypass obstacles that would traditionally require a multi-point turn.
Extract Mode: When the underbody protection meets the rocks, the adaptive air suspension can lift the truck an additional 6 inches, providing a staggering 15.9 inches of ground clearance.
Torque Vectoring: With an electric motor dedicated to each rear wheel, the truck can distribute torque with millisecond precision, maintaining traction even when two wheels are completely off the ground.
The Verdict: Master of the Trail
Despite its massive footprint, the Hummer EV is surprisingly agile. The silent delivery of massive low-end torque allows for precise crawling that internal combustion engines struggle to match. While its weight requires careful consideration of soil density and bridge ratings, the Hummer EV proves that the future of off-roading is electric.