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Truck Trend's Best in Class 2008: Hardcore 4x4


By Editors of Truck Trend


Winner: Hummer H3 Alpha
Runner-Up: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

If there's one segment that creates the most debate (a polite term) among our judges, it's this one. Jeep has many advocates with its basic technology and long 4x4 history, as well as its impressive Rubicon off-road package. However, the Hummer H3 Alpha trumps the Jeep in the all-important engine department with the newly available V- capacity put the Hummer H3 Alpha on top of a mountain very few others will even attempt to climb. And we hear the H3T pickup will get electronic front and rear locking differentials and the new six-speed transmission. Can't wait.


Hardcore 4x4
Vehicle Hummer H2 SUV Hummer H3 Alpha Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Base price $56,555 $39,340 $30,195
Wheelbase, in 122.8 111.9 116
Engine 6.2L OHV V-8 5.3L OHV V-8 3.8L SOHC V-6
Transmission 6-speed auto 4-speed auto 6-speed man
Horsepower, SAE 393 300 202
Torque, SAE 415 320 237
Axle ratio 3.73:1 4.10:1 4.10:1
Low range 2.72:1 4.00:1 2.93:1
Largest tire 305/60R20 285/75R16 255/75R17
Fuel cap, gal 32 23 21.6
Fuel econ, city/hwy 17-Dec 13/16 15/19
Max pass 7 5 5
Base curb weight, lb 6614 4854 4419
GVWR, lb 8600 6001 5500
Max cargo cap, cu ft 86.6 56.4 82
Max towing cap, lb 8200 6000 3500
Vehicle Land Rover LR3 Mercedes- Benz G-Class Nissan Xterra Off Road
Base price $49,300 $86,975 $27,075
Wheelbase, in 113.6 112.2 106.3
Engine 4.4L DOHC V-8 5.0L DOHC V-8 4.0L DOHC V-6
Transmission 6-speed auto 7-speed auto 6-speed man
Horsepower, SAE 300 292 261
Torque, SAE 315 336 281
Axle ratio 3.73:1 4.38:1 3.36:1
Low range 2.92:1 2.63:1 4.00:1
Largest tire 255/55R19 265/60VR18 265/75R16
Fuel cap, gal 22.8 25.4 21.1
Fuel econ, city/hwy 17-Dec 15-Dec 16/20
Max pass 7 5 5
Base curb weight, lb 5426 5510 3990
GVWR, lb 7121 7200 5750
Max cargo cap, cu ft 90.3 79.5 65.7
Max towing cap, lb 7716 7000 5000
Vehicle Range Rover HSE Toyota Land Cruiser Toyota FJ Cruiser
Base price $77,950 $63,885 $24,410
Wheelbase, in 113.4 112.2 105.9
Engine 4.4L DOHC V-8 5.7L DOHC V-8 4.0L DOHC V-6
Transmission 6-speed auto 6-speed auto 6-speed man
Horsepower, SAE 305 381 239
Torque, SAE 325 401 278
Axle ratio 3.73:1 3.91:1 3.72:1
Low range 2.92:1 2.56:1 2.57:1
Largest tire 255/5R19 285/60R18 265/75R16
Fuel cap, gal 27.6 24.6 19
Fuel econ, city/hwy 18-Dec 13/18 15/18
Max pass 5 7 5
Base curb weight, lb 5698 5690 4295
GVWR, lb 6834 7275 5570
Max cargo cap, cu ft 74.2 81.7 66.8
Max towing cap, lb 7716 8500 5000


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