The Coolest Features of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup

The new GMC Hummer electric truck is not only the revival of an iconic nameplate, but also a showpiece of the cool ideas and features brewing at General Motors.

Sami Haj-Assaad | 

Mar 16, 2022 | 5 min read

Nothing says out-of-this-world performance like a vehicle that can conquer every terrain, so it makes sense General Motors would revive the rugged Hummer nameplate to show off the capabilities of its next-generation, battery-electric utility vehicles.

The first is the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup, an off-road-capable, all-wheel-drive truck with a 5-foot bed. Many of its features and powertrain technologies will be shared with upcoming General Motors EVs, like the Hummer EV SUV, Cadillac Lyriq luxury crossover-SUV, and electric versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks.

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The debut version of the Hummer EV Pickup, the Edition 1, features all the bells and whistles, including a three-motor layout powering all four wheels with a combined output of up to 1,000 horsepower, a Watts to Freedom launch mode, four-wheel steering, air suspension, and more. A hefty 200-kWh, lithium-ion battery results in an estimated 329 miles of driving range and a zero-to-60-mph time of around three seconds.

With a starting price around $112,000, early adopters have reserved all of the Edition 1 models and are currently taking delivery of their vehicles. For a $100 deposit, new customers can reserve the $102,000 Hummer EV^3X trim, which has a fall, 2022 delivery date. The good news is that this trim includes many of the same features as the Edition 1, including the three-motor setup and the Watts to Freedom Mode. It can travel over 300 miles on a single charge and will put out 830 horsepower.

The more budget-friendly options are the two-motor, 625-horsepower models. Named the Hummer EV^2X (arriving spring, 2023 with a 300-plus-mile range) and Hummer EV² (scheduled for spring, 2024 and a 250-plus-mile range), prices will start around $92,000 and $82,000, respectively.

The Hummer EV^3X and Edition 1 support 350-kilowatt DC fast charging that can juice the battery from zero to almost 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The battery can also charge at home on a 240-volt circuit at up to 11.5 kilowatts, which is good for close to 16 miles of added range after an hour of charging per GM’s Edition 1 estimates.

As the first 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickups start arriving in customers’ driveways, it’s time to quickly run down all of this truck’s features and gimmicks that make it so cool.

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Watts to Freedom Mode

Those with a need for speed will love the Hummer’s Watts to Freedom mode. A launch control feature, Watts to Freedom (the WTF acronym is no accident) unleashes the full potential of the powertrain while preparing the vehicle and driver for that wild, three-second-estimated sprint to 60 mph.

With WTF mode active, the Hummer EV crouches down on its air springs while the safety seat vibrates to warn of the impending blastoff. The infotainment screen and sound system also help build the sense of anticipation. Press the brake pedal with your left foot, then the accelerator with your right foot. When you’re ready to feel the Hummer’s outrageous amount of horsepower and torque, just let off the brake and watch the world warp around you.

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Crab Walk and Four-Wheel Steering

The Hummer EV Pickup also offers steering at all four wheels, with a unique feature called Crab Walk. By pointing the rear wheels in the same direction as the fronts (up to 10 degrees below 20 mph), the vehicle can move diagonally, which helps navigate tricky off-road obstacles or tight parallel parking spots.

The rear-wheel steering that brings this feature to reality can also reduce the vehicle’s turning radius. With a turning circle of 37.1 feet (tighter than the likes of the Honda Accord), GMC’s big electric truck can make surprisingly tight U-turns.

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Air Suspension and Extract Mode

While the electric Hummer features a standard ride height with 10.1 inches of ground clearance, the air suspension can lower the vehicle by 3.5 inches for easier entry or exit, or better aerodynamics at highway speeds. The air springs can also raise the truck by 5.8 inches in the Extract Mode to allow the Hummer EV to navigate obstacles and tricky terrain at low speeds.

Super Cruise

Like some Cadillac models, the Hummer EV also features the latest version of General Motors’ Super Cruise technology, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic lane change features into a hands-free highway driving experience. It works on more than 200,000 miles of mapped North American roads while also relying on sensors to ensure the pilot is looking at the road ahead.

UltraVision

While there is no Super Cruise function for off-roading, the Hummer EV Pickup’s UltraVision camera array can help drivers navigate tough trails. It provides 18 camera views, including a 360-degree view of the terrain to help avoid off-road disasters or embarrassment. There’s even a view of the path beneath the truck to help prevent tire or underbody damage.

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Immersive Displays

While the last generation of Hummers sold in the 2000s offered chunky knobs and buttons for interior controls, the 2022 Hummer EV Pickup has jumped on the multi-touchscreen display trend. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, while a central 13.4-inch touchscreen display provides infotainment duties. The graphics and interface are powered by the Unreal Engine—the same computer-generated imagery (CGI) software behind popular video games (like Fortnite) and movies (such as The Mandalorian.) Suffice to say, the images on the screen look fantastic.

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Removable Roof Panels

If you prefer marveling at the complexity and beauty of the real world rather than admiring screens, then the Hummer EV Pickup’s transparent, removable roof, will pique your interest. Along with the power-retractable rear glass, the Edition 1’s four removable roof panels will surely be a delight for open-air-driving fans. They can be stored in the front trunk (“frunk”), so you’re always prepared for any weather.

Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.