The Hummer H2 Sport Utility Truck (SUT) gets a major redesign for 2008, with a refined interior, many exterior changes, more power, and an enhanced style.

A larger air intake from larger grille openings for 2008 allows a 393-horsepower, 6.2-liter, Vortec V-8 engine (the previous year’s was a 6.0-liter, 325-horsepower). The engine produces 415 pound-feet of torque, up from the previous 375, and the H2’s towing capacity has increased to 8,200 pounds, up from the previous 6,500. A six-speed automatic transmission with an automated manual shift is standard. The high-tech BorgWarner four-wheel-drive system in the SUT tackles rugged terrains.

The four-door H2 SUT can seat five and features a unique tailgate and tailgate-mounted full-size spare tire, making it a few inches longer. It is equipped with a short, open pickup-truck bed with a folding Midgate that extends the 2.9-foot-long cargo floor into the cabin, to a 6-foot maximum. The H2 comes standard with the 17-inch silver alloy wheels, new seats, high-quality interior materials, rearview camera system, heated windshield washer fluid, and XM satellite radio. It has skid plates to protect its underbody, a fuel-tank shield, chassis-bolted rocker panel protectors, and a protective shield for the onboard air compressor option.

Electronic brake assist has been used for the first time in a full-size General Motors truck or SUV. Anti-lock brakes; traction control; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three seat rows with a new rollover sensing system; tire-pressure monitoring system; occupancy sensors; and rear child safety door locks are standard safety features. The OnStar offers optional turn-by-turn navigation for 2008.