Just my 2 cents. You can not classify the H2 as 4 wheel drive. It is all wheel drive there is a difference.

4 wheel drive is a vehicle powered by two wheels that manually goes to 4 wheel drive through some intervention

All wheel drive is a vehicle that is permanently powered by four wheels.

PhilD:

I agree with you 100%. I don't consider the H2 an AWD vehicle, but Steve R did site the owner's manual (in a previous post) where GM refers to the "AWD system" of the H2, thus I'm baffled by the whole use of terminology these days.

For me, the Jaguar X-type, Audi Quattro, and Honda Pilot are examples of AWD. I suppose the H2 is considered both AWD and 4WD in the greater scope, but I simply don't consider it AWD in the traditional sense of splitting camps. The ability to manipulate the Transfer Case [Electronic 2-speed unit] is what makes the difference from where I'm sitting.

The fact that all four wheels are engaged does make for AWD, so again the thought of BOTH AWD and 4WD is plausible, but I still lean towards the label of Full-Time 4WD given that the TC can be manipulated.

Here is the write up.

The sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and transfer case are versatile and driver-selectable. The integrated Borg-Warner two-speed electrically controlled full-time 4WD system is capable of further reducing the vehicle's gear ratios by 2.64:1 when necessary, for highly controlled obstacle climbing. It provides a 40/60 percent front-to-rear torque split in "High Open" mode or when the differentials are unlocked and a 50/50 percent front-to-rear power split when the transfer case differential is locked. A specially designed low-range throttle progression allows the driver to precisely control engine speed (and as a result, the vehicle) during very rough terrain driving, and is automatically engaged when the transfer case is in "4 LO."

The transfer case controls provide five mode selections, four of which can be accessed by dash-mounted button selectors. The fifth mode, neutral, is available by simultaneously pressing two of the button selectors. Selections include:

1) A high-range open or "4 HI Open" for normal, everyday driving on dry road surfaces at any speeds.

2) A high-range lock or "4 HI Locked" for semi-slippery surfaces like snow, light sand or wet areas, such as those around a boat launch; this selection locks the front and rear output shafts together, so their wheels rotate at exactly the same speed.

3) A low-range lock or "4 LO Locked" for severe off-pavement use, such as crawling over large rocks or logs. In addition to locking the two propshafts together, it provides a 2.64:1 gear reduction in the planetary gearset. By lowering the ratios of each of the gears, it adds the equivalent of another, extremely deep-ratio first gear and provides a great deal more torque for slow-speed climbing. Low Lock also activates a new, more measured throttle progression curve, which greatly enhances off-road driving comfort and control. High and Low Lock also allow a driver to select a different set of calibrations for the traction control system, using a separate "TC2" button. This provides additional wheel slip for select operating conditions and road surfaces, such as paddling through deep sand.

4) An Eaton electronic rear differential lock or "4 LO Locked + Rear Diff Locked," available only when the transfer case is in Low Lock position. It permits locking up the rear differential for optimum slow-speed capability in climbing over large rocks or up long, steep grades. It locks the two rear axle shafts together so they rotate at exactly the same speed-and does so electronically. (Since this mode can only be accessed when the transfer case is in Low Lock, the front and rear propshafts are already locked.)

5) "Neutral," obtained by simultaneously pressing the "4 LO Locked" and "4 HI Open" buttons and holding them down for 10 seconds. It permits flat-towing the H2 behind another vehicle

Good Points made here unfortunately supporting both sides of the equation. This will give me something to research.

Well can't sleep so did some research which will be all I do on this topic. The H2 is not 4WD it is not AWD it is Full-Time 4WD. There is a difference.

The h2 is considered Full time 4 wheel drive by a unique defining definition.

All Wheel Drive
Only mode is 4WD. Full time.
No 2WD available.
No 4WD "low" available.


Full Time 4WD requires:
A transfer case
A center differential
Two drive shafts
Two axle differentials
Two powered axles

I lernt somthin

What other vehicles have FULL TIME 4WD?

Full Time 4WD requires:
A transfer case
A center differential
Two drive shafts
Two axle differentials
Two powered axles

Jeeps with the Quadra Drive or Quadra Trac transfer case are fulltime. Selec-Trac Jeeps also have the option of fulltime 4wd.

I believe Land/Range Rovers are all fulltime 4wd.

The H1 is Fulltime.

Fulltime 4wd was also available on early 70's to early 80's GM and Dodge trucks.

I know there are more that I'm not thinking of right now.

1998 Land Rover Discovery

1981 CHEVY K10 4X4
1995 FORD F150 EDDIE BAUER 4X4
1997 FORD F150 XLT 4X4
1997 FORD EXPEDITION XLT 4x4
1998 FORD EXPEDITION XLT 4x4
2001 FORD F150 XLT 4x4
MY FAVORITE 2003 HUMMER H2 W/ADVENTURE PKG!!!

Hummer H2 2003

-----Mother of all SUVz-----

2003 Yukon
2003 Hummer H2

Thats it!!! C

First American Properties Inc. 916-858-2383
White 03-H2-LUX

1978 Chevy K-20 P/U put in 16" spring lift,5.38 Detroit lockers, 18X44 ground hogs and LS-6 454.
What a mud running machine, used to go in and pull out the stuck ones.
1985 Ranger
1986 Ranger
2-1980 CJ-7
1993 Chevy X-cab 2500 w/ 6.5 turbo diesel
1995 Blazer
1999 Silverado 1500 X-cab 1st truck in our area
1999 Silverado 1500 X-cab
1999 Silverado 1500 X-cab
2000 Silverado 1500 X-cab
2000 Silverado 2500 x-cab
2000 Sierra 2500 x-cab
2000 Silverado 2500 x-cab
2001 Silverado 1500 x-cab
2001 Silverado HD2500 Duramax/Allison carmine
2001 Tahoe red
2001 Silverado HD2500 LT x-cab Duramax/Allison red
2001 Tahoe green
2002 Silverado HD2500 LT x-cab Duramax/Allison carmine
2002 Silverado HD2500 LT x-cab Duramax/Allison red
2002 Suburban Z-71 black
2003 Silverado HD2500 LT crewcab Duramax/Allison black
2003 H2 Lux w/air white
2003 Sierra HD2500 LT crewcab Duramax/Allison
blue
I think this is all of them.

Why so many late model trucks, Tim? Do you own a business that uses them? Or do you just buy a new one whenver your old one gets dirty?

Just curious.

Oh, and your nickname sure fits. I bet that's what the guys at your local Chevy dealer refer to you as.

Usually I trade them in or sell when I have to add windshield washer fluid
Seriously, I work for GM and get good discounts so I can get about what I paid back on my trade.
I was keeping same loan and swapping titles but w/ low rates I refinanced the last two to lock in low rate and these are the vehicles I plan on keeping unless the dealers go ahead and make another great offer.
About all the vehicles I have traded have been sold before they make it back to lot.
The dealers make $2-3000 on my trade and about this much on my new sale so they really like it.
The last GMC MSRP was $47,500 w/ discount and rebates I paid $36,000 and will get $35-36,000 on trade.
I don't owe much on the truck or the H2, my plan was to have both vehicles paid for still have brand new vehicles so I keep trading.
I can't hardly wait for a D'max/Allison H2.
20+ MPG and tow anything in site.
I also own an excavating business and farm too.
We have had so many new vehicles it's hard to remember them all

<P>
.....83 FJ40.....
<P>
.....91 FJ80.....
<P>
.....97 Disco (sons).....
<P>
.....00 Chevy 2500.....
<P>
.....03 X5 (wifes).....
<P>
.....03 H2.....
<P>

82 Toyota P/U 22r
70 Toyota FJ40 F series inline 6
86 Toyota P/U 22re
88 Toyota P/U 3vze (Still own, very stock, daily driver)
85 Toyota P/U 22re (Still own, heavily modofied for the rocky trails in Nor cal & dump runs)

I like older trucks, no worries about body damage. I would like to get a Duramax or Dodge Cummins to replace the 88 with as a daily driver.

Founding Member of RCRC 4wd Club Scaramento, CA www.rcrc4x4.com
Pirate4x4.com Vendor & Toyota Truck and 4Runner Talk Forum Moderator

97 Silverado
99 Silverado
99 Suburban
01 Tahoe
03 H2
03 H1

I'm a car whore. I get GMS discount so I rotate each year.

LOL! Ya, you could say that ....

We're a Toyota and GM Only family, just never owned a GM product with 4wd

Founding Member of RCRC 4wd Club Scaramento, CA www.rcrc4x4.com
Pirate4x4.com Vendor & Toyota Truck and 4Runner Talk Forum Moderator