I drive the H3. I have never been off road with an H2.
I have seen vids here where the different models have been off road together (Rubicon, Moab, etc). I have read many posts by owners of H2's stating that it outperforms the 3's on the trail. Is that true, or just good natured joking by our more expensive Hummer friends (attempting to justify the more expensive vehicle
).
I realize the H2 has better approach and departure angles, and heavier duty suspension and driveline. It should have, it's bigger and it weighs more. The approach and departure angles are only minimally larger on the 2 than the 3. The 3 would seem to have a weight and size advantage.
Timgco's statement, "The H3 was also half the cost of the H2 and will run every trail the H2 will, but seems to take a little more finesse and/or different lines." makes sense. Those guys that wheel together in Colorado all look like they've lifted those 2's, and added bigger tires for even better clearance and angles.
I put 35's on the 3 and turned the torsions for an increase in the clearance and angles, but I doubt that I'll be running Pritchett Canyon like some of those 2's are planning. I'm waiting for Fabtech to build a lift for the 3, but I haven't seen a whole lot of price difference on parts in general. Seems if it fits on a Hummer, you're gonna pay top dollar no matter what model you drive.