2006 Hummer H3X and H2 Special Editions

With king-size SUVs debuting on the General Motors stand (Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade), it's surprising to see GM's Hummer division with nothing but some gaudy trim packages.

Two special H2 models are due in the first quarter of 2006, the "Pacific Blue" and "Fusion Orange" editions. Both feature new paint colors with matching grilles, unique side mirrors, and new, nicely applied touches of chrome. While carbon fiber door and dash inserts won't make the three-ton H2 any lighter, they look cooler than the drab plastic alternatives, and two headrest-mounted TVs add to the H2's over-the-top appeal.

We had hoped to see a turbo- or supercharged Alpha edition to speed up the smaller but still lethargic Hummer H3, but the wait continues. The only news for now is the H3X, an appearance package that starts with a loaded H3 and adds chrome running boards, body-colored trim, and embroidered headrests. GM has not announced pricing, but expect the H3X to be in the $40,000 range when it hits dealerships in late summer 2006. The H3X might make you the snizazziest parent on the block, but without a boost for the overworked 220-hp base engine, the school bus might be a quicker means of getting the kids to class.