Evolution in the automotive industry is inevitable and the Hummer has downsized from the massive H1, used by the military and retrofitted for civilian use, to the H2, a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) to the baby H3 in 2006, a midsized SUV that is as comfortable on highway as it is off.

While downsizing physically, General Motors also downsized economically. The H1 cost more than $100,000; the H2 more than $52,000 but the base H3 costs only $28,935. It’s price competitive with other four-wheel drive vehicles like the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Test driving the H3 attracts the same curious stare from onlookers as the previous two Hummers as it keeps the H2’s good looks with a huge seven slot horizontal chrome grille, flared muscular fenders and the same square box body style. The H3 is 16.9 inches shorter in length, 6 inches shorter in height and 6.4 inches narrower than the H2, 1,700 pounds lighter but much more nimble with a turning radius better than a Chevrolet Cobalt sedan or Pontiac Vibe wagon.

Off-road prowess is impressive, especially with options like fully locking rear differential. Approach angle is 40 degrees, departure angle 37 degrees. GM developed a long list of accessories for the H3, much of it aimed at off-road worthiness with extra rocker panel protection, wrap around grille brush guard, extra underbody protection, grille and roof off road lighting and tool kits. The $1,025 adventure package has an off-road suspension and a tool kit with 7-mile range walkie-talkies, compass, lighter, binoculars, tire deflators for off-road traction and flashlight. Stabilitrak stability control ($1,695), a huge power sunroof ($800), trailer hitch ($270), roof rack ($399), assist steps ($595) and destination charges pushed the total cost to $34,284.

The H3 is expected to become the best selling Hummer. It comes with automatic or manual transmission, a five-cylinder truck engine, which felt a little overwhelmed when seeking instant response to power requests on the highway. Inside the H3 has a clean, modern look with earth colored leather and silver-colored trim. Fit and finish is excellent. All four primary seats are comfortable for long trips and highway travel is very smooth, with extra large 32-inch all-terrain tires responding quickly to an electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system. Huge side mirrors compensate for limited rear visibility. Storage space is more than ample, especially with fold-flat rear seats and two small side storage rear compartments. An oversize moonroof provides plenty of light or fresh air.