You’re standing at the crossroads of electric truck glory, and it hurts.
One side whispers “Edition 1” with all its launch-day mystique and sold-out-in-minutes glory. The other side? The EV3X you can actually configure, order, and drive off the lot. And the internet isn’t helping. Conflicting specs. Dealer hype. Forum warriors screaming about badges while ignoring what actually rolls down the road.
Here’s what’s really eating at you: Did I miss the boat? Am I settling? Is the EV3X just the “lite” version of the real deal?
Let’s cut through the noise together. We’re going to separate launch-trim legend from living-trim logic, using cold, hard data to find warm, real solutions. Because here’s the truth most people miss: these two trucks share the same soul. The question isn’t which one is better. It’s which one has your name on it.
Keynote: Hummer EV Edition 1 vs EV3X
The Hummer EV Edition 1 versus EV3X comparison reveals identical tri-motor Ultium platforms delivering 1,000 horsepower and 3.0-second acceleration. EV3X offers superior range (381 miles) and towing capacity (8,500 lbs) with standard configuration, while Edition 1 provides collector exclusivity. Used Edition 1s ($65k-$77k) undercut new EV3X pricing significantly, making both viable choices for different buyer priorities.
What Edition 1 Actually Was (And Why It Feels So Special)
The Launch Party That Lasted 10 Minutes
Think of Edition 1 as the opening night of a blockbuster. It had everything, one night only, and everyone who got in felt like VIP.
Edition 1 wasn’t a trim level. It was the fully loaded statement piece. GMC launched it as the 2022 model year for the Pickup and 2024 for the SUV, and the strategy was pure genius. Limited run with Interstellar White paint on the Pickup and exclusive Lunar Horizon interior combo. Every feature baked in. Extreme Off-Road Package, Watts to Freedom mode, all the tech. Original MSRP landed around $110,295 for the Pickup, badges everywhere, pure collector energy.
The pre-orders? Gone in ten minutes flat. Not ten hours. Not ten days. Ten minutes. That’s how fast the entire Edition 1 run evaporated. You either got your reservation in during those first frantic moments, or you watched it disappear like concert tickets to your favorite band’s farewell tour.
What Made It “The One”
Here’s the thing about Edition 1: it wasn’t about options because it was the options. All of them. No choices needed.
Underbody armor protecting that massive Ultium battery platform? Standard. Those aggressive 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels? Included. CrabWalk diagonal movement and 4-Wheel Steer? Of course. That “I was first” status that money can’t exactly buy anymore? Priceless.
The Edition 1 was the blueprint. Everything that came after is the production model.
And let’s be honest about what you were really buying: the story. The bragging rights. The knowledge that your Hummer EV was part of the first wave, the vanguard that proved electric could be excessive, ridiculous, and unapologetically American. That Lunar Horizon interior with bronze accents and “Edition 1” badges on the dashboard? It wasn’t just design. It was identity.
Enter EV3X: Same Beast, Your Rules
Here’s where we drop the truth bomb that ends half the debate.
Same three-motor Ultium platform with 800-volt architecture running through its veins. Same bonkers tri-motor setup producing up to 1,000 horsepower in the pickup. Same massive battery pack delivering up to 212 kWh usable capacity with the 24-module configuration. Same capability for DC fast charging at 350 kW on compatible stations.
The guts are identical. The permanent-magnet synchronous motors, one up front and two in the rear for independent wheel control. The wheel torque multiplication delivering 11,500 lb-ft measured at the wheels after gear reduction. The regenerative braking system that captures energy every time you lift off the throttle.
If you’re worried the EV3X is somehow “less” of a Hummer EV, stop. The DNA is the same. The electric soul is unchanged.
But Now You’re the Chef
This is where things get interesting, and honestly, a little overwhelming.
EV3X unbundles everything. Want the Extreme Off-Road Package with those chunky mud-terrain tires, underbody skid plates, and rock sliders? It’s now optional, not mandatory. Choose your own adventure: street tires for maximum range or chunky off-road rubber for trail dominance.
Pick your color. Afterburner Tintcoat orange catches your eye? Done. Prefer the stealthy Void Black? Go for it. Your interior can be Velocity Ember with orange accents or the understated Granite Drift gray tones. Your feature set, your budget, your call.
And here’s the big one for Pickup buyers: you can choose between a 20-module or 24-module battery pack, directly impacting your range and charging time. The SUV gets the 20-module pack standard, but the Pickup? That’s your decision.
The SUV Plot Twist
Quick note if you’re considering the SUV variant: the EV3X SUV caps at 830 horsepower and roughly 314 miles of EPA range with its 20-module battery. It’s built on a wheelbase that’s nine inches shorter than the Pickup, which improves maneuverability but physically limits battery size.
Lighter pack than the pickup, different mission profile entirely. But remember, Edition 1 was pickup-only for that first launch wave, so this comparison lives in truck land for the most part.
The 10-Second Reality Check: What Actually Changes
Performance: The Non-Difference
| Spec | Edition 1 (2022 Pickup) | EV3X (2024-2025 Pickup) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motors/Power | 3 motors, ~1,000 hp | 3 motors, up to ~1,000 hp | Same headline shove |
| 0-60 (WTF Mode) | ~3.0 sec tested | Low-3s, higher top-speed governor | You’ll never feel the street difference |
| Weight Class | ~9,000+ lbs | ~9,000+ lbs | Both are parking-lot tanks with rear-steer rescue |
| DC Fast Charge | Up to 350 kW | Up to 350 kW | Both gulp electrons fast on 800V stations |
Motor Trend verified Edition 1 at 3.0 seconds 0-60 with Watts to Freedom launch mode engaged. The EV3X lands in the same ballpark when equipped with the larger battery and full power output. You stomp it, both launch like roller coasters attached to rocket sleds. Edition 1 might edge the initial jump by a tenth of a second in some tests. EV3X keeps pulling to a slightly higher speed governor.
Translation? You’re choosing vibes and options, not raw speed. Both will embarrass sports cars at stoplights while weighing as much as two Miatas.
Range: Where Your Choices Actually Matter
Think of range like a backpack. Bigger pack helps, but chunky boots slow you down.
| Configuration | Edition 1 | EV3X | The Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Rating (launch spec) | 329 miles | 314 miles (20-module base) / Up to 381 miles (24-module) | Edition 1 came one way only |
| With Extreme Off-Road Package | 329 miles standard | Drops to ~329 miles with package | Chunky mud-terrain tires hurt efficiency |
| Real-World Highway (75 mph) | ~290 miles tested | Similar with same tire setup | High-speed driving eats range fast |
Here’s the range paradox nobody talks about: the “lesser” EV3X actually achieves more range than Edition 1 when you choose wisely.
Edition 1 Pickup came with one configuration: 24-module battery, Extreme Off-Road Package with 18-inch wheels and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. That setup delivered 329 miles EPA-rated range. Not bad for a 9,000-pound supertruck.
But the EV3X? With the 24-module battery and standard 22-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, you get up to 381 miles. That’s 52 more miles than Edition 1. Choose the Extreme Off-Road Package with those aggressive mud-terrain tires, and your range drops back down to around 329 miles, matching Edition 1.
The choice is yours. Maximum capability off-road, or maximum efficiency on the highway. Edition 1 buyers didn’t get to choose. They got the off-road setup, period.
And towing? Towing 7,500 pounds slashes real-world range roughly in half on either truck. One test with a 6,100-pound camping trailer at 70 mph delivered just 140 miles of range. Know your trailer weight, know your tire choice, plan your charging stops accordingly.
The Towing Truth Nobody Wants to Hear
Here’s where tire choice reveals another hidden trade-off.
Standard EV3X Pickup with 22-inch wheels: 8,500 pounds towing capacity. That’s the highest rating in the entire Hummer EV lineup.
Edition 1 Pickup with Extreme Off-Road Package: 7,500 pounds. An EV3X optioned with the same off-road package drops to the same 7,500-pound rating.
That’s a 1,000-pound difference based purely on which wheels and tires you’re running. The aggressive mud-terrain rubber trades on-road stability and load capacity for trail-conquering grip. If you’re planning to tow a large camper regularly, the standard EV3X is mathematically superior. If you’re crawling rocks more than hauling trailers, Edition 1 or the off-road-equipped EV3X makes sense.
The Feel: How They Actually Move When You Stomp It
You stomp it. The Adaptive Air Suspension drops two inches. The dampers stiffen. The screen lights up with custom graphics. The Bose audio system plays a futuristic launch sound through 14 speakers.
Then the world tilts.
Both trucks launch like physics took a coffee break. Edition 1’s verified 0-60 time sits at 3.0 seconds flat when Watts to Freedom mode is engaged. The EV3X, properly equipped with the 1,000-horsepower configuration, delivers the same gut-punch acceleration. The difference? Negligible. Theoretical. The kind of thing you’d need a drag strip and timing equipment to notice.
On the street? In the real world? They feel identical. Instant torque. No turbo lag. No transmission searching for gears. Just pure, unfiltered electric violence delivered through three permanent-magnet motors working in perfect electronic harmony.
The Weight You Feel Everywhere Else
Around 9,000 pounds makes every stoplight a physics lesson.
Acceleration? Stunning. Braking? That takes real pedal pressure. The regenerative braking helps, and you can activate “Regen on Demand” via a steering wheel paddle or enable One-Pedal Driving mode for maximum energy recapture. But when you really need to scrub speed, those massive Brembo brakes work hard against Newton’s laws.
4-Wheel Steer makes parking-lot life weirdly easy despite the size. The rear wheels can turn up to 10 degrees, shrinking the turning circle dramatically. You’ll still need two parking spots, but you won’t need three. Both trucks demand respect in corners and careful pedal work in weather.
The “Wait, This Thing Does What?” Moments
CrabWalk mode turns tight trails into party tricks. Press the button, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts, and your truck moves diagonally like a crab scuttling sideways. It’s not just a gimmick. On narrow trails with obstacles, being able to shift your line without changing your truck’s orientation is genuinely useful.
Extract Mode raises the suspension like it’s auditioning for a monster truck show. Nearly six inches of lift from normal ride height, delivering 15.9 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford 32 inches of water. The first time you activate it and watch your truck rise, you’ll understand why this feature is standard on both trims.
The Price Reality: Hype Tax vs. Build-Your-Own Math
The Collector’s Tax Is Real
Here’s the honest take: Edition 1’s price isn’t what it cost. It’s what it costs now.
You can’t buy a new Edition 1. That ship sailed in 2022 for Pickups, 2024 for SUVs. Production is done. The configurator is closed. If you want one, you’re hunting the used market.
And here’s where things get interesting. Remember those early resale prices? Edition 1s flipping for $275,000 to $324,500? The first production unit selling at charity auction for $2.5 million? That bubble popped hard.
Used market Edition 1 Pickups now sell for $65,000 to $77,000 in late 2025, depending on mileage and condition. That’s 30-40% depreciation from the original $110,295 MSRP in just two to three years. The hype tax went from astronomical to non-existent. You’re no longer paying a premium for Edition 1. You’re actually saving money buying used versus new.
The EV3X Math Problem
EV3X Pickup starts around $104,650 to $106,945 depending on model year and updates. That’s already less than Edition 1’s original MSRP.
But here’s where it gets personal. Want the Extreme Off-Road Package? Add roughly $9,000 to $12,000 depending on packaging. Premium interior? Another few thousand. The 24-module battery option for maximum range? Around $9,995.
Simple math: Base EV3X plus all Edition 1 equivalent features lands between $116,940 and $124,640. That’s actually more than Edition 1’s original price once you’ve checked all the boxes to match it.
Where You Actually Save Money
Skip the options you’ll never use. Most people don’t need underbody armor for Costco runs or school pickups. The base EV3X with standard 22-inch all-terrain tires delivers 355-381 miles of range and 8,500 pounds of towing capacity. That’s objectively better than Edition 1 for highway and towing use.
Choose street tires for better range and lower cost. Get a new truck with full manufacturer warranty instead of gambling on used market pricing and unknown battery health. And you can pick any color you actually want instead of being locked into Interstellar White.
Or, embrace the depreciation curve and buy a used Edition 1 for $65k-$77k. You’ll get the fully loaded truck, the exclusive colorway, the collector cachet, and you’ll spend $30,000+ less than buying a new, comparably equipped EV3X.
The Decision Framework: Which Buyer Are You?
You’re an Edition 1 Person If…
This isn’t about better or worse. It’s about which buyer you are.
You’re a collector at heart and want the rookie card, the one that started it all. The exclusive Lunar Horizon interior color combo and Edition 1 badges give you a genuine thrill. You have budget for used market pricing and you’re comfortable buying a used EV with potentially 10,000 to 30,000 miles on it.
The “I was first” status matters more than warranty coverage or saving money. You appreciate automotive history. You understand that Edition 1 represents the moment when electric trucks stopped being theoretical and became reality. And you’re willing to accept the trade-offs: the fixed specification, the lower towing capacity, the reduced range compared to a standard EV3X.
You’re an EV3X Person If…
You want a new truck with full manufacturer warranty and no mystery battery history. You care more about the performance than the prestige of limited badges. You actually want a different color than Interstellar White. Imagine that.
You want to save money by skipping options you’ll realistically never use. Or you want to add the Extreme Off-Road Package because you’ll genuinely use it on trails every month. Customization and choice matter more to you than launch-day exclusivity.
You’re the pragmatic enthusiast. You understand that the EV3X delivers the same tri-motor powertrain, the same Ultium battery platform, the same CrabWalk and Extract Mode capabilities. The performance is identical when configured correctly. The flexibility to choose your priorities is what seals the deal.
The Anxieties Both Buyers Share
Acknowledge the three core worries: range versus tire choice, real 0-60 performance, towing in actual use.
Range anxiety is real. Both trucks suffer from big-battery, big-weight physics. Even with over 200 kWh usable capacity in the 24-module Pickup configuration, efficiency hovers around 47-58 MPGe depending on tires and driving style. That’s the trade-off for 9,000+ pounds of curb weight and the aerodynamics of a brick.
Charging infrastructure still matters more than EPA numbers on road trips. Finding 350 kW DC fast charging stations is improving but not universal. Budget your route around charging, not just destination.
Towing eats range viciously. Budget stops. Accept this truth now. Both Edition 1 and EV3X will cut range in half when pulling maximum loads. This is physics, not a flaw.
Conclusion: Forget the Hype, Buy the Hummer You Want
Let’s take a breath and zoom out.
The Edition 1 was the launch party. The EV3X is the production model you can actually walk into a dealer and configure today. Same electric soul, same tri-motor thunder, same ability to walk sideways and make grown adults giggle. The only real differences? Badges, color exclusivity, and whether you’re buying new or hunting the used market for collector status.
You’re not settling for an EV3X. You’re choosing the exact same monster truck, just without the launch-day party favors. And if you’re chasing an Edition 1 on the used market for $65k-$77k, you’re getting a fully loaded supertruck at a significant discount to new pricing. The choice isn’t about hype. It’s about your adventure, your budget, and what actually matters when you press the start button.
Go to the GMC configurator right now. Build an EV3X with only the options you truly want. Look at that final price. Does it align with your real needs, or are you chasing someone else’s definition of “the best”?
The right truck is the one you’ll actually drive, not the one you’ll worry about.
EV3X vs Hummer EV Edition 1 (FAQs)
Is the Hummer EV Edition 1 worth the premium over EV3X?
Not anymore. Edition 1 used trucks now sell for $65k-$77k, actually cheaper than a new loaded EV3X at $116k-$124k. If you can find a clean used Edition 1, you’re getting the fully equipped truck with collectible status at a discount. New EV3X makes sense if you want warranty coverage and customization.
Can the EV3X be configured to match Edition 1 performance?
Yes, absolutely. Add the 24-module battery and the tri-motor setup delivers the same 1,000 horsepower and 3.0-second 0-60 time as Edition 1. The Extreme Off-Road Package is available as an option, giving you identical capability. The only differences are cosmetic: badges, exclusive colors, and interior themes.
Why does EV3X have longer range than Edition 1?
Tire and wheel choice. Edition 1 came standard with 18-inch wheels and aggressive 35-inch mud-terrain tires, delivering 329 miles EPA range.
EV3X with standard 22-inch wheels and all-terrain tires achieves up to 381 miles with the 24-module battery. Choose the Extreme Off-Road Package on EV3X, and range drops back to Edition 1 levels.
What’s the price difference between Edition 1 and EV3X fully loaded?
Originally, Edition 1 listed at $110,295 MSRP. A fully loaded EV3X matching Edition 1 specs costs $116,940 to $124,640 new. But used Edition 1s now sell for $65k-$77k, making them $40k-$50k cheaper than buying new. The depreciation curve dramatically favors used Edition 1 for budget-conscious buyers.
Are Edition 1 features available as EV3X options?
Most, yes. Extreme Off-Road Package, Watts to Freedom mode, CrabWalk, 4-Wheel Steer, Extract Mode, Super Cruise, and UltraVision cameras are all available on EV3X.
The only true Edition 1 exclusives are the Interstellar White/Moonshot Green paint, Lunar Horizon/Shadow interior themes, and Edition 1 badging. Everything else can be optioned.