Readers Say These Cars Could Replace HMMWV
The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle has been in service for more than 40 years, and the U.S. military is still searching for a replacement.
Readers recently offered their own ideas for what should replace the Humvee, with suggestions ranging from practical to absurd.
Where Readers See Practical Options
One reader pointed to the Infantry Squad Vehicle built by GM Defense as a strong candidate, noting it offers greater seating flexibility than concepts like the Jeep Gladiator XMT.
The same reader noted that the Polaris Dagor, designed to carry up to 9 soldiers, generated significant interest in military circles, but argued the ISV has more scale and is already in production with more than 9,000 vehicles delivered.
Another reader argued for going smaller rather than bigger, suggesting an updated version of the 1941 Willys Jeep, with a modern engine making more than 60 horsepower, better suspension, and improved seats, could replace the Humvee.
The reader argued that a smaller vehicle would be harder to hit and easier to maneuver, and also noted the Jeep’s familiar silhouette, saying it “has the advantage of looking less threatening” and “puts people at ease.”
The Toyota Hilux also received a mention for its “well proven tactical track record” in conflict zones around the world, which they believe makes it a suitable replacement.
They see a split between those who want something light and those who favor proven ruggedness as a real tension in military vehicle design, as a small, agile platform is harder to target and easier to move through urban terrain, while a larger one carries more soldiers and gear for different kinds of operations.
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No single vehicle is going to satisfy every mission profile, which may be part of why the search has dragged on, and they continue to consider various options.
Joke Suggestions and Odd Candidates
Not every suggestion was serious, as one reader proposed the Nissan Altima, noting that these cars “seem to take a lot of abuse and keep on rolling.”
The A-Team van was another suggestion, with the reader pointing out that any vehicle that gets shot at that many times without getting hit must have some kind of secret technology, and they think this could be an advantage in combat situations.
It received a mention for what one reader called its “preloaded with human targeting abilities,” a joke about mustang drivers hitting pedestrians, and they also suggested bringing Pontiac back from the dead and restarting Aztek production.
The Fiat Topolino was proposed, with the caveat that it would need “a shot or two of testosterone,” and they believe this could make it a more viable option.
One reader joked that if Elon Musk donates another $350 million to Republican elections, the replacement would be the Cybertruck, but this is unlikely, and they also mentioned the Mazda Miata, arguing that modern warfare demands something “manoeuvrable, small and zippy,” especially in urban environments, with good visibility and fields of fire for occupants.
The military has not selected a formal successor for the vehicle, first introduced in the 1980s, and continues to operate the aging fleet while the search goes on, with GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle being one of the contenders.
