Used 2020 Hyundai NEXO

Although it looks like a rather conventional SUV, the 2020 Hyundai Nexo is really a cutting-edge vehicle powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Just one of three such vehicles in production (the other two being the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity), the Nexo is the only SUV in the trio.

Although it rides and drives very much like any other electric vehicle, the Nexo doesn’t require long recharging times. Instead, it can be refueled in just minutes, has a longer cruising range than most electrics (save for Tesla) and emits only one thing from its tailpipe: water. Of course, the Nexo does have its limitations, most notably it’s only sold in Northern and Southern California and there are only 44 hydrogen refueling stations in the state.

In some respects, the Nexo feels like an all-electric vehicle, and in other ways it doesn’t. Like a battery-powered EV, the hydrogen-run Nexo wafts along smoothly and quietly. No gasoline engine means none of the noise and vibration that come with a traditional internal-combustion engine.

Unlike an EV, though, the Nexo isn’t terribly quick. The Nexo’s 0-60-mph time is a rather leisurely 9.5 seconds. We didn’t think it was dangerously slow, and it’s faster than the previous hydrogen Hyundai Tucson, but the Nexo won’t pack the punch of a Tesla or even a Chevy Bolt. Otherwise, the Nexo is perfectly pleasant. Steering is light, and this Hyundai is easy to maneuver.

Numerous safety and driver-assistance features are available, even one that enables the Nexo to park itself (see Favorite Features). Perhaps what Nexo drivers will appreciate most, though, is its range. This hydrogen Hyundai has up to 380 miles of range for Nexo Blue trims, or an estimated 354 miles for the heavier Limited trim.

The Nexo’s 2-row/5-passenger cabin is even more futuristic than its exterior, for better or worse. The massive central console is clearly inspired by a jet plane, and it could be the most polarizing and confusing element in this SUV. The central console has a dizzying array of buttons and switches, including ones that put the vehicle in Park, Neutral, Reverse and Drive. We counted over 40 buttons and functions. Above them is a 12.3-inch high-res screen that relays navigation, audio and other info.

What really separates the Nexo from its hydrogen rivals is that as an SUV, it has ample room for passengers and cargo. The rear hatch boasts nearly 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40-split to expand that space to 56.5 cubic feet. In an attempt to make even the materials used in this car green, the Nexo’s Leatherette upholstery is vegan.

The 2020 Hyundai Nexo SUV doesn’t follow the same formula as the company’s other crossover SUVs. Instead, it has a smooth, curvaceous profile very Mazda-like in its execution. The shape is as much about cheating the wind as it is pleasing the eye. Adding to the Nexo’s sleek profile are such unique features as pop-out, flush-mounted door handles, specialized lightweight wheels and concealed front-wiper blades.

Size-wise, the Nexo slots between the smaller Hyundai Tucson and 5-passenger Santa Fe. The entry-level Blue runs on 17-inch wheels while the upscale Limited gets larger (and rougher-riding) 19-inch wheels. If you need the added functionality of roof rails, the Limited is the only trim that offers them.

REMOTE SMART-PARKING ASSIST
Hate parallel parking? Spot too tight to fit and still open the doors? No worries. The Nexo’s self-parking feature takes the worry out of getting it just right. You can even be outside the car while the system does all the work. And no, your teenagers can’t use it during their driver license exam.

BLIND-VIEW MONITOR
This may be the most brilliant blind-spot monitor in existence. Along with sounding a warning beep and flashing a warning light, the Nexo’s blind-view monitor uses cameras to display real-time video of vehicles approaching in the driver’s blind spot. Once the driver engages the turn signal, the display appears in the digital instrument cluster.

As a specialized, limited-availability model, the 2020 Nexo is offered in just two trims: Blue and Limited. Even the base Blue model is well-equipped, and it also boasts more range than the Limited model. It includes heated and power-operated front seats, wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, and an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch screen, navigation, AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Also standard is a roster of safety and driver-assistance features that include forward-collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, smart cruise control and a driver-drowsiness monitor.

As with its Toyota and Honda rivals, the Hyundai Nexo comes with complimentary fuel. For the Nexo, it’s three years or $13,000 worth of hydrogen. As with other Hyundais, the Nexo has a fantastic warranty that covers 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Special to this vehicle, you get a free vehicle rental for up to seven days for three years in case you need to travel outside the range or refueling stations.

Stepping up to the Nexo Limited adds the self-parking system and Blind View Monitor (see Favorite Features), sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch wheels, hands-free power tailgate, ventilated front seats, roof rails, and surround-view camera. A surprisingly welcome feature in the Nexo Limited is an upgraded audio system from none other than Krell, an ultra-high-end brand.

While it is true the 2020 Hyundai Nexo is an electric vehicle, how it creates the electricity needed to power itself is unlike anything else on the road (see our People Also Ask section). Unique power source aside, everything else about the Nexo is very much like it would be driving a hybrid or plug-in vehicle.

Refilling the tank with compressed hydrogen is done via a specially designed pump and takes about five minutes max. That’s far less time than you’ll spend at a Supercharger replenishing a Tesla or Hyundai Ioniq Electric. On the downside, there are only 44 public hydrogen filling stations in the state of California.

Once underway, the Nexo Blue can travel 380 miles on a tank, while the slightly heavier Limited can go 354 miles. A 3-setting drive-mode selector allows for Comfort, Eco and Eco Plus, helping maximize fuel economy. The Nexo is powered solely by its front wheels with no option for all-wheel drive.

Fuel-cell stack, electric motor
161 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 65/58 mpg, 380-mile range (Blue trim); 59/54 mpg, 354-mile range (Limited trim)