Used 2021 Hyundai NEXO

It looks like just another crossover, but the 2021 Hyundai Nexo is actually a cutting-edge vehicle. It’s powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

Without getting too technical, a fuel cell creates electricity when hydrogen passes through it. That energy is stored in a battery, which then powers an electric motor driving the Nexo’s front wheels (all-wheel drive is not available). There’s no plugging in to obtain electricity. It’s all done on board.

Although the notion of a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) has been around for several years, there are currently only three examples in production. The Nexo, the Honda Clarity FCV, and the Toyota Mirai. The Nexo is the only SUV/crossover. The other two are sedans.

The Nexo, which launched in 2019, rides and drives pretty much like any other electric vehicle, but it doesn’t require long recharging times. Refilling the tank with compressed hydrogen takes about five minutes tops. That’s far less time than a Supercharger replenishing a Tesla or a Hyundai Ioniq Electric. It has a greater cruising range than most electrics (except for Tesla), and the only emission from its tailpipe is water.

The Nexo Blue can travel 380 miles on a single tank, the slightly heavier Limited can go 354 miles. A 3-setting drive mode selector helps maximize fuel economy with Comfort, Eco, and Eco Plus settings. Another interesting advantage a fuel cell vehicle has over an electric vehicle running off rechargeable batteries is that the energy supply is not so affected by cold temperatures.

On the downside, the Nexo is sold solely in California. This state has more public hydrogen filling stations than any other, but that still only adds up to 44 at the moment.

In some respects, the 2021 Nexo feels like a typical all-electric vehicle. It wafts along smoothly and quietly. No gasoline engine means none of the noise and vibration that accompany a traditional internal combustion engine.

Unlike an EV, though, the Nexo isn’t particularly quick. Standstill to 60 mph takes a leisurely 9.5 seconds. It’s not dangerously slow, though, and still faster than the previous Hyundai Tucson FCV. But the Nexo doesn’t pack the punch of a Tesla or even a Chevy Bolt EV.

Otherwise, everything is perfectly pleasant. The steering is light, making the Nexo easy to maneuver. And several safety and driver assistance features are available, even one that enables the Nexo to park itself (see Favorite Features).

What Nexo drivers might appreciate most, however, is its range. Up to 380 miles for Blue versions, or an estimated 354 miles for the heavier Limited trim.

For better or worse, the Hyundai Nexo’s 2-row/5-seater cabin is more futuristic than its exterior. The massive central console — clearly inspired by a jet plane — could be the most polarizing and confusing element.

It houses over 40 buttons and functions, including ones that put the Nexo in Park, Reverse, Neutral, or Drive. Above them is a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen relaying navigation, audio, and other information.

In an effort to make even the cabin materials sustainable, the Nexo’s simulated leather upholstery is vegan-friendly. But what really separates the Nexo from its hydrogen rivals is that as an SUV, it has ample room for passengers and cargo.

Luggage space behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats is 30 cubic feet, which expands to 56.5 cubic feet when they’re doubled over.

Size-wise, the 2021 Nexo slots between the smaller Hyundai Tucson and the compact Santa Fe. Styling-wise, the Nexo doesn’t take the same approach as other Hyundai crossover SUVs. It has a smooth, curvaceous look instead.

The shape is as much about cheating the wind as it is pleasing to the eye. Enhancing the Nexo’s slippery shape are pop-out/flush-mounted door handles, special lightweight wheels, and concealed wiper blades.

Both trims have LED headlights and taillights. The entry-level Blue runs on 17-inch wheels. The upscale Limited has larger (and not-so-smooth-riding) 19-inch wheels. It’s also the only trim to have roof rails.

REMOTE SMART PARKING ASSIST
The Nexo’s self-parking feature takes the worry out of getting it just right. Drivers can even be outside the car while the system does all the work. And no, teenagers can’t use it during their driving test.

BLIND-VIEW MONITOR
This may be the best blind-spot monitor in existence. When the driver engages a turn signal, real-time video of any vehicles approaching the relevant blind spot is displayed in the digital instrument cluster. There are also beeps and warning lights.

The 2021 Nexo comes in Blue and Limited trims. Even the base Blue is well-equipped, including heated/power-adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, navigation, AM/FM/HD/satellite radio, MP3 player, wireless charging, three USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. And it has more range than the Limited.

Also standard are several safety and driver assistance features that include forward-collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, front/rear parking sensors, lane departure warning/lane-keeping assistance/lane-following assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, and driver drowsiness monitoring.

In common with its Toyota and Honda rivals, the Hyundai Nexo comes with complimentary fuel. For the Nexo, that means three years or $13,000-worth of hydrogen. As with other Hyundais, the Nexo also has a fantastic warranty that covers 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Free vehicle rental for up to seven days for three years, in case owners need to travel beyond the vehicle’s range or refueling stations, is a specific Nexo feature.

The 2021 Nexo Limited adds the self-parking system and Blind View Monitor (see Favorite Features), sunroof, roof rails, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate operation, and a 360-degree camera system. A somewhat surprising yet extremely welcome feature in the Nexo Limited is an upgraded 8-speaker/440-watt audio system from Krell, an ultra-high-end maker.

A 120-kilowatt/permanent-magnet electric motor drives the front wheels of the 2021 Nexo. It’s powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery pack from electricity created by the hydrogen fuel cell. The Nexo also has regenerative braking to scavenge a little extra energy.

The Environmental Protection Agency has a way of calculating energy used over distance traveled, called miles per gallon equivalent or MPGe.

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