Changes are few to the 2020 Hyundai Nexo. The base Blue model gets a cargo cover and rear privacy glass, and the Limited gets rain-sensing wipers.
Pros Impressive cruising range, spacious interior, lengthy warranty to back up the exotic technology.
Cons Priced higher than normal crossovers, dull to drive, sparse California-only network of hydrogen stations.
A cargo cover and tinted rear glass are now standard on base Blue model.Automatic wipers added to Limited equipment.Part of the first Hyundai Nexo generation introduced for 2019.The 2020 Hyundai NEXO comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive.
Pros Promises 350-plus miles of range from a five-minute hydrogen fill-up Smooth, silent and torquey drive qualities of an electric vehicle SUV-like body style
Cons Only available in select areas of California Hydrogen availability is limited
The Nexo was an all-new model for 2019, so the new decade brings with it minimal changes to the world's first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV. The base model, named Nexo Blue, now includes a rear cargo cover and rear privacy glass, and the top-spec Limited model sees the addition of rain-sensing window wipers.
Pros Good cruising range Lots of space cabin space Impressive warranty Gives us a look into the future
Cons New tech means high asking price It's not the most entertaining to drive Only practical to own in California Reliability of new powertrain untested
The hydrogen-fueled Nexo is Hyundai’s eco-friendly flagship, packed with state-of-the-art tech. Its 95-kW fuel cell and 40-kW battery power an electric motor that makes 291 lb-ft of torque. Although the crossover is slow (a claimed zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds), its estimated range is an impressive 370 miles. However, the Nexo will be sold only in California when it launches in late 2018. High-tech features include advanced blind-spot monitoring, semi-autonomous assists, and remote parking.
Pros Quiet operation, usable range, but . . .
Cons . . . nowhere to go because there is no hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the U.S., still expensive technology.
All-new five-passenger hydrogen fuel cell SUV.The 2019 Hyundai Nexo is a five-passenger SUV that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to charge a 135 kW series of lithium-ion polymer batteries. These batteries power a single electric motor (161 horsepower, 291 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels.