2021 Hyundai Nexo

Overview

Not many people are shopping for a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell SUV, but if you are the sole option is the 2021 Hyundai Nexo. And luckily for you, it's a pretty good one. Unlike gasoline-powered hybrid alternatives, the Nexo's fuel cell converts hydrogen into electricity to power its electric motor. The Nexo has a cargo-space advantage over its closest fuel-cell rivals, which are both sedans: the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Mirai. Driving range is adequate at up to 380 miles per fill-up, but the only state that offers a hydrogen fueling infrastructure is California, so that could crimp some buyers' road-trip plans. For those who can make the Nexo's unique powertrain work for them, they'll be able to coast along on free fuel for up to three years; Hyundai throws in $13,000 worth of fuel as part of the deal.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, Hyundai has made no changes to the Nexo. It carries over from 2020 with all the same features and options.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Hyundai Nexo's 95-kW fuel-cell stack and 40-kWh battery pack power an electric motor rated at 161 horsepower with 291 lb-ft of torque. The motor drives the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox; all-wheel drive is not available. In our testing, the Nexo delivered a zero-to-60-mph result of 8.4 seconds. That's quicker than the Mirai, but a bit slower than the fuel-cell Clarity. This acceleration figure also puts the hydrogen-fueled Hyundai in step with conventional, gasoline-powered compact crossovers. As with its fuel-cell brethren, the Nexo really isn't thrilling to drive. Still, its electrically assisted steering is appropriately tuned—on the light side but with a steady feel. And in our testing, the Nexo stopped from 70 mph in 169 feet, which is much better than the hydrogen-fueled Clarity or the Mirai.

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Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Cruising range varies by trim, and the base Nexo Blue has an estimated range of 380 miles. With its added equipment and 19-inch wheels (versus the Blue's 17s), the heavier Limited has a lower range estimate of 354 miles.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA's MPGe ratings are also slightly different between the two Nexo trims. The Blue has a combined rating of 61 MPGe (65 city/58 highway), while the Nexo Limited is rated at 57 MPGe (59 city/54 highway). Once you find a hydrogen station, refueling takes about five minutes. Anyone who buys or leases a Nexo receives complimentary hydrogen fuel for the first three years or $13,000 worth of fuel (whichever comes first).

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Interior space in the five-passenger 2021 Hyundai Nexo is on par with other small crossovers. Adults will fit comfortably up front or in the back seat. There's a useful 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, and folding the rear seats flat nets 57 cubic feet, which is close to what the Hyundai Tucson offers. Otherwise, the Nexo's cabin bears little resemblance to the rest of the Hyundai lineup with its two-spoke steering wheel, digital instrument panel, and push-button transmission controls. The front seats offer only basic power adjustments but are upholstered in vinyl. Overall, it's a pleasant, airy place to be, especially with the larger sunroof of the Limited.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment interface is standard in the Nexo, and it includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Additional connected features are available with Hyundai's Blue Link app, which offers remote engine starting (with seat preheating or pre-cooling) and a hydrogen-fuel station locator. Blue Link is complimentary for the first three years. There are two USB charge ports (though only one supports data transfer) and a wireless smartphone-charging pad.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Nexo hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it was not named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A suite of driver-assistance features is standard on every 2021 Nexo and includes a forward-collision avoidance system with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited adds the blind-spot camera display in the instrument panel. Key safety features include:

• Standard adaptive cruise control
• Standard blind-spot monitoring
• Standard lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty coverage is a bit better than on the fuel-cell Honda Clarity and the Toyota Mirai, as their fuel-cell components are guaranteed for eight years or 100,000 miles. Hyundai's usual 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty applies to the 2021 Nexo. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs