Hyundai Nexo NH2

South Korea's only fuel-cell vehicle available to the public, the Hyundai Nexo, is now on its second generation, and this all-new model promises to give an edge to Hyundai's electrification ambitions thanks to its improved FCEV powertrain.

2026 Hyundai Nexo

Starting at 76,435,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the all-new, second-generation Nexo continues Hyundai's goals to provide fuel-cell drivability to the masses in an all-new look and feel, some would call it an 8-bit throwback.

2026 Hyundai Nexo

The all-new Nexo's design is notably inspired by last year's Initium Concept. It is the first vehicle to incorporate Hyundai Motor's new design language, known as 'Art of Steel.' This design embodies the essence of HTWO, which is Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated brand for its hydrogen value chain business. While the squarish throwback look is the main charm point of the Nexo NH2, the rear view is giving us slightly PTSD feels because it reminds us of the infamous Pontiac Aztek of the distant past.

2026 Hyundai Nexo interior

The all-new Nexo epitomizes the Hyundai brand with its impressive features. Inside, you'll find a panoramic curved display equipped with AI assistance, a leather steering wheel that includes braille at its center—consistent with most modern Hyundai models—and an electronic shift column. Other highlights include a passenger seat with an open tray, dual wireless charging for smartphones, bioprocessed natural leather seats, and an interior made from recycled PET suede. Additionally, it boasts digital rearview mirrors and a built-in dashcam, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

The all-new Nexo offers more space than ever, featuring an enhanced luggage area that can hold four sets of golf bags. Embracing the essence of modern living, it includes front passenger relaxation seats and second-row reclining seats for added comfort.

2026 Hyundai Nexo

The all-new Nexo features an upgraded fuel cell powertrain with a 162.6-litre fuel tank. It produces 204 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque, surpassing the output of the previous model. Unfortunately, it is only available in front-wheel drive, but it offers an impressive driving range of 720 km. This range exceeds that of the late 90s lean-burn models that Hyundai often boasts about.

Dynamics-wise, the all-new Nexo features e-Handling, which controls drive torque to optimally maintain traction for each tire during cornering, a set of integrated driving modes, regenerative braking control via paddle shifters, the rather cheesy Active Sound Design similar to the IONIQ 5 N, active load noise control, and double-laminated soundproof glass.

Apart from the reinforced body for improved collision safety and nine airbags, the all-new Nexo features a wide array of safety tech, including rear side monitor, Surround View Monitor, the multi-collision avoidance automatic braking system, and pedal misoperation safety assistance, among others. For security purposes, an indoor fingerprint authentication system was implemented to make sure this car rightfully belongs to its driver.

The all-new Hyundai Nexo continues Hyundai's ambition to provide FCEVs to the masses with its retrofuturistic styling, new technology, improved FCEV powertrain, and new packaging. Although it deserves more from this FF-only FCEV crossover, it's all about continuing the ambition set by its makers. Unfinished business, they said.

Available Colors: Quiet Copper Pearl, Creamy White Pearl, Amazon Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Phantom Black PEarl, and Ocean Indigo Matte.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai Nexo

Let's be fair, as SUVs in Korea are becoming common on today's roads, their powertrain is becoming out of context as the value of diesels beginning to fade right now and the search for more alternative ways and means are becoming more complex. In response, Hyundai made a fuel-cell crossover that claims to be one of the most important breakthrough in the history of the rapidly-growing South Korean carmaker.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

This is the Hyundai Nexo and yes, we know, it's another crossover that we're becoming weary right now but because this is a fuel-cell crossover, it's becoming a step zero-to-one for Hyundai and for those who are starting to stave off from the common diesel-powered crossovers of today because of the times, this could be the answer.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

There's so much to talk about the heart of the Nexo but let's talk about this later because the design is what we're tackling it first because while this is somewhat average for crossover standards, it isn't as average as, let's say, a Toyota MIRAI, and henceforth, not bad to take a gander on its decent looks that can be easily heckled by speedo boys at parking lots. Yes, you can get heckled by speedo boys elsewhere, but on a progressive point of view, the Nexo knows it really demands progress for a fuel-cell crossover that supersedes the old Tucson Fuel Cell by a long shot.

2019 Hyundai Nexo interior

2019 Hyundai Nexo interior

Speaking of progress, the Nexo's interior really shows its demanding progress for the occupants. There's a fun fact that most of the interior materials such as the leather, plastic, and fabric, are sourced from, let's be fair, vegetables and UL Certified BIO Materials, meaning that while the interior is made out of stuff that grows from the farm, it really shows its sustainable self, which is good. While the sustainable interior materials is the Nexo's signature piece, the high-tech dashboard, the electronic shift button, and the Krell Premium sound system really shows that it has some luxury car vibes to a not-so-luxury crossover, which is a bonus. Decent space at the back as well.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

Now, we get to the very important part of the Nexo and that is the heart of it. First, the Nexo is powered by an electric motor that churns out 154PS of power and 395Nm of torque, which is more than the old Tucson FCEV it replaces, capable of reaching a top speed of up to 179kph, similar as a Japanese car can go. Second, the Nexo's got three fuel tanks, capable of carrying 6.33kg/156.6L of total capacity, resulting to a driving range of 609km. You heard that from the Koreans but on average, it is a tad less than the Toyota MIRAI.

You should know that unlike the MIRAI, the Nexo's got all-wheel drive, meaning that it's capable to handle any road regardless on what's the weather condition's going to be or perfect enough to visit some historic Korean landmarks without the range anxiety. That range is like from Muntinlupa to Cabanatuan and back with a few juices left to go to Festival Supermall. Now that is the future.

Apart from the fuel cell perks, the Nexo goes further with safety thanks to its wide array of driving assist features such as blind spot view monitor, lane following assist and highway driving assist. It even comes with a clever but flattering remote parking assistant that allows the Nexo to park by itself and retrieve the vehicle while setting off. Sounds kooky but hey, we live in the future, zura.

Should you buy it? The Hyundai Nexo starts at 73,378,500 Korean Won (around 3,630,000 Pesos), which sounds too niche to buy one, especially when there's the after tax benefit sale price bonus. Although the pricing and the styling is worth a heckle, the Nexo's promising efficiency and usability as a crossover is something that shouldn't be underestimated upon, which is fine for an unrivaled fuel-cell crossover, and with the world starting to stave off from diesels, the Nexo is a crossover that is here today, ready for tomorrow. Consider this your next ride if you are willing to let go your rusty diesel crossover.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company