Hydrogen fuel cell technology has been making headlines in the auto industry for a few decades now, with many claiming it’s the future of the fossil-free automobile. However, unlike the electric car market, the hydrogen segment has evolved rather slow, with most automakers opting to stay away from the big development costs and the expensive carbon-fiber fuel tanks. Until Toyota debuted the Mirai, Hyundai was the only company that actually launched a production model. The ix35 FCEV, also known as the Tuscon FCEV in some markets, was introduced in 2013. After several tests, full-scale production began in 2015 and examples were delivered in more than 20 countries worldwide. Come 2018 and Hyundai wants to take things up a notch with a brand-new model, called the Nexo.

Introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show, the event where automakers launch their high-tech products for a few years now, the Nexo will replace the ix35/Tucson FCEV. And the new hydrogen-powered EV is a significant departure from its predecessor. Not only riding on a new platform, it also features a unique design, a brand-new interior, and bespoke technology. And unlike many vehicles we usually see at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Nexo is ready to go into production and will become available in select markets later in 2018. Let's find out more about Hyundai's next-generation FCEV in the review below.

Update 12/12/2018: We've updated this review of images of the 2019 Hyundai Nexo taken at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Check them out int he gallery below!

2019 Hyundai Nexo

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Hyundai Nexo
  • Torque: 291
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- New, original exterior design - Sporty profile - Clean rear end - Still familiar

The Nexo sports a fresh design language that's also somewhat unique in the Hyundai lineup. This is major news because it's Hyundai's first attempt at a stand-alone hydrogen model and a significant departure from the previous FCEV, which was identical to the standard Tucson on the outside.

While the front fascia borrows some cues from the recently unveiled Kona, including the slim headlamps and the large light units in the bumper, the main grille is completely new. Whereas most current Hyundais have the traditional trapezoidal grille that’s wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, the Nexo features a reinterpretation of the design with a significantly wider top section and rounded sides. The corners also have sharp angles, especially at the bottom, which makes it similar to Lexus’ aggressive-looking "spindle" grille.

The profile is pretty much every SUV out there with clean lines and a high beltline. The curved side skirt and the grey insert just below the doors are a nice touch though and set it apart from the rather boring norm. The five-spoke, two-tone offset wheel design reminds me of the 1980s, but it all works very well with the overall styling. The roof sits relatively low for a sporty stance and morphs a coupe-like shape toward the rear. The rear section is rather generic with taillights that become narrower as they progress toward the badge, a clean tailgate design, and a simple bumper with a big license plate recess that mimics the shape of the front grille. The rear window provides good visibility for such a small SUV.

Needless to say, the Nexo is far from revolutionary design-wise, but I like the fact that Hyundai created almost everything from a clean sheet. Definitely better than dropping an alternative drivetrain into an existing model. And while it may not be as exotic-looking as the Toyota Mirai, the Nexo is by no means boring.

Exterior Dimensions

Hyundai Nexo

Hyundai Tucson FCEV

Length

183.9 inches

173.6 inches

Width

73.2 inches

71.7 inches

Height

64.2 inches

65.2 inches

Wheelbase

109.8 inches

103.9 inches


Interior

- Unique layout - Digital instrument cluster - Somewhat cluttered center stack - Cheap-looking lower dashboard - Industry-first Lane Following Assist - Autonomous parking - Blind-Spot View Monitor features - Enhanced cabin space

The cabin layout is also unique to this model and the styling is clean and simple for the most part. While there are a few Kona-inspired features, especially on the dashboard, the Nexo’s cabin is very original. The center console is taller than in most small SUVs and descends from the center stack toward the center tunnel at a 30-degree angle. There’s a big infotainment display in the center of the dash,while the instrument cluster is fully digital.

Hyundai didn't have much to say about them, but both screens seem intuitive and easy to use based on how they display information. Also, both are placed under the same long hood, which makes it seem as if a wide screen stretches across more than half the dashboard. If this layout seems familiar it's because we've already seen it in the recently unveiled, third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS. Pretty cool!

The center console holds a number of buttons and knobs for the HVAC and other systems found in modern cars. But despite most features being accessible via the infotainment display, the latter is a bit too cluttered for a modern car that wants to impress. Another feature I don't like in the Nexo is the lower dash and door panels, which look cheap due to the gray plastic. It's something I used to see in many old Hyundais and I'm a bit disappointed to find the same thing in a vehicle launched in 2018.

Technology-wise, the Nexo is well equipped. It comes with new Lane Following Assist, Blind-spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant, all three making their debut.

Blind-Spot View Monitor is actually an industry-first feature. Using a number of cameras, it displays rear and side views of the vehicle on the center display when the driver is changing lanes in either direction. Granted, the concept isn't exactly new, but the Nexo is indeed the first vehicle to provide drivers with video footage from both sides. This basically eliminated blind spots as the cameras are able to cover areas that traditional mirrors can't.

Lane Following Assist is all-new feature for Hyundai that automatically adjusts steering to help keep the car centered in lane at speeds of up to 90 mph. Highway Driving Assists uses sensors and map data to adjust speed in limited environments. Together, the two systems work as a smart auto pilot feature. Speaking of smart technology, Remote Smart Parking Assist enables the Nexo to autonomously park and retrieve itself from a parking space. This can be done with or without a driver in the car, at the push of a button.

Finally, Hyundai says that the Nexo provides more cabin space compared to the Tucson. There aren't any figures to back that statement as of this writing, but it makes sense given that the Nexo benefits form better packaging and more compact hydrogen tanks and batteries.

Drivetrain

- Bespoke platform - Lighter drivetrain - 161-horsepower electric motor - 291 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 60 mph in 9.9 seconds - 42-gallon hydrogen tanks - 370-mile range - Refueling takes only 5 minutes

The big news here is that the Nexo rides on a bespoke platform created specifically for this model. It's a big step forward from the previous FCEV that used the same underpinnings as the Tucson and proof that Hyundai is taking its hydrogen program very seriously. Developing a bespoke platform for just one car is also very expensive, and not many carmakers are willing to do it. Most hybrids and electric cars usually share underpinnings with their standard siblings. That's a big plus for Hyundai.

The new crossover is also lighter, has a better power-to-weight ratio, while the fuel cell stack and battery have more net power to send to the electric motor. The powertrain is also lighter and more compact, which translates into better efficiency and better packaging inside the cabin and in the trunk.

The electric motor generates 120 kW, which converts to 161 horsepower, and 291 pound-feet of torque. That's an extra 27 horses and 70 pound-feet over the outgoing Tucson FCEV. The extra oomph and the lighter curb weight makes the Nexo quicker too. While the Tucson needed 12.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start, the Nexo needs only 9.9 clicks to reach the same benchmark. Hydrogen tank capacity was also increased from 140 to 156 liters (37 to 42 gallons). The Nexo also takes less to warm up for full operation, getting there in only 30 seconds, compared to the 90 seconds needed by the Tucson FCEV. This is also a best-in-segment feature, with no other hydrogen vehicle warming up as quick.

Arguably the most important upgrade is the increased range. Hyundai says that the Nexo can drive for up to 370 miles before needing a hydrogen fill-up. That's 105 miles more than the Tucson, which returned 265 miles. It's also significantly more than the Toyota Mirai (300 miles) and just above the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell (366 miles). It's closest battery-powered competitor, the Tesla Model X, returns up to 295 in range-topping trim. I have a feeling that Elon Musk, who said that hydrogen technology is "incredibly dumb," isn't very happy about it.

Refueling the hydrogen tanks takes only five minutes. That's incredibly quick compared to an electric car. Hyundai claims that the drivetrain has the same durability as an internal combustion engine. The Koreans also claim that the Nexo is capable of starting at temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius) and that the cooling system can handle temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).

Drivetrain Specifications

Hyundai Nexo

Hyundai Tucson FCEV

Fuel Cell

95 kW

100 kW

Battery

40 kW

24 kW

Torque

291 pound-feet

221 pound-feet

0-to-60 mph

9.5 seconds

12.5 seconds

Range

370 miles

265 miles


Prices

It's too early to say how much the new FCEV will cost, but the big question here is whether it will be available for purchase beyond the 36-month lease program introduced with the Tucson model. The outgoing SUV is available with the lease program only, which requires 36 monthly payments of $499, plus $2,999 due at lease signing, plus fees and taxes. If Hyundai decides to sell it outside the lease program, it could cost more than $30,000 before options and rebates, but that's not bad for a hydrogen car that comes with free fuel and free concierge maintenance.

Competition

The list of fuel cell production models is limited to just a handful of vehicles. Besides the ix35/Tucson and the limited-run Mercedes-Benz F-Cell, only two hydrogen cars are available, the Toyota Mirai and the Honda Clarity.

Toyota Mirai

Previewed by the FCV, the Mirai was unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. And unlike the ix35 FCEV, it wasn't built on an existing platform. It's also aimed at the premium car market and significantly more expensive than Hyundai's hydrogen vehicle. The Mirai is powered by a Toyota Fuel Cell System consisting of Toyota-developed fuel cell stack, boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. It's more energy-efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no carbon-dioxide. Refueling takes only five minutes when the tanks are empty and provide a driving range of around 300 miles. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes nine seconds, an impressive feat for a non-conventional vehicle. The electric motor delivers 152 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque and gets its juice from a 1.6 kWh sealed nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery pack similar to the one used in the Toyota Camry hybrid. Initially sold through a lease program only, the Mirai is now available for purchase from $57,500 before rebates. The lease program is still available at $349 per month for three years with a $2,499 fee due at lease signing. Toyota offers three years' worth of complementary fuel.

Read our full story on the 2017 Toyota Mirai.

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Originally launched in 2008, the Honda Clarity was the first production model to use hydrogen power. It was discontinued in 2014, but Honda launched a redesigned version in 2016. The improved drivetrain includes a more compact fuel cell stack, an enhanced battery, and a more powerful electric engine. Total range with a full tank of hydrogen is 366 miles, which is the highest EPA-rated driving range of a zero-emission vehicle on the U.S. market. The EPA gives the Clarity Fuel cell an estimated fuel economy of 68 MPGe combined. Pricing for the Clarity Fuel Cell starts from $59,380 including destination but before rebates. Honda offers up to $15,000 of hydrogen fuel.

Read our full review of the 2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

Tesla Model X

Granted, the Model X is a fully electric vehicle and doesn't belong here as a full-fledged competitor, but I include it because there are no other hydrogen-fueled SUVs on the market as of this writing. The Model X is also a fancier proposition in terms of design, looking more aggressive and sporting a pair of "Falcon" rear doors. Tesla offers three different battery options for the SUV. First up is the 75-kWh package, which returns 237 miles per charge and enables the Model X to hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The 100-kWh drivetrain increases the range to 295 miles and shaves two tenths off the 0-to-60 mph sprint. Finally, there's the incredible P100D model which runs for 289 miles per charge and gets to 60 mph in a scant 2.9 seconds. Yes, the Model X is significantly quicker than the Nexo, but it's also more expensive. While the base model retails from $85,500, the P100D fetches $140,000 before incentives.

Read our full story of the 2017 Tesla Model X.

Conclusion

Hyundai has invested a lot of resources in the development and testing of the Tucson FCEV and its great to see that it has paid off. The new hydrogen-powered crossover is better than its predecessor in just about any department and should lead the Korean brand to great heights on the market. After all, it will be the only crossover to use hydrogen fuel cells until the competition delivers something similar. The fact that the Nexo delivers more mileage than its competitor, including the Tesla Model X, should also help attract more customers to hydrogen technology.

References

Read more CES news.

Read more Hyundai news.

Read our full review on the 2017 Hyundai Tucson FCEV.