2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric

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Rating8.3

Ranked #1 in 

Compact SUV
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$58,735 - $62,185
Starting Price 
M. Hannigan's image
M. Hannigan 

Content Writer,

Updated on October 24, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Zero emissions

Available only in California for now

All New for 2020

Good cargo space

Limited Hydrogen filling stations

Spacious interiors

Available for sale and not just leasing

Great driving range

Smooth drivetrain and operation

Specs & Features

$58,735

price

161 hp

horsepower

291 lb.-ft.

torque

1-Speed Dual Clutch

transmission

electric FWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Hyundai has been among the few companies in the world that are betting big on the future of Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles. In terms of investments and technological advancements, Hyundai is at the forefront. Thus, to up its offensive and give the consumers a truly premium SUV that is both efficient and eco-friendly, Hyundai has introduced the all-new 2020 Nexo to the US market.

The 2020 Hyundai Nexo FCV is based on an all-new platform from Hyundai and seats 5 people. To give you a perspective, the 2020 Hyundai Nexo is longer than its sibling, the Tucson, by over 10 inches and is roomier than the same. The Nexo is powered by a 180hp motor and the peak torque figure has been rated as 290ft-lbs. All of this power is channeled to the front wheels. The Nexo also comes with a massive 52.2L Fuel tank that can be fully filled with Hydrogen in under 5 minutes while delivering a range of about 380 miles.

Buying Advice

The Limited Trim offers some unique additions to the Blue trim and hence, we feel that it is the worthy option to go for.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Nexo is currently sold only in the state of California as no other state has hydrogen fueling stations. Because it is such a low-volume vehicle, every Nexo is hand-built with almost as many quality inspectors as assemblers at its factory in Korea. The moment you lay eyes on the Nexo, you will know this is not a regular Hyundai. The bold and aggressive grille, stretched LED front lamps and the clean fluidic exterior design distinguishes the Nexo from its rivals. The interior looks very futuristic with a large infotainment screen, loads of controls and the dual-tone color combination of silver and gray. But what sets the Nexo apart from all other cars is the materials that have been used for the interiors. Like the Ioniq, Hyundai has decided to go with bioplastic and other biodegradable materials to manufacture the interiors. So without any further delay, let’s slide inside the all-new Hyundai Nexo.

Features
9.0/10

Hyundai doesn’t shy away from loading its cars with features and the Nexo is not different. Hyundai offers the 2020 Nexo in 2 trims, namely the Blue and the Limited and both these trims come loaded with a ton of features.

Trim

Blue

Limited

MSRP

$58,300

$61,800

Features

Auto LED Headlights and DRL’s with High Beam Assist

Adds/Upgrades to Blue

 

Heated Side Mirrors with Turn Signals

Power Tilt/Slide Sunroof

 

12 V Front, 110V A/C Inverter in 2nd Row Outlet

Roof Rails

 

Remote Keyless, proximity key entry with Push Button start and Hyundai Blue Link Package

Hands Free Lift Gate with Auto Open, Height Adjust

 

Heated 8 Way power Driver Seats, 6 Way Powered Front Passenger Seats with Power Lumbar Support

Ventilated Front Seats

 

Auto Up/Down Driver’s Power Windows

Surround View monitor

 

Tilt and Telescopic adjust steering wheel with Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Go

Heated Steering Wheel

 

7” TFT LCD Instrument Console with Automatic Temperature Control

Remote Parking Assist with Auto parking function

 

12.3” Color Touchscreen with AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio/MP3/On board Navigation with Apple Car Play, Android Auto, USB/AUX Input and Bluetooth

440W Krell 8 Channel External Amplifier and 8 Speakers music system that includes Subwoofer and tweeters

We Recommend

The Limited Trim offers some unique additions to the Blue trim and hence, we feel that it is a worthy option to go for.

Fuel Economy
9.0/10

The 2020 Hyundai Nexo scores high when it comes to the MPG or Mileage figures. The 3 Hydrogen tanks that store Hydrogen, compressed at 10,000 psi each can hold a total of 6.3KG of the same. For people worrying about the Nexo’s performance in the Cold weather, Hyundai has thoroughly tested the Cold Weather Performance of the Nexo and has ensured that the Nexo can start even at temperatures of -22 degree Fahrenheit.

Model

Hyundai Nexo Limited

Jaguar I-Pace S

Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro

MPG (city)

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (highway)

N/A

N/A

N/A

MPG (combined)

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tank Capacity (gal)

41.4

N/A

N/A

Range(Miles)

380

298

248.5

The Nexo manages to outrun the other SUV’s in the test today by dishing out a much higher range than the others. In reality, though, the Jag and the Audi are different cars as they are pure electric as compared to the FCV based Hyundai and for that fact, both of these rake in good figures.

Interior
8.0/10

It's an airy cabin with full-width design elements to aid that sense of space-Caranddriver.com

Seating and Comfort

The Hyundai Nexo has been developed from Scratch and that is evident from the way, the Interiors have been designed. The Cabin exudes luxury with the use of good quality materials, while the light colors elevate the sense of roominess in the cabin. The Twin Screens in the front gives an S Class like feel to the humble Nexo while the Center console feels more like a premium Lexus.

Seats are pretty comfortable and offer both heating and cooling functions for the front. For the convenience part, they can be power adjusted on the front in multiple ways. The Lumbar Support is power-adjustable as well and seating 5 in the Nexo, won’t be big of an issue.

Model

Hyundai Nexo Limited

Jaguar I-Pace S

Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro

Passenger capacity

5

5

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38/57.2/41.5

39.9/57.6/40.9

39.8/58.6/40.8

Second

(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)

38/55.5/38.6

38.1/54.6/35.0

38.6/57.2/39.1

In terms of the Space, Hyundai Engineers have to be given extra credit for not compromising the Interior space in lieu of the Multiple Hydrogen Tanks and the Complex Fuel Cell Drivetrain. The New Platform allows Hyundai, to maximize the room inside and not compromise on the same. There is a decent amount of Head and Leg Room for the Rear Seat Passengers while seating 3 abreast, won’t be much of an issue as well. The story remains the same for the front as well.

Cargo Capacity

The 2020 Hyundai Nexo, isn’t only an Eco-Friendly but a practical one as well. Hyundai’s expertise in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and its Storage has ensured that the big fuel tanks don’t eat up the cargo space. Among its rivals, the Hyundai Nexo offers the most space while the 60/40 rear seats split arrangement, adds to space in the cargo area.

Model

Hyundai Nexo Limited

Jaguar I-Pace S

Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro

Cargo Volume (ft.3)

29.6

25.3

28.5

The All-Electric Audi e-Tron comes the closest to the Nexo in terms of the Cargo capacity on offer while the Jaguar I-Pace offers the lowest in this aspect.

Infotainment System

Hyundai has been known, for loading the infotainment system of its cars with a ton of features and the new 2020 Hyundai Nexo, is no exception. These are the features that you will find in the infotainment system of the Nexo

  • 3” Color Touchscreen with AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio/MP3 Audio System, Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Onboard Navigation
  • 440W Krell 8 Channel External amp and 8 speakers with subwoofer
  • USB, Bluetooth, Aux Input Jack
  • Rear View Monitor with Parking Guidance
  • Blue Link Connected Car System, Remote and Guidance Package
  • Wireless Charging Pad
  • 7” TFT LCD instrument cluster
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go

Interior Features

There are a lot of features that can be found inside the 2020 Hyundai Nexo and some of these have been listed below

  • 8 Way Driver and 6 Way Front Passenger Powered, Heated and Ventilated Seats
  • Power Lumbar Support
  • 60/40 Split Flat Rear Seats
  • Automatic Temperature Control
  • Auto Defogger with Rear and Side Window Defroster with Timer
  • Tilt and Telescopic Adjust Heated Steering wheel with mounted audio, cruise, and Bluetooth controls
  • Power Windows with Driver’s Auto Down/Up
  • Remote Keyless Entry with Alarm and Panic
  • Proximity Key Entry with Push Button Start
  • 12V Front Outlet and 2 USB Chargers
  • 110V Power Outlet(A/C Inverter) in 2nd Row

Exterior
8.0/10

Both inside and out, the new Nexo looks like it rolled straight out of the future-KBB.com

Design and Dimensions

The Nexo doesn’t feel like the Hyundais that you would normally see on the streets of US. That having said though, there are certain elements that would make you realize that there is a family theme going on. There is a big cascading grille and split headlights on the front that will remind you some smaller Hyundai’s. The Chunky 19” Alloys and the sloping roofline and D-Pillar, adds to the aerodynamic appeal of the SUV. The Design overall looks pretty futuristic, with sharp lines around the SUV, vents in the C pillar and the blackened out A Pillars to give a “Fluidic” look.

Model

Hyundai Nexo Limited

Jaguar I-Pace S

Audi e-tron Premium Plus with Quattro

Curb weight (lbs.)

4116

4784

5643

Length(in)

183.9

184.3

193

Width(in)

73.2

74.6

76.3

Height(in)

64.6

61.3

65.5

Ground clearance (in)

N/A

5.6

6.9

Wheelbase (in)

109.8

117.7

115.1

The Hyundai Nexo sits in between the Tucson and the New Santa Fe in terms of dimensions. In terms of the rivals here, it is the shortest in length and least in width. In terms of height though, it comes in between the both. What this translates in reality is an easier life while moving through the traffic and while parking in tight spaces and a better car to live with for taller people.

Exterior Features

  • Auto Parking Function
  • Automatic LED Headlights with LED DRL’s with High Beam Assist and LED Brake Light
  • Puddle Lights
  • Heated Exterior Side Mirrors with Turn Signal Indicators
  • Power Tilt and Slide Sunroof
  • Roof Rails
  • Shark Fin Roof Antenna
  • Hands Free Smart Lift gate with Auto Open and Adjustable height setting

Safety
9.0/10

Hyundai does not skip on the safety of its passengers and the Hyundai Nexo, covers the same philosophy of Hyundai. There are a wide range of safety features on offer in the 2020 Hyundai Nexo and those have been listed below

  • Forward Collision Assistance with Pedestrian Detection
  • Blind Spot Collision Warning
  • Blind View Monitor
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
  • Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • Lane Follow Assist
  • High Beam Assist
  • Regenerative Brakes with all 4 wheel discs and ABS
  • ESC with TC and Brake Assist
  • Vehicle Stability Management
  • TPMS and Body Side Reinforcements
  • 6 Airbags and Integrated Anti-Theft System

Competition
6.0/10

Hyundai Nexo vs. Jaguar I-Pace

The Jaguar I-Pace, is the first effort from Jaguar in terms of an Eco-Friendly vehicle and boy have they pulled out a stunner. The I Pace has a typical British Design character and offers great luxury, both on the exteriors and the Interiors. In terms of performance as well, it’s no slouch and beats the Nexo, hands down. The Jag, however, runs on electric charge and takes at least 2 hours to charge fully. The Hyundai, on the other hand, gets its tank filled in just 5 minutes and offers a higher range than the Jag. It offers a lot of advanced features like automatic parking and high tech infotainment system, which makes the Hyundai, a convincing buy.

Hyundai Nexo vs. Audi e-Tron

The Audi e-Tron is Audi’s way of telling what the future has arrived. The e-Tron goes like a stabbed rat and coupled it with Audi’s Quattro system and you have a potent off-roader in your hands. The Audi also comes loaded with plenty of features and a well-built cabin. The Audi, however, doesn’t match the range of the Hyundai and takes at least 2 hours to fully charge. The Hyundai, on the other hand, offers a tech-laden cabin and a lot of futuristic features. The Hyundai also fills up in just 5 minutes and delivers a lot higher range than the Audi as well.

Final Verdict
8.1/10

The Hyundai Nexo, offers a great alternative to conventional Plug and Drive type of Cars and feels much more like a conventional car. The Nexo has a lot of advanced features like Auto-park Assist, Dual Screen displays and much more. It is spacious on the inside and can carry a good amount of Cargo as well and looks like a Future Bred SUV. All in all, if you live in California (as the Nexo is only available here at the time of this writing) and you are willing to buy an SUV that takes you to the future, without making you feel guilty about polluting the environment, then the Nexo is possibly the Best that you can get now.

Trims

    Blue
    $58,735 onwards
    • Engine: electric FWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 161 hp hp
    • Torque: 291 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 8.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 61 mpg
    Limited
    $62,185 onwards
    • Engine: electric FWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 161 hp hp
    • Torque: 291 lb.-ft.
    • 0-60 mph: 8.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 57 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$58,735- $62,185

Engine

electric

Rating

8.34

Horsepower

161 hp

Torque

291 lb.-ft.

Capacity

5

Read Review

$77,400- $83,400

electric

7.67

355 hp

414 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$48,000- $59,990

electric

8.16

-

-

5

Read Review

2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.4 sec--
    4.8 sec-155 mph
    5.5 sec14 sec124 mph

    2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      SourceCompare
      65 mpg58 mpg61 mpg41.4 gal.
      127 mpg114 mpg121 mpg-
      78 mpg77 mpg78 mpg-

      2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        183.9 in.73.2 in.64.2 in.6.4 in.109.8 in.
        193 in.76.2 in.65 in.6.9 in.115 in.

        2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC Electric

        Ranked #2

        187.4 in.74.2 in.63.9 in.5.1 in.113.1 in.
        187 in.75.6 in.63.9 in.6.6 in.113.8 in.

        2020 Kia Niro EV Electric

        Ranked #5

        172.2 in.71.1 in.61.4 in.6.1 in.106.3 in.

        2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          29.6 cu.ft.101.3 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.
          50.3 cu.ft.125.3 cu.ft.-
          13.3 cu.ft.--

          2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            56.5 cu.ft.29.6 cu.ft.56.5 cu.ft.-
            -13.3 cu.ft.--
            -50.3 cu.ft.-76 ft.

            2020 Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              3999 lbs.1169 lbs.3990 lbs.
              4000 lbs.-5754 lbs.
              3200 lbs.886 lbs.4416 lbs.

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