2023 Hyundai Nexo Review

Hydrogen vehicles, also known as fuel cell cars, have been in the market since 1966. These machines are powered by compressed hydrogen gas that energizes the fuel cell stack.

This does not burn gas like traditional vehicles do, but changes the hydrogen gas into electrical energy. This powers the car’s electric motors. As a result, the only waste produced from the vehicle is a tiny trickle of water.

This fuel cell stack vehicle is very energy efficient. Compared to traditional crossover SUVs which get around 30 mpg combined, hydrogen-powered vehicles have a higher standard.

The Nexo Blue earned 61 combined mpg-e. For those looking into a higher trim level, the 2022 Nexo Limited earns 59 combined mpg. This is considered excellent for a crossover SUV.

The Nexo Blue has a driving range of 380 miles while the Nexo Limited has 354 miles. On top of it all, the Hyundai Nexo can be refueled in as quick as 5 minutes, which is much faster than its electric vehicle competition.

When you put together the long driving range and the quick refueling, this looks like hydrogen-powered vehicles may be a true alternative to gasoline and diesel machines. Keep in mind, the Hyundai Nexo is only offered in California due to a limited number of hydrogen fuel stations.

Hyundai’s Nexo is no ordinary crossover. Kelley Blue Book noted the 2022 Nexo to do well in California traffic and have excellent ride quality. They praised the occupant space size, such as rear legroom of 38.6 inches and cargo volume of 29.6 cubic feet. When the seats are folded down, this expands to 56.5 cubic feet.

Still bigger than its rivals, the 2022 Hyundai Nexo loses a bit of space to the extra equipment needed for the hydrogen fuel cell stack and electric battery. However, the 101-cubic foot interior proves to be plenty comfortable.

In terms of power, the torque rate for this vehicle is 291 pound-feet. As for horsepower, the Nexo fuel cell generates 161 horses and 291 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Mirai, another alternative energy vehicle, produces 221 pound-feet, lagging by some 70 lb-ft!

Hyundai offers four exterior colors for both trims of the hydrogen-powered Nexo. These include Deep Sea, Shimmering Silver, Copper Metallic, and White Pearl. All interiors are offered in a luxurious Stone Gray.

This car's green credentials continue with the use of vegan leather. All editions, even the base model, come with vegan leather, which is a better and cleaner choice for the environment. It happens to be quite luxurious, soft and long-lasting as well.

Hyundai has improved the digital instrument cluster on the 2022 Nexo Blue. The new unit is 10.3 inches, which is notably larger than the 7-inch screen on all 2021 Hyundai Nexo models.

Conveniently, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard connectivity features. This allows drivers to use their favorite apps on the 12.3-inch dashboard touchscreen. The Nexo provides drivers with two USB ports and a wireless charger.

Another favorite amenity is Hyundai’s Blue Link system. When downloarding the app, drivers can use their smartphones as a way to remotely start their vehicles, as well as lock and unlock the car. For those hot summers, drivers can remotely start the air conditioning. Fortunately, the Blue Link subscription is free for the first three years of ownership.

For the 2022 year, Hyundai offered two simple trim level options. The base model is the Nexo Blue, while the top trim is the Nexo Limited. Proving popular these trims continue for the 2023 year.

The Nexo Blue is the lighter and more fuel efficient cousin of the Nexo Limited. The Blue offers 17-inch wheels, while the Limited has 19-inch wheels. The Blue offers greater headroom, but identical interior volume as the Limited.

In terms of safety, the Blue is well-stocked, and the Limited is even better. Top trims have a Blind-Spot View Monitor, a Surround View Monitor, and Premium Remote Smart Parking Assist. Drivers will love the ventilated front seats on the Nexo Limited during those hot drives home from work in the summer. Click here to schedule a test drive.

Hyundai’s Nexo is a true investment. To help drivers fund their hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, Hyundai grants three years of free refueling which is a generous $15,000.

Additionally, this Hyundai purchase is eligible up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. Recognizing that fuel cell technologies are expensive, Hyundai provides a loaner for a one-week vacation for the first three years. When you add all of this up, it is clear that the Nexo is a cost effective purchase that will save you money over time.

For those interested in a similar vehicle in the Phoenix AZ area, check out Earnhardt Avondale’s inventory. You will like the Hyundai alternative vehicles such as the IONIQ 5, an electric vehicle, or the Tucson, which has hybrid options. Utilize our online chat for any questions or give us a call.