New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen SUV: 700km Range, Futuristic Design & Next-Gen Tech

By: Kevin Anderson

3 Minute read

Category: automotive

Hi everyone, I’m Urvashi Kumari, and as someone who's been writing about cars, bikes, and SUVs for the last four years, I can confidently say—this one got me excited! Hydrogen cars are still rare in the Indian market, but globally, they’re slowly making waves. And guess what? Hyundai is leading the charge once again. Let me introduce you to the New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV , a vehicle that’s not just futuristic in its power source, but also stunning in design and packed with next-level tech.

While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are stealing the spotlight these days, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are quietly laying the groundwork for the next revolution. The New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV is proof that this quiet revolution is getting louder and smarter.

My First Impressions of the New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen SUV

When I first saw the new Nexo, I was honestly in awe. The design is unlike anything Hyundai has done in its regular ICE or electric vehicles. Based on the 2024 Initium concept, the SUV looks sleek, bold, and future-ready. The front and rear ‘HTWO’ light signatures are eye-catching, and the aerodynamic curves give it a dynamic yet elegant appeal. I couldn’t help but notice how Hyundai has successfully made this car look both powerful and eco-conscious.

What truly blew my mind, though, was the claimed 700+ km range on a full tank of hydrogen. For an eco-friendly SUV, that’s insane! It actually beats many EVs in the same price and segment range.

Under the Hood – Hydrogen Tech at Its Best

I’ve covered plenty of engine specs in my time, but hydrogen-powered vehicles still feel special. The New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV comes equipped with a 204 hp electric motor—an upgrade from the older version's 163 hp. While the torque has slightly dropped to 350 Nm, Hyundai has comp

ensated with quicker acceleration. The 0 to 100 kmph timing is now just 7.8 seconds , which is quite decent for a green SUV of this size.

The hydrogen tank itself is larger now—6.69kg , and paired with a 2.64kWh lithium-ion battery , which helps deliver that impressive range. This combination of a fuel cell stack and a compact battery makes the Nexo efficient and responsive. The powertrain is not just about numbers—it’s about smooth and silent cruising, which I personally find therapeutic on long drives.

Exterior Styling – A Concept Car in Reality

You know that feeling when a car actually looks like the concept sketch you saw years ago? That’s what happened with the new Nexo. The exterior of the New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV stays true to the Initium concept, featuring flush door handles, sleek LED DRLs, and a sloping roofline that gives it a coupe-SUV vibe.

The paint is what stood out the most to me. Hyundai is using a three-coat paint finish , and depending on how the light hits the surface, the color literally shifts—giving the car a multidimensional look. It’s so cool in person! And yes, it comes in six beautiful shades to suit everyone’s taste. Let me break down how it compares to the older model in terms of size:

Specification	New Hyundai Nexo	Old Hyundai Nexo
Length (mm)	4750	4671
Width (mm)	1865	1859
Height (mm)	1673	1630
Wheelbase (mm)	2790	2790

As you can see, the new version is longer, wider, and taller, giving it a much more dominating road presence.

Interior – A High-Tech Lounge on Wheels

As someone who spends a lot of time inside test vehicles, I always look for two things—comfort and technology. And the New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV delivers both in spades. The cabin feels ultra-premium with sustainable materials like recycled PET fabric, linen fabric, and bio-processed leather.

The twin 12.3-inch displays borrowed from the Ioniq 5 are crisp, vibrant, and super intuitive. One screen handles all your driving info while the other takes care of infotainment. There’s also a head-up display , and yes, the SUV now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay —finally!

One thing I really loved was the use of camera-based side mirrors. These feed live video to the screens on the dashboard, replacing the traditional ORVMs. It’s such a smart use of space and tech. Add in a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, wireless phone charger, and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality, and you’re basically sitting in a luxury lounge on wheels.

New Hyundai Nexo Hydrogen SUV

Safety Features – Because Peace of Mind Matters

Safety is something I never take lightly when reviewing vehicles, and the new Nexo doesn’t disappoint. It comes loaded with up to 9 airbags and is built using hot-stamped, high-strength steel for maximum body rigidity. Hyundai is targeting the highest crash-test ratings here, just like the previous Nexo which earned a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP.

More importantly, it’s equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) , which means features like lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking are all part of the package. Hyundai isn’t just ticking boxes here—they’ve genuinely prioritized passenger safety.

The Technology That Sets It Apart

One of the reasons I admire Hyundai is their commitment to pushing boundaries. The New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV isn't just a car; it’s a rolling showcase of the future. The updated fuel cell stack is not only more efficient but also lighter and faster at converting hydrogen into electricity.

And while most EVs suffer from long charging times, hydrogen cars like the Nexo can be refueled in under five minutes. That’s as quick as filling up a petrol tank! Just imagine, 700+ km range with a five-minute refill. That’s the future I want to live in.

Here’s a quick glance at the Nexo's core power specs:

Component	Detail
Motor Output	204 hp
Torque	350 Nm
Hydrogen Tank	6.69 kg
Battery Capacity	2.64 kWh
Range	700+ km (claimed)
0-100 kmph	7.8 seconds

Will It Launch in India?

Now let’s talk about the big question—will the New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV come to India? Hyundai had previously showcased the first-gen Nexo at the 2020 Auto Expo and even at the 2018 India-Korea Business Summit. But here’s the problem—India doesn’t have enough hydrogen filling stations yet. As much as I’d love to see this car on our roads, infrastructure is a major roadblock.

However, Hyundai is doing its homework. They’re reportedly conducting feasibility studies on launching hydrogen cars in India. So fingers crossed—maybe in a couple of years, we’ll have the Nexo rolling down Indian highways.

Final Thoughts – Why I Believe in the Hyundai Nexo

Writing about the New Hyundai Nexo hydrogen SUV genuinely gave me hope for the future of clean mobility. It’s not just a car; it’s a vision of what our roads could look like in the next 5–10 years. From the high range and eco-friendly tech to the luxurious cabin and robust safety features, the Nexo delivers in every department.

For someone like me who loves to drive but also wants to reduce my carbon footprint, hydrogen vehicles seem like a brilliant middle ground between ICE and full EVs. If Hyundai can bring this to more markets and the world builds the infrastructure it needs, the Nexo could be a total game-changer.