There’s always interesting stuff hiding out around automakers’ lots. Sometimes it’s well-preserved old stuff, sometimes it’s cars made for other markets, and sometimes it’s brand new rarities. The new Hyundai Nexo is a compact crossover, the de facto form for a new car in 2025, yet most of us probably won’t see one out in public. That’s because it runs on hydrogen.
You know, the most common element in the universe, yet one with a serious infrastructure build ahead of it. While hydrogen fuel cells have future promise in long-distance freight and other applications where battery electric power simply isn’t practical, they haven’t enjoyed an easy past 20 years or so. From hydrogen shortages in California to per-kilogram pricing high enough to result in a black market, the road to hydrogen electric vehicles is a slow and steady path. Despite these setbacks, there are still hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the market, and the new Nexo is one of the more interesting ones.
Granted, it’s not a powerhouse like some of today’s dual-motor EVs. A 110 kW hydrogen fuel cell, an 80 kW battery pack, and a 150 kW electric motor combine forces to promise zero-to-62 mph in a modest 7.8 seconds. Hydrogen fuel tank capacity is up over the previous generation Nexo by 360 grams to 6.69 kilograms, and range for the Korean Domestic Market model climbs to more than 435 miles. Solid, if not jaw-dropping stuff, but one of the neatest parts of the Nexo is how it looks.
Right off the bat, the Nexo is funky with a capital F. The recessed strips down the flanks, the huge pixel-like lighting elements, the unusual silhouette, it all adds up to a distinct look. When it was first unveiled in renderings, it drew some Aztek comments but in the metal, it never quite manages any full Pontiac comparisons, partly because of the roofline and partly because of the quarter panel detailing. Although it doesn’t look it, the roof of the new Nexo is surprisingly flat, and the roofline doesn’t start to dip until well after the rear axle, while the whole quarter panel has this unusual rhombus detailing that really stands out.
Also, we need to talk about the two-tone here because it’s unlike anything I’ve seen on a mainstream crossover in eons. Two neutral tones, one warm and one cool, but distributed in fascinating ways. While most of the coachwork adopts the cooler tone, the entire rear of the Nexo, along with the door handles, the mirrors, and the front bumper. It’s the sort of thing that’s easy to get wrong, yet I reckon it totally works here.
I’m also a fan of the front end on the Nexo, which almost feels like a mix of old and new. The chunky individual lighting elements, large blacked-out headlight bezel, and separate turn signal assemblies feel like a nod to the classics, while the actual lighting technology, the air curtains, and the giant H on the valence are all right on the zeitgeist. Seeing it in person was so much realer than the initial renderings from the global debut, and I’m thankful Hyundai Canada let me snap some pics to show you.
Will I ever see the next Nexo in public? You know, it’s possible. Lester B. Pearson International Airport has a hydrogen filling station, and I’ve seen hydrogen vehicles lurking around there before. However, that’s an anomaly. Most places in North America have no hydrogen infrastructure, so consider this a look at something most people will rarely see. Low-volume cars often allow styling departments to take risks, and the Nexo is boldly unconventional, yet compellingly styled. So, if you live near a hydrogen station, keep your eyes peeled. The roads near you are about to get weirder and better.
Top graphic image: Thomas Hundal
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Curious that this has North American-style side marker lights. The Korean spec model that was on the showroom floor at the Seoul Mobility Show did not have these lights which makes me think it’s actually plausible that Hyundai will attempt to sell it in California.
Are they going to open their own hydrogen filling stations? Haven’t they all closed even in CA?
Stop trying to make ‘Hydrogen’ happen.
“That’s because it runs on
hydrogenSTUPID”There… fixed it for accuracy.
In light of growing BEV sales, BEV tech advances and the BEV tech being vastly cheaper and far more available not just in terms of the vehicles, but also the infrastructure, WHY do automakers insist on carrying on with this GODFORESAKEN DEAD END TECH???
Did the oil industry send the upper execs at Hyundai a pallet of cash, an armada of hookers and barrels of blow or something? I can see how that conversation might have gone…
Hyundai: “No more!!! This Hydrogen shit is stupid!!! It’s a compete fucking waste of time and money!!”
Saudis/Oil Industry: “Alllriigght… I hear you. I HEAR YOU. But look… just one more favour. Oh look… Here’s Candy! You remember Candy Kahuna from last time, right? Oh look at that… she’s holding a big bowl… wonder what’s in that bowl? Oh and here’s Brandi… and she has a box full of your favourite Cubans and a bottle of Glenlivet.”
Hyundai: “I dunno… “
Saudis/Oil Industry:”Oh and check your phone… you just got an e-transfer… “
Hyundai: “FINE… we’ll do one more of those hydrogen jobs for you…
The Nexo feels like a sunk cost fallacy that you can actually drive.
Aztek vibes going on here.
Fortunately only from the A-pillar back. The Aztek’s face is one of its worst features and this Nexo has a much more likable face. Also, the proportions on the side view aren’t nearly as awkward as the Aztek. But yeah, the side indentations are reminiscent of the Aztek’s cladding and the C-pillar+cargo window are definitely Azteky.
I don’t think the two tone works here, it just looks like they didn’t have good lighting when grabbing parts.
We need EV conversion kits for these lot anchors.
Chevron just opened up a new hydrogen fueling station in Southern California. Current price of $35.59/kg. $238.00 for a full tank, which gets you a 438 mile range.
That’s crazy. But at least you’re making the world a better place? If you can afford it? I guess…?
It’s certainly an interesting looking vehicle, would probably make a lot more sense as a phev or full ev. Hydrogen is cool but the tech really never took off.