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Hyundai Nexo

Is The Hyundai Nexo Actually Worth Buying?

The Hyundai Nexo is another option, along with the massive lineup of SUVs that Hyundai has to offer. There is the Hyundai Tucson, Kona, Venue, and more. So, where does the Nexo fall in the lineup, and is it worth its luxury price tag?  How Does The Hyundai Nexo Compare?  The Hyundai Nexo has a …

The Hyundai Nexo is another option, along with the massive lineup of SUVs that Hyundai has to offer. There is the Hyundai Tucson, Kona, Venue, and more. So, where does the Nexo fall in the lineup, and is it worth its luxury price tag? 

How Does The Hyundai Nexo Compare? 

The Hyundai Nexo has a shocking price. It starts around $58k, which is much more expensive than the Kona and Tucson. 

The price is higher with this SUV because it’s a hydrogen-power fuel cell vehicle. Meaning it produces electricity with the help of a hydrogen-powered fuel cell and a lithium-ion battery to prevent a delay in acceleration. 

Hyundai Nexo
Hyundai Nexo

Instead of gasoline, you will occasionally need to purchase hydrogen for the fuel tank. A gallon of hydrogen is equivalent to about paying $5.33 for a gallon of gas. 

Refueling the Nexo takes about five minutes, which is similar to the amount of time it takes to fill up a car with gas. Also, if you purchase a Nexo, you get either three years of free fuel or $13k worth, depending on which option occurs first. 

Depending on which trim you choose, the Hyundai Nexo provides a range between 354 and 380 miles. The heavier, limited option gets a lower range partly because of its larger 19” tires. 

A Hyundai Nexo is seen during the Vienna Car Show press preview at Messe Wien
The Hyundai Nexo, one of the automaker’s safest vehicles | Manfred Schmid/Getty Images

Only hydrogen lasts much longer and burns cleaner. Hydrogen provides the power and torque of an electric vehicle without the anxiety of having to stop and charge it. 

However, only California has hydrogen fueling stations, so sales are minimal. That’s likely why the Honda and Toyota fuel-cell options are also on the back burner. 

Hyundai Nexo Performance 

The Hyundai Nexo only produces 161 horsepower with its 95-kW fuel stack, 40 kWh battery pack, and electric motor. 

This fuel-cell SUV takes a baffling 8.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. If you pay close to $60k for a vehicle, then in our opinion, it should be peppier and more fun to drive. 

Also, the Hyundai Nexo doesn’t have an all-wheel-drive option. So, if you live in an area where it snows, go with a more affordable and more capable Hyundai option. 

Its power steering is OK and responsive. Its ride is steady. The Nexo simply drives fine instead of being fun. 

Hyundai Nexo Features 

The Nexo has a basic feeling interior that is very similar to the interior of the Tucson. It also has 57 cubic feet of cargo space, like the Tucson. 

For a little extra cash, you can gain a few luxurious features such as a heated steering wheel, larger sunroof, ventilated seats, and more. The remote parking feature is probably the most exciting upgrade. 

You’ll find a standard 12.3” infotainment center in the dash with modern features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, we hoped to see some advanced technology instead of just the standard stuff that most other models offer. 

The Hyundai Nexo also includes standard safety features. You know forward collision prevention, lane-keeping assistance, etc. There’s nothing new or special. 

For a fuel-cell SUV of the future, the Hyundai Nexo seems way overpriced for a depressingly, below-average option.