2019 Hyundai NEXO Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　

What's new

All-new five-passenger hydrogen fuel cell SUV

　　Alternatively fueled vehicles are the future, with hybrid and full-electric vehicles leading the charge (pun intended). Hydrogen-fueled cars are the latest to join the market. They have their own set of advantages, with the main one that the refueling time is similar to that of a regular gasoline-powered car. But being so new, there's a distinct lack of refueling infrastructure available.

　　Hyundai is undeterred, however, and its 2019 Nexo is the latest hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to come to market. As with the two other main hydrogen-fueled vehicles on the market, the Honda Clarity and the Toyota Mirai, the Nexo is only available in select regions in California. But it does present a couple of advantages. The main one is its SUV-like body shape, which provides additional cargo space. Hyundai also fits the Nexo with plenty of upscale features, including a big 12.3-inch touchscreen and available ventilated front seats.

　　Considering the limitations of the nascent hydrogen market, we're more inclined to suggest a battery electric vehicle for most people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. But if you have your heart set on hydrogen, the 2019 Hyundai Nexo appears to be a strong choice in a very small class.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Which NEXO does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Blue trim gets our recommendation because it comes with an impressive list of features and is also estimated to get 26 more miles of range than the Limited. The Limited trim's added creature comforts don't quite justify its premium.

　　

2019 Hyundai NEXO models

　　The 2019 Hyundai Nexo is a five-passenger SUV that uses a hydrogen fuel cell to help power a single electric motor (161 horsepower, 291 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels. The Nexo is offered in two trim levels: Blue and Limited. It is currently only on sale in select regions in California, and no options are available.

　　The Blue trim is estimated to return 380 miles of range with standard features that include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, a virtual instrument panel, automatic climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a household-style power outlet, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a navigation system.

　　Standard advanced safety features include an automated remote self-parking system, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and a drowsy driver warning system.

　　The Limited trim has a range estimate of 354 miles and adds 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera system, an eight-speaker Krell audio system, and a blind-spot camera system.

　　

2019 NEXO Highlights

Trim: BlueLimitedBlue

　　

Base MSRP	$58,300
Engine Type	Electric (fuel cell)
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles