BRAND NEW Hyundai NEXO revealed: With more power, more tech, and concept-like looks

Hyundai has unveiled its second-generation NEXO hydrogen SUV – and if it looks familiar, that’s because it is.

The all-new model, which was first previewed as the INITIUM concept last October, lifts its design wholesale from that show car and brings with it a raft of improvements under the skin, including more power, more range, and the faintly surprising ability to tow.

Just launched at the Seoul Mobility Show, the new NEXO is Hyundai’s flagship fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), aimed at “reaffirming global hydrogen leadership”, as the company put it.

More concretely, it now targets over 700 km of range (that’s around 435 miles), gets a new 190 kW powertrain, and features a completely redesigned interior with a slick curved display, dual wireless phone chargers, and, in some markets, no wing mirrors.

Hyundai says the NEXO reflects “27 years of fuel cell experience”. And judging by the spec sheet, they’ve been rather busy.

A familiar shape with more substance

Visually, the new NEXO is near-identical to the INITIUM concept, which is no bad thing. It’s all clean lines, horizontal grooves, and sharp surfaces – with just enough “hydrogen-futurism” to signal its drivetrain without descending into sci-fi pastiche.

I said this back in October, but there is still a whiff of Pontiac Aztec about it, but in quite a cool neo-retro kind of way.

Hyundai calls the design language Art of Steel, referencing the strength and formability of the material.

Marketing poetry aside, the end result is a fairly handsome mid-size SUV, with subtle FCEV cues like the “HTWO” lighting signature and four-dot headlamps.

The 4,750mm-long body is slightly larger than the old NEXO in every direction, which translates to more space inside – including up to 993 litres of cargo capacity behind the second row.

Wheel sizes range from 18 to 19 inches, depending on trim. Six exterior colours are available, including something called Goyo Copper Pearl, which Hyundai says is named after the Korean word for serenity.

It’s a rich, earthy tone that changes with the light – or if you prefer, a kind of fashionable bronze.

More power, better range, and a proper step forward

The new NEXO has also had a big mechanical overhaul, with output from the electric motor climbing to 150 kW (around 201 bhp), up from 120 kW previously.

Torque remains at 350 Nm, but Hyundai claims a quicker 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.8 seconds, down from 9.2.

More relevant for most buyers is the extra range: now targeting over 700 km (435 miles) on the Korean test cycle, thanks to a larger 6.69 kg hydrogen tank (up from 6.33 kg), improved energy density, and better aerodynamic efficiency.

The fuel cell stack itself now delivers 110 kW of gross power and benefits from low-temperature improvements, better durability, and something Hyundai calls a “Wake Up” anti-freezing function – suggesting the system is now better suited to colder climates and real-world winter starts.

There’s also a new high-voltage battery with double the power output (80 kW vs. 40 kW), helping with both performance and energy buffering, especially during rapid throttle changes or regeneration.

European models will also offer towing capability – up to 1,000 kg. Which is the first time a hydrogen car has officially offered a tow rating, making NEXO not just a science experiment with seats, but seemingly a proper SUV that can actually do proper things.

Comfort and calm, with a digital twist

Inside, the NEXO has had a complete rethink. The cabin now features a curved 12.3-inch driver display and a matching infotainment screen, with Hyundai’s ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) system underneath.

Over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system with up to 14 speakers are all included.

There’s also a column-mounted shifter to free up centre console space, dual wireless phone chargers (with integrated cooling fans), and Digital Key 2 functionality with fingerprint authentication.

Depending on market and trim, you also get a Digital Centre Mirror, Digital Side Mirrors, and a built-in dashcam (with up to four days of parked surveillance), as well as Hyundai’s generative AI voice assistant, which can now apparently carry on a full conversation. Though whether you’d want to is another matter.

Material choice leans heavily into the sustainable narrative, with bio-processed leathers, recycled plastics, and “linen fabric” all making appearances.

Hyundai says it’s trying to create a “furnished space” that blends digital usability with home-like comfort. Whether or not you want your SUV to feel like a living room is subjective, but the first-row relaxation seats with leg rests do sound rather good.

Driving aids, regenerative braking, and hydrogen-specific features

Hyundai hasn’t been shy with the tech. The NEXO gets the usual alphabet soup of the dreaded advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, and Parking Collision Avoidance.

But there are hydrogen-specific features too. The new FCEV Route Planner (Korea only for now) helps drivers navigate to hydrogen stations with real-time range estimates that take into account HVAC usage and route conditions.

There’s also a Smart Regenerative System, which automatically adjusts regen braking based on navigation data, traffic ahead, and speed limits – aiming to smooth out the driving experience and reduce driver effort.

The new “e-Handling” system uses motor torque modulation to improve cornering response, and sound-deadening measures – including ANC-R noise cancellation and sound-absorbing tyres – help maintain cabin serenity during acceleration or on poor road surfaces. Ahem, like in Britain.

A hydrogen SUV that can finally do SUV things

The outgoing NEXO was a quiet, clean, likeable machine – but one that perhaps felt slightly compromised by its drivetrain.

This new one doesn’t. It’s quicker, more practical, on-paper better to drive, and finally allows you to tow something without resorting to a diesel.

No word yet on exact pricing or global availability, but Hyundai says the new NEXO will go on sale in “global markets” later this year.

Europe and Korea are a given. The US – well, that’ll depend on hydrogen station coverage. And tariffs.

In summary, then, the NEXO offers buyers no plugs, no drama, no local emissions – and now, room for four golf bags and a trailer.

Let’s see how many follow.