Hyundai Motor Company has introduced the next-generation Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, signaling a fresh step forward in hydrogen-powered transportation. The updated mid-size SUV brings enhanced fuel cell technology, delivering zero tailpipe emissions along with better efficiency, versatility, and safety for those embracing FCEVs early on.
The new Nexo showcases a complete redesign inspired by Hyundai’s Initium concept, following the brand’s ‘Art of Steel’ design language. Departing from the curvier look of its predecessor, the second-gen Nexo adopts a more angular, rugged appearance, drawing visual parallels to Hyundai’s N Vision 74 concept.
The second-generation Hyundai Nexo is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 187 inches long—over three inches longer—while retaining a 109.8-inch wheelbase. It is also marginally wider and taller, especially with the optional roof rails. A major new capability is its towing capacity of up to 2205 pounds, a feature not seen in the earlier model.
Under the hood, the Nexo features an upgraded hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. A more powerful and durable fuel stack, especially in colder conditions, pairs with a stronger front-mounted electric motor delivering 201 horsepower. This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, an improvement over the previous model’s 9.2 seconds. Hyundai is targeting a range of over 700 km (430 miles) thanks to a larger hydrogen tank and improved efficiency, with refueling times as short as five minutes.
The Nexo draws heavily from Hyundai’s Initium concept and its ‘Art of Steel’ design language. The SUV features a boxy, upright stance with angular lines and bold accents. Its distinctive lighting setup includes signature ‘HTWO’ LED headlamps with a 4 Dot Lamp design, giving it a futuristic look and clear brand identity at night. Additional visual elements include a sculpted hood, D-shaped air intakes, and block-pattern lighting across the bumper, grille, and air dam.
The interior offers a spacious and refined experience inspired by Hyundai’s flagship SUVs. The dashboard houses two 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital instrument cluster and one for infotainment. A 12-inch head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and touch-based climate controls add to the tech-rich cabin. The minimalist design includes a steering column-mounted gear selector and a quad-dot logo on the wheel symbolizing the letter “H” in Morse code.
The Nexo comes loaded with safety and convenience features. Up to nine airbags and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) ensure high safety standards. These include forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, smart cruise control with navigation, surround view and rear view monitors, and emergency stop functions.
The second-generation Hyundai Nexo offers improved comfort and practicality. The front seats now recline and include ventilated cushions with leg rests, ideal for breaks during refueling. Rear passengers benefit from increased headroom and shoulder space while wider-opening rear doors make entry and exit easier. With the rear seats up, the SUV provides 35 cubic feet of cargo space for four golf bags, which expands to 61 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat.
