Used 2022 Hyundai NEXO

The 2022 Hyundai Nexo is the only hydrogen-powered SUV/crossover on the market. It’s offered solely in California, because that’s the state with virtually all the hydrogen refueling stations that exist in the United States. And even then, it’s not many.

The Nexo is a fuel cell electric vehicle, or FCEV. A fuel cell takes hydrogen and creates a chemical reaction that makes electricity, which powers the whole vehicle. The only emission is water.

This is of course an extremely intriguing method of propulsion. Especially in light of the fact that it only takes about five minutes to refill the hydrogen tanks, rather than hang around for however long to charge a battery. Maximum range is better than most battery powered cars as well: 380 miles.

An FCEV makes its own electricity, so there are no misgivings over whether the energy came originally from a coal-fired power station.

Taking five minutes to refuel, however, is not so convenient if it means driving for 30 minutes to a filling station with a hydrogen pump. At the time of compiling this review, there were about 36 operational locations, most of them clustered around Los Angeles and the Bay Area. There are plans to build more, but things are moving at the proverbial glacial pace.

But let’s assume there are people who live near a hydrogen station and whose movements keep them within a comfortable radius. Then the 2022 Nexo could be a good call.

It has a practical crossover body, about the same size as the compact Hyundai Tucson. Space is good, standard equipment is good, drivers can use the carpool lane even when they’re driving solo, the styling is arguably attractive, and the initial high price can be offset by federal and state incentives, plus free hydrogen.

Hyundai also sweetens the deal with free car rental for seven days a year, for three years. Great for when the occasional demands of life take us further afield.

Drive modes are Comfort, Eco, and Eco+, so that’s a clear indication of the 2022 Nexo’s priorities. Other companies and cars are plugging into the performance possibilities of electric propulsion, but the hydrogen fuel cell is more about efficiency and economy.

That’s fine. After all, if the Nexo is going to be driven around Los Angeles or San Francisco, top speed is irrelevant. For those who would prefer the immediate acceleration usually associated with electric vehicles, though, perhaps a Tesla or Chevrolet Bolt EV would be more suitable.

Blue trim is capable of covering 380 miles between refills, but the better-equipped Limited trim is heavier and is estimated to achieve 354 miles. Either way, the Hyundai Nexo is easy to drive and maneuver, and the lack of combustion engine means quiet progress.

The one change to the 2022 Nexo is that the driver information display/instrument cluster is bigger, now measuring 10.25 inches on the diagonal. This complements the overall futuristic look of the cabin and pairs well with the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The center console is especially remarkable, since it’s a dual-level design. The top level has all the controls and buttons — lots of them, including buttons for the transmission — the lower level is a space to stash a smartphone.

Both trims have vegan-friendly simulated leather seating surfaces. We just hope drivers don’t mind holding a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Color choices for the interior are Stone Gray or Meteor Blue.

Occupant space is good for a compact crossover. Rear legroom is a generous 38.6 inches. Cargo volume expands from 29.6 cubic feet behind the 60/40 split/folding rear seats to 56.5 cubic feet when they’re down.

Things like flush-fitting/pop-out door handles and hidden wipers (even the one at the rear) help make the 2022 Nexo look just as clean and futuristic outside as it does inside. But they also contribute to the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.

The Nexo is sleeker, less boxy than most crossovers. It cheats the wind and pleases the eye at the same time.

Blue trim has 17-inch alloy wheels. Limited runs on 19-inch alloys, It’s also the only model to have roof rails. Both versions have LED lights front and rear.

REMOTE SMART PARKING ASSIST
This is available only in the Limited model, where it’s standard. But a self-parking system where the driver doesn’t even need to be inside the vehicle is a really cool feature. It works for both parallel and perpendicular spaces.

BLIND-SPOT VIEW MONITOR
Another Limited feature, this goes beyond typical blind-spot monitoring to show camera images — in the driver’s instrument cluster — of vehicles lurking in the Nexo’s blind spots.

Blue trim is the most affordable new Nexo. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, keyless entry/start, simulated leather seating surfaces, heated/8-way power-adjustable front seats, 10.25-inch driver information cluster (new this year), leather-wrapped steering wheel, garage door opener, and a 115-volt outlet.

Driver assistance features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control.

The infotainment system has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, and wireless charging. There’s also a free 3-year subscription to remote services like automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, remote lock/unlock/start/pre-heat or pre-cool, geo-fencing, valet alert, and over-the-air infotainment updates.

A “Hydrogen Powered EV” graphic that goes along the sides, extra carpet mats, and a choice of color schemes make up most of the few options for the 2022 Nexo. For more equipment, consider the higher Limited trim.

This model brings 19-inch alloy wheels, powered tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, large sunroof, roof rails, 360-degree camera system, Blind-Spot View Monitor, heated/ventilated front seats, Remote Smart Parking Assist, heated steering wheel, and an 8-speaker sound system supplied by Krell — a highly rated American audio company.

A permanent magnet electric motor drives the front wheels of the 2022 Nexo with 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. Electricity is created by the onboard hydrogen fuel cell.

Some of it is stored in a lithium-ion polymer battery until it’s needed. This battery also captures some brake energy regeneration.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a method of working out miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) figures for battery powered electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Fuel cell stack, permanent magnet electric motor
161 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 65/58 MPGe (Blue), 59/54 MPGe (Limited)
Range: 380 miles range (Blue), 354 miles (Limited)