2026 Hyundai Nexo Is Bigger, Faster, Cooler

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, the rugged-looking Hyundai Initium concept was barely a concept. It actually was a preview of the next-generation Nexo. While the Nexo has gone from unassuming to striking, it’s still a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, and that’s the only way you can get it. But it’s a much better one than before, and far cooler.

A Design That Goes From Boring To Butch

The new Nexo could hardly look more different to its predecessor if it tried. It’s gone from a curvy, street-focused SUV to a boxy, broad-shouldered machine that looks ready to find some dirt roads and hiking trails. It’s nearly identical to the Initium, featuring the same corrugated sides, unique triangular rear quarter windows, and square headlights. Really, the only major differences are smaller running lights in the front bumper, and no auxiliary lights in the rear bumper. Besides the dramatically different looks, the new Nexo is also a bit larger. It grows by a few tenths of an inch in height and width, and a full 3 inches in length. The added size contributes to increased cargo space. It picks up 5.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats for a total of 35.1. With the rear seats folded, it packs 60.7 cubic feet.

On the topic of the interior, the Nexo has gone from the spaceship cockpit of the outgoing model to something closely based on other current Hyundais. The dash is fairly shallow with the dual 12.3-inch screens sitting on a shelf. The dash pad ahead of the passenger features quilted panels. Everything else looks fairly minimalist with gentle curves. The center console is cantilevered. The version shown features the screens for side-view mirrors, but those most certainly won’t be offered in the US. Hyundai touts some interesting features, such as their fully reclining seats with integrated leg rests for the front, fingerprint authentication for starting the vehicle, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system among other features.

A Better Powertrain By Every Measure

The current Hyundai Nexo is a bit of a slug. It makes just 161 horsepower, and it has a 0-62 mph time of 9.2 seconds. The new one is, by no means, fast, but it finally has the power to keep up with traffic comfortably. Thanks to a higher-output battery and fuel cell, Hyundai was able to fit a 201-horsepower motor. It will now get to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, and it has a top speed of 111 mph. We don’t expect anyone to ever hit that top speed, but it’s there if you need it.

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The battery pack has a higher capacity, going from 1.56 kWh to 2.64, and the hydrogen storage tank now holds 6.69 kg of hydrogen rather than 6.33. This all allows the new Nexo to go 435 miles. Hyundai didn’t say what test cycle that range is for, but even if the range dips for the US, it should still be an improvement over the current model’s 380 miles. Hyundai also noted that the new Nexo will have the same vehicle-to-load features as its EVs, so it can power accessories and appliances as needed. The Nexo will launch later this year, and we should have additional details such as pricing close to launch.