2023 Hyundai Nexo

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo stands at the forefront of automotive innovation, marking a significant step in the evolution of electric vehicles. As the auto industry pivots towards sustainable solutions, the Nexo distinguishes itself with its hydrogen fuel cell technology - a novel approach in a market dominated by battery-powered EVs. This technology not only sets new standards in eco-friendly driving but also addresses some of the limitations of traditional EVs, such as long charging times.

The Nexo's introduction in 2019 and its continued presence in 2023 highlight Hyundai's commitment to pioneering cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. As we examine the Nexo's features, performance, and design, we gain insight into its unique position in today's competitive automotive landscape.

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo continues to champion hydrogen fuel cell technology, a unique alternative in the battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) segment, maintaining its legacy from its 2019 debut. While it carries over its design and core features into 2023 without substantial alterations, the Nexo reaffirms its relevance in an ever-evolving market.

This year, the Nexo's availability has expanded, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to widening the reach of hydrogen mobility. This expansion is especially significant in areas with developing hydrogen refueling infrastructure, aligning with Hyundai's vision for sustainable transportation solutions.

The Nexo's consistency in the market is a testament to its solid foundation in design, performance, and technology. The vehicle's continued presence suggests confidence in its existing package, which balances efficiency, comfort, and futuristic appeal. The 2023 Hyundai Nexo's story is one of steadfastness in a rapidly changing automotive landscape, offering a glimpse into the potential future of hydrogen-powered transportation.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Hyundai Nexo's interior presents a blend of high-quality materials and advanced technology, contributing to a pleasant and comfortable driving experience. The cabin features a smartly packaged design with a spacious arrangement, ensuring passenger comfort. However, when compared to other compact alternative-fuel crossovers, the Nexo offers slightly less cargo space, measuring 29.6 cubic feet with seats up and expanding to 56.5 cubic feet with seats down​​.

2023 Hyundai Nexo Exterior Design

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo presents an intriguing paradox in automotive design - it manages to look both familiar and futuristic at the same time. Its exterior, characterized by clean lines and a sleek profile, belies the advanced hydrogen-powered technology housed within. This balance between conventional appeal and innovative design makes the Nexo a unique presence on the road.

The Nexo features a bold front grille that is both stylish and functional, aiding in cooling and aerodynamics. The headlights are sharp and angular, integrating seamlessly with the vehicle's front fascia, giving it a modern and approachable look. The side profile is smooth, with gently flowing lines that enhance its aerodynamic efficiency, a crucial aspect for maximizing range in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The rear of the Nexo is just as thoughtfully designed, with taillights that stretch across the width of the vehicle, accentuating its stance and stability. The overall design is rounded off with subtle accents and trim pieces that hint at its eco-friendly nature without being overly ostentatious.

This is not just about aesthetics, but also function. The vehicle's exterior is crafted to reduce drag and maximize efficiency, crucial for a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This design approach allows the Nexo to fit comfortably within the current automotive landscape, appealing to those who appreciate both traditional SUV design cues and the allure of advanced technology.

EV Motor, Performance, and Power

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo stands out in the realm of electric vehicles with its innovative powertrain. At its heart lies a front-wheel-drive electric motor, capable of delivering 161 horsepower and an impressive 291 lb-ft of torque. This power output ensures that the Nexo offers brisk acceleration and responsive handling, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.

What distinguishes the Nexo's motor from conventional EVs is its source of electricity. Instead of relying on a large, rechargeable battery, the Nexo draws power from a relatively small 1.6-kWh battery. This battery is continuously charged through a hydrogen-fueled chemical reaction occurring within the vehicle's fuel cell stack. This process involves hydrogen gas reacting with oxygen from the air to generate electricity, with water vapor being the only byproduct. This emission-free operation underscores the Nexo's environmentally friendly credentials.

On the road, the Nexo's performance is characterized by more than just its power output. The electric motor provides immediate torque delivery, which translates to a feeling of instant acceleration without the lag often associated with internal combustion engines. This makes for a driving experience that is both exhilarating and smooth.

Moreover, the Nexo benefits from strong regenerative braking. This system captures energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking, allowing for a more customized driving experience. At its highest setting, it can enable one-pedal driving, where the vehicle slows down significantly once the driver lifts off the accelerator, reducing the need to use the brake pedal frequently.

Handling is another area where the Nexo shines. Its low center of gravity, a common characteristic of many EVs due to the placement of the battery and fuel cell components, contributes to stable and confident cornering. The suspension is tuned to strike a balance between comfort and responsiveness, ensuring that the ride is smooth over various road surfaces, while still feeling connected and engaging during more spirited driving.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

In terms of safety, the 2023 Nexo excelled in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluations, earning the prestigious 2022 Top Safety Pick + designation. It comes with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and active safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic high-beams. The Limited trim adds a camera-based blind-spot view system for enhanced safety​​.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Nexo model in 2023 is outfitted with a 10.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Standard features include two USB charge ports and a wireless charger. The Limited trim further enhances the experience with an eight-speaker Krell audio system, a surround-view camera system, and remote parking functionality​​.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo stands out with its impressive range, setting a high standard in the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle market. Refueling the Nexo is a quick and convenient process, similar to traditional gasoline refueling. The hydrogen tanks can be filled in just a few minutes, offering a significant time advantage over charging most battery electric vehicles. The availability of hydrogen refueling stations is growing, with efforts being made to expand this infrastructure to support wider adoption.

The Nexo's 1.6-kWh battery, relatively small compared to typical EV batteries, is continuously charged by the hydrogen fuel cell. This design approach minimizes concerns about battery degradation over time, a significant consideration in traditional EVs.

Fuel Economy and MPGe

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo's fuel economy is a critical aspect of its environmental appeal, offering an efficient and sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. While specific MPGe figures for the 2023 model were not detailed in the provided sources, previous iterations of the Nexo have showcased impressive fuel economy metrics for a vehicle of its size and capability. MPGe, or miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent, is a measure used to compare the efficiency of alternative fuel vehicles with traditional gasoline vehicles.

Considering the Nexo's hydrogen fuel cell system, its fuel economy is not just about efficiency but also about reducing emissions. The only byproduct of its power generation is water vapor, making it one of the cleanest vehicles in terms of emissions.

Hyundai Nexo Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo is available in two trim levels: Blue and Limited.

Blue

The Blue trim, recommended for its longer range and adequate equipment, includes features like a digital gauge display, wireless charger, adaptive cruise control, and keyless entry. The Blue trim level offers an impressive range of up to 380 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize distance over luxury. This range is particularly notable considering the current limitations in hydrogen refueling infrastructure; it allows for extended travel without the frequent need for refueling stops.

Limited

The Limited trim, on the other hand, adds luxury elements such as ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, premium audio, and a surround-view camera system. The Limited trim provides a slightly lower range of 354 miles. This reduced range is a trade-off for the additional features and luxuries included in this trim. The difference in range is due to the added weight and different equipment in the Limited trim, which slightly impacts its efficiency.

Despite these additional features, the Blue trim's longer range might be more beneficial considering the limited availability of hydrogen refueling stations​​.

Get Your 2023 Hyundai Nexo at Granite Hyundai

The 2023 Hyundai Nexo is a standout choice in the EV market, featuring innovative hydrogen fuel cell technology, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and a competitive range. Its safety features and infotainment options further add to its appeal, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious drivers.

For more information about Hyundai's innovative vehicle lineup and the future availability of models like the Nexo, we invite you to visit our Somersworth, NH dealership. Discover how Hyundai is shaping the future of eco-friendly transportation.

View Hyundai Nexo Inventory