The 2026 Hyundai Nexo has just been unveiled at the Seoul Mobility Show, bringing more power, extended range, and cutting-edge technology to the hydrogen vehicle market. This second-generation model represents Hyundai‘s ongoing commitment to diversifying propulsion options beyond battery electric vehicles.
While many automakers focus solely on battery electric vehicles, Hyundai continues to explore alternative clean energy options. The Korean automaker maintains a diverse lineup that includes everything from traditional combustion engines to hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and now an improved hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
A design that looks toward the future
Based on the Hyundai Initium FCEV Concept showcased late last year, the new Nexo adopts Hyundai’s latest design language shared with models like the Santa Fe. The front end features a futuristic, almost concept-car appearance with an integrated grille, ultra-thin headlights, and a distinctive bumper design.
The overall silhouette embraces angular lines and boxy volumes. The body includes plastic protections for the lower sections and wheel arches, retractable door handles, and roof rails. Hyundai has kept the slim camera-based side mirrors from the concept version, eliminating conventional mirrors for a more aerodynamic profile.
At the rear, the most eye-catching element is the C-pillar with its wraparound shape that seems to embrace the back end, leaving a steeply raked rear window topped by a spoiler that extends the roofline. Square-shaped taillights and a robust rear bumper matching the front complete the look.
Technological showcase inside
Step inside the new Nexo and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Hyundai’s latest tech innovations. A dual 12.3-inch screen setup for both the infotainment system and digital instrument cluster creates a single panoramic, immersive display that wraps around the driver’s position.
At each end of the dashboard, you’ll notice display screens showing images captured by the mirror-mounted cameras. The driver also benefits from a 12-inch head-up display for additional information without taking eyes off the road.
Other notable cabin features include a two-tier center console with a dedicated wireless phone charging area, ambient lighting throughout the interior, the rounded shape of the upper dashboard, a multifunctional steering wheel, and a transmission selector integrated into the steering column.
The tech fest continues with the latest driver assistance systems, a digital rearview mirror, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a dedicated touchpad for controlling all climate settings.
More powerful hydrogen propulsion system
The heart of the 2026 Hyundai Nexo is its improved hydrogen fuel cell system. Like its predecessor, the new Nexo runs on hydrogen, but Hyundai has implemented various upgrades to boost efficiency, performance, and range.
The propulsion system is built around a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, powerful enough to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. This is paired with a 110 kW (150 hp) hydrogen fuel cell and a small 2.64 kWh battery that stores electricity generated by the hydrogen cell.
The hydrogen is now stored in tanks with increased capacity compared to the first generation, jumping from 6.33 kg to 6.69 kg. While not yet officially certified, Hyundai aims for the new Nexo to travel up to 435 miles on a single fill of its tanks—a process that takes just 5 minutes.
Market outlook
Hyundai hasn’t revealed pricing for the new 2026 Nexo or when it will debut in the U.S. market. Given that the current generation sells for around $60,000 in markets where it’s available, we can expect the new model to command a premium price point.
The hydrogen refueling infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges for fuel cell vehicles in the U.S., with stations primarily concentrated in California. This new model arrives at a time when hydrogen technology is still finding its place in the American automotive landscape. (Is it the right time for hydrogen vehicles to gain wider acceptance? The next few years will tell.)
With this second-generation Nexo, Hyundai makes a bold statement about its belief in a multi-pathway approach to zero-emission vehicles. Rather than putting all its resources into battery electric technology, the Korean automaker continues to refine hydrogen fuel cell systems as an alternative solution for clean mobility.
