2023 Hyundai Nexo Review: Something Old, Something New

While it is certainly true that electric cars are the future, there is still some debate over whether they should be battery- or hydrogen-powered. The Hyundai Nexo is part of a rare class, together with the Toyota Mirai and the discontinued Honda Clarity, but neither of those are crossovers, which means they aren't direct competitors. However, the Nexo is similarly powered with 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque and a decent driving range of 380 miles in its most efficient guise. It also boasts some impressive cargo capacity thanks to its SUV body style. But perhaps the best thing the car has going for it is that it relies on truly green power, rather than the kind sourced from coal- or nuclear-powered outlets. Does the 2023 Nexo make a good enough case for hydrogen power or is it just another novelty car that will soon be forgotten?

What's the Price of the 2023 Hyundai Nexo?

With an MSRP of $60,135, the Hyundai Nexo Blue is slightly more expensive than it was last year. The Limited gets a similar $700 price hike, and will now cost you $63,585. These figures do not account for the $1,335 destination charge or any other administrative fees.

2023 Hyundai Nexo Handling and Driving Impressions

A quick review of the Hyundai Nexo's power outputs makes it clear that the crossover isn't meant to set any sprint records. The handling is not much more impressive, with understeer becoming a real problem if you get too feisty with corners. On the plus side, body roll is well-managed. All of this won't really matter much to the type of buyer looking at a Nexo. Instead, they care about efficiency and comfort, and these are qualities the car has in spades. Bumps in the road are easily smoothed over by the suspension, and light but accurate steering ensures the Nexo goes where you tell it to. All of this serves to prove that a hydrogen vehicle can be just as capable as any gas-powered model without making sacrifices.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Hyundai Nexo A Good SUV?

While the USA is no stranger to hydrogen-powered cars, there are still only a few places that have the necessary infrastructure to support them. This means that it would be impossible to call the Nexo a smart choice anywhere else. Nevertheless, it is actually a decent little crossover with a competitive 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space and close to 400 miles of driving range. And since hydrogen tanks can be refilled like a normal gas tank, you don't have to factor charging times into your daily routine. Furthermore, you get the peace of mind that comes from utilizing one of the cleanest energy sources in the world. There isn't much to complain about since even the lackadaisical driving experience is exactly what you'd expect from a city-focused crossover. Should hydrogen fuel stations start popping up in states outside California, and should competitors start making cars as good as the Nexo, we'd be confident theorizing that hydrogen is the next big thing in the automotive industry.

What 2023 Hyundai Nexo Model Should I Buy?

The 2024 Hyundai Nexo range is limited to two trims, and each will appeal to a different type of buyer. If you care more about value and fuel efficiency, the Blue will be top of your list, as it has a higher range of 380 miles. However, it doesn't get the more advanced comforts found in the Limited. These come at the cost of 26 miles, and a few grand extra on the bill, but that's still a pretty good deal considering how much you get in return. There's no wrong answer here, so it just comes down to your priorities.