2023 Hyundai Nexo Interior and Cargo

Hyundai takes a holistic approach to eco-friendliness, which means no cows were peeled to upholster the interior. The Nexo is offered with a choice of Stone Gray or Meteor Blue synthetic leather. Meteor Blue is paired with a Shimmering Silver exterior, while Stone Gray is the standard interior color on other color options. It doesn't stop there, though.

The list of materials used reads like a vegan hippie's shopping list; soybean-oil-based polyurethane paint, plastics made from sugarcane, bamboo-based fabric, and bio-carpets, also made from sugarcane. Hyundai says there are around 40 different, ethically sourced parts in this car. Building a car this way has resulted in a 26 lbs reduction in CO2 emissions, according to the automaker. It doesn't say compared to what, but it sounds impressive. However, genuine leather does cover the steering wheel so it's not 100% vegan inside.

As stated earlier, the packaging in this car is brilliant. Not only do passengers get loads of room, but the Nexo also has 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Fewer batteries, more space. The difference is best demonstrated by comparing it to the BMW X3's cargo capacity of 28.7 cubic feet. The German is longer and wider, yet the Nexo has more space. With the rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, the cargo capacity grows to 56.5 cubic feet.

You get just as much practicality around the cabin as in the trunk. Interior storage consists of a center console storage bin, a glove compartment, and door pockets front and rear.

The Nexo is the flagship in the eco-friendly range, and it comes with a hefty price tag. To make that price go down better with possible customers, Hyundai included many features as standard. Both models get auto LED lights with high beam assist and heated front seats with eight-way power adjustment. A rearview camera with dynamic guidance lines, automatic climate control, a fully digital 10.25-inch gauge cluster, and remote keyless entry with push-button start is also included. The top-spec Limited model adds a surround-view camera system, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Safety-wise, the Nexo comes standard with a driver attention system, lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Once again, the Limited gets a little extra in the form of remote smart parking assist.

Hyundai may have used many impressive eco materials on the inside, but it's the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that stands out. It is highly intuitive, thanks to a variety of menus displayed in high resolution. The system comes standard with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and HD Radio. Hyundai's Blue Link services are also standard, including a three-year subscription to Car Care, which comes with an assistant to help you find the nearest meat-, sugar-, and taste-free vegan burger. Limited-spec adds a premium sound system with an eight-channel 440-watt amp, eight speakers, and an eight-inch subwoofer.