The Hyundai NEXO shows much of its technology and equipment ahead of its imminent launch

Hydrogen technology keeps taking safe, steady steps towards becoming a real alternative to traditional electric vehicles. A good example is the work carried out by companies such as Hyundai, whose latest developments in this area we saw at the Tokyo Mobility Show just a few days ago with the NEXO, a hydrogen-powered vehicle that will reach the roads in early 2026.

The Korean brand is already counting down the days to this new launch, and before that they have shared very interesting details about what the NEXO will offer. This crossover is based on the brand’s “Art of Steel” design language, which seeks to emphasise the strength and versatility inherent in steel, combined with eye-catching features such as its distinctive front headlights and the so-called 4 Dot Lamps at the rear, giving it a striking light signature, especially at night.

But the design of the new Hyundai NEXO is not only meant to be eye-catching and distinctive; it has also clearly been conceived to achieve high aerodynamic efficiency. This has been achieved through the optimisation of the underbody and improved airflow management, with features such as cameras replacing the traditional exterior mirrors, reducing drag and maximising efficiency. This is further supported by a carefully engineered ride comfort, through solutions such as Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) noise cancellation technology and sound-insulating tyres, which the brand says should become more noticeable when driving over uneven asphalt.

Hyundai confirms that the new NEXO will be available in six colours: Pearl Creamy White, Pearl Phantom Black, Metallic Amazon Grey, Matt Indigo Ocean, Pearl Ecotronic Grey and Pearl Goyo Copper. To make its visual impact even more striking, it is finished with a three-layer paint process, creating a multidimensional finish that changes depending on the light it receives and the ambient angles.

Unfortunately, its interior leaves little room for imagination. As is common these days, it has a minimalist and bland design, in which the main focus falls on the curved screen centred on the driver. Under a single glass panel sit the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, while at either end of the dashboard are the screens that serve as digital mirrors. Luckily, some buttons remain on the multifunction steering wheel and the climate control system.

What occupants will notice in its favour is that the new NEXO is longer, wider and taller, which translates into greater interior space and comfort as well as a larger load capacity. The boot is rated at 993 litres and, together with the new platform installed in it, the space can be customised with accessories adapted to each owner’s needs. Interior comfort is also reflected in the premium feel of the materials, all of them eco-friendly, including bio-processed leather, bio PU leather, recycled PET fabric, linen fabric, bio plastics, bio TPO skin, bio paint, bio PU slabstock foam and recycled automotive plastic waste, all supported by other elements such as the Premium Relaxation seats in the front row.

At the technological level, the Hyundai NEXO, as we mentioned, combines two 12.3-inch curved displays with over-the-air (OTA) updates and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus AI-powered generative voice recognition and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system with up to 14 speakers. It also features a head-up display (HUD) that projects essential information onto the windscreen, such as speed and navigation. We should not forget additional features such as a dash cam, fingerprint authentication for starting the vehicle, and the Digital Key 2 system, as well as up to 21 driver assistance and safety systems.

The heart of the Hyundai NEXO is a new-generation PE (power electronics) system that doubles the battery’s output from 40 kW to 80 kW, combined with a more efficient FC (hydrogen fuel cell system) with a maximum gross output of 110 kW and a net system output of 94 kW. Combining them delivers a total output of 258 CV. Refuelling takes only 5 minutes, little more than filling a conventional fuel tank today, and provides a projected range of 856 km under the WLTP cycle.