2022 Hyundai Nexo Review

With dual power chairs, automatic climate controls, and leatherette upholstery, the Nexo Blue trim level offers a welcome perch for the driver and front seat passenger. Seats come in a choice of meteor blue or stone gray synthetic leathers.

The inviting style neatly integrates the dual tech screens into the attractive dashboard. High tech connectivity features and active collision avoidance features add to the value package.

Ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof add more class and comfort to the 2022 Nexo Limited trim levels. A well-insulated interior shuts out road noise and ensures that passengers can enjoy the premium sound from the Krell audio system. Other standards include a power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats.

Spaciousness

The 2022 Hyundai Nexo loses a bit of space to the extra equipment needed for the hydrogen fuel cell stack and electric battery. However, it is still bigger than its rivals. The 101-cubic foot interior is plenty spacious.

Nexo rear legroom is a generous 38 inches. That is much more than the Tesla Model 3 with 35.2 inches and even more than the Toyota Mirai with 33.1 inches.

The 29.6 cubic foot cargo hold also outdoes the Tesla, which claims 15 cubic feet. The Toyota Mirai claims only 9.6 cubic feet. When the rear seat is folded, the Nexo has 56.6 cubic feet for luggage and gear.

Power Generation

Motor Trend writes that the Nexo drives like a normal car. Quick acceleration, predictable handling, and a good ride quality are hallmarks of this vehicle. Energy efficient, this renewable energy vehicle is clean, releasing only water vapor into the environment.

The Hyundai motor relies on air and hydrogen to generate a chemical reaction. To assist the fuel cell stack, there are lithium ion batteries and a regenerative braking system.

The torque rate is 291 pound-feet, assisting the 161-horsepower electric motor. In comparison, the Toyota Mirai produces 221 pound-feet of torque.

The front-wheel drive system is guided by a special one-speed transmission. Electrically assisted steering ensures that the driver feels in control of the drive.

Fuel Efficiency

The efficiency of this fuel cell stack vehicle is remarkable. The Nexo Blue earns 65 mpge even in stop-and-go city traffic. It earns 58 mpge on the highway. That’s a combined rate of 61 miles per gallon equivalent.

Nexo Limited trim levels are rated 59 mpg-e in city driving and 57-mpge on the open road. Combined mpge is 57.

Driving Range and Refueling Times

As you may know, at their best, electric vehicles can recapture up to 80 percent of their range in about 45 minutes. That’s true of the excellent 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric vehicles. However, Nexo crossovers do not need to be plugged in and, therefore, charging time is not an issue. In fact, it only takes a five-minute stop to refuel the Nexo.

With a driving range of 380 miles, the Nexo Blue trim level is definitely an electric vehicle to beat. The slightly heavier Nexo Limited has an excellent electric range of 354 miles. When you put together the long range and the fast refueling, this looks like a true alternative to gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Dash Tech Toys and Tools

For 2022, Hyundai has improved the digital instrument cluster on the Nexo Blue. The new unit is 10.3 inches, considerably larger than the 7-inch screen on the 2021 Hyundai Nexo. Drivers will enjoy personalizing the system and placing vital information where it is easily seen or accessed.

As today’s car shoppers expect, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. This permits smartphone uses to send their favorite apps to the large 12.3-inch dash touch screen. It’s easy to keep phones charged with two USB ports and a wireless charger.

The larger screens are perfect when used for navigation maps. Likewise, it’s easier to take in the views from the surround view monitor that show the parking perimeter. Furthermore, the driver gets high definition real-time images when using the blind spot view monitor.

Blue Link Assistance

The Blue Link system allows owners to use an app as a remote starter. This can lock or unlock the vehicle, locate the vehicle if necessary, and/or start the air conditioning to cool off the cabin before your departure.

On board, this system includes automatic collision notification and a roadside assistance feature. It can help you locate a fueling station if you need more hydrogen. There are security functions such as geo-fencing for your teen driver and a valet alert when you let someone else park your car.

Best of all, the Blue Link subscription is free for the first three years of ownership or lease. The Limited includes the Hyundai Digital Key which allows owners to use their Android smartphone to access and drive the Nexo.

Driver Assistance

Hyundai recognizes that the typical Nexo driver expects to have the best driver assistance available. That’s why so much is standard on the Nexo Blue trim level. This includes avoidance assists with the lane keeper, rear cross traffic alert, and blind spot warning.

An autobrake is part of the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The system also watches for pedestrians in the road. When parking, front and rear parking sensors are a helpful aid.

Stepping up to the Nexo Limited trim level, the driver gets even more automatic assistance and cameras. The rearview camera is expanded to include a surround view using multiple cameras. The blind spot system adds a camera to watch for dangers.

Parallel parking is no longer difficult with the Remote Smart Parking Assist. It also handles perpendicular spaces. Either way, the system can be used from inside or outside of the car, thanks to the clever keyfob.

A Purchase That Pays You Back

The 2022 Nexo is a purchase that truly pays you back. To help drivers with their hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the manufacturer is offering three years of free refueling. The cap is a generous $13,000.

Unlike Tesla rivals, this Hyundai purchase is eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. That’s money that brings the price down quickly. Then there are the extra-long warranties that come with every Hyundai and help keep ownership costs under control. You won’t find this coverage on the Honda Clarity.

Recognizing that fuel cell technologies have gotten ahead of hydrogen gas station infrastructure, Hyundai provides a loaner for a one-week vacation for the first three years. When you add all of this up, it is clear that the Nexo is a cost effective purchase that will save you money over time.

Check out your options and give us a call if you have any questions. We can recommend the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 as a large, efficient family hauler that doesn’t need gasoline to get you where you need to go.