If you thought Hyundai was done playing with hydrogen fuel cells, think again. The upcoming 2026 Hyundai Nexo proves the brand is doubling down on its hydrogen dreams. Set to debut in 2025, this second-generation hydrogen fuel cell crossover brings some exciting new changes—both under the hood and in its design. Let’s dive into what makes the next Nexo an SUV you might want to keep on your radar, even if hydrogen isn’t on your grocery list just yet.
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A Boxy Shape, But Not Just for Santa Fe Fans
The 2026 Nexo is ditching its curvy design for something a little more… squared. Gone are the sleek lines of the current model, replaced by a boxy shape that feels more like a Santa Fe on a hydrogen diet. And hey, if you’re into that bold, boxy look, then good news—the next Palisade might be taking some style cues from the Nexo’s new wardrobe.
More Power, More Range—Because Who Doesn’t Want That?
Under the hood (or wherever they keep the magic in a hydrogen fuel cell car), Hyundai’s giving the new Nexo a power boost. The current model offers a respectable 161 hp from a combination of a hydrogen fuel cell stack and a tiny 1.6-kWh battery. While Hyundai is still keeping mum on the exact figures for the 2026 version, expect a little more pep in your step when you hit the gas—or whatever you hit in a hydrogen car. Oh, and if 380 miles of range isn’t enough for you, the new Nexo might push that closer to 500 miles. More miles, fewer stops at the hydrogen pump—whenever you find one.
Hyundai’s Still Married to Hydrogen—For Better or Worse
Hyundai has been developing hydrogen powertrains for nearly 30 years. That’s like staying committed to your high school hobby, except in this case, it might actually pay off. While the demand for hydrogen vehicles and the infrastructure to fuel them isn’t exactly booming, Hyundai’s playing the long game. They’re also in cahoots with General Motors to explore hydrogen tech further, just in case you needed more reasons to believe hydrogen might have a future.
Hyundai isn’t the only automaker who thinks hydrogen is cool. Toyota’s Mirai has been around for a while, and BMW has jumped into the mix with plans to launch its own hydrogen vehicle by 2028. Even Honda’s CR-V has a hydrogen-powered version now, meaning you could soon see hydrogen cars lining up at the… few hydrogen stations that exist.
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Conclusion: Boxy, Hydrogen-Powered, and Ready to Roll (in 2026)
The 2026 Hyundai Nexo is a glimpse into what hydrogen-powered cars might look like in the future—a little boxier, a lot more powerful, and ready to go the distance. So, if you’re one of the few people within driving range of a hydrogen station, the new Nexo could be your perfect match. For the rest of us, it’s another exciting piece of the future to keep an eye on. Either way, Hyundai’s hydrogen journey is far from over, and the next Nexo proves it’s only getting better.
FAQs
Q: When will the 2026 Hyundai Nexo be available?
A: The redesigned Nexo is set to debut in 2025, and it will likely launch as a 2026 model in the U.S.
Q: What’s different about the 2026 Hyundai Nexo’s design?
A: The new Nexo is ditching its sleek lines for a boxy, rugged look—kind of like the Hyundai Santa Fe’s cooler hydrogen cousin.
Q: How much range will the 2026 Nexo have?
A: The current model offers 380 miles, but the 2026 Nexo is expected to push closer to 500 miles on a single fill of hydrogen.
Q: Will the 2026 Nexo have more power than the current model?
A: While exact figures haven’t been confirmed, it’s safe to say the next-gen Nexo will have a more powerful setup than the current 161 hp.