All-new Hyundai NEXO achieves top five-star rating in EuroNCAP safety test – hydrogen-powered fuel cell SUV
Hyundai continues to demonstrate that safety is a key aspect for all of its vehicles and not only for its customers but also for every road user. The all-new Hyundai NEXO provides further proof of this; the hydrogen-powered fuel cell SUV that emits only water vapor instead of exhaust gases has just been awarded the top rating of five stars by the independent safety organisation EuroNCAP. This latest recognition builds on the five-star results previously achieved by IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9.
Outstanding ratings in all four key areas
Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) is Europe’s most trusted independent organisation for evaluating vehicle safety. It assesses cars across four key areas: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, protection of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, and the performance of safety assistance systems.
The all-new Hyundai NEXO achieved outstanding ratings in all four areas. Particularly notable was its performance in adult occupant protection, scoring 90 per cent, and in child occupant protection, achieving 85 per cent. The SUV also delivered convincing results in both remaining categories. Securing the highest rating once again underlines Hyundai’s strong results in crash protection and its extensive suite of driver-assistance and accident-prevention systems.
This strong result is no coincidence: The previous version of the Hyundai NEXO was the first fuel cell vehicle tested by EuroNCAP in 2018 – and it received the top rating of five stars based on the criteria that were valid back then. This demonstrates that Hyundai has been a pioneer in the automotive industry for many years, strengthening customer confidence in safety and modern technologies and continuously improving them.
- The all-new NEXO delivers 190 kW total output and projected driving range of 826 km (WLTP) from a five-minute charge, showcasing significant performance improvements over its predecessor
- Advanced technologies – including e-Handling, Smart Regenerative System, and aerodynamic optimizations – enhance the overall driving experience, while European models offer towing capability of up to 1,000 kg
- Comprehensive safety features and ADAS technologies position NEXO to achieve top-tier safety ratings across major global assessment programs
- ‘Art of Steel’ design language and spacious interior with Premium Relaxation Seats deliver exceptional comfort and practicality for the mid-size SUV segment
- Hyundai Motor reinforces its leadership in hydrogen mobility with 28 years of fuel cell experience as NEXO launches globally in early 2026
Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new NEXO, a standout model in its expanding electrified vehicle lineup, is poised to set a new standard for zero-emission transportation. This week, Hyundai Motor welcomed global media to Korea for an exclusive opportunity to experience its next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) firsthand – showcasing its exceptional range, power and refinement ahead of its global launch in early 2026.
Enhanced Powertrain Delivers Impressive Performance
The all-new NEXO marks a major leap forward in powertrain technology, featuring significant upgrades to both its fuel cell (FC) and power electronics (PE) systems.
At the heart of these improvements is a newly developed PE system that doubles battery output from 40 kW to 80 kW. This works in tandem with a more efficient hydrogen fuel cell stack, now delivering a maximum gross output of 110 kW – a 16% increase over the previous 95 kW – and a net system output of 94 kW, up 11% from 85 kW1. Together, these enhancements boost total system output from 135 kW to an impressive 190 kW.
This increased power enables the new electric motor to deliver 150 kW, cutting the 0-100 km/h acceleration time to just 7.8 seconds2 – down from 9.2 seconds – offering swift acceleration and confident overtaking performance.
With a projected driving range3 of 826 km4 (WLTP) from a quick five-minute hydrogen refill5, the all-new NEXO offers exceptional efficiency and usability. The hydrogen system now features greater storage capacity – 6.69 kg from 6.33 kg in the previous generation model – without compromising cabin space. Enhanced hydrogen storage density and improved fuel efficiency further reinforce the NEXO’s competitive edge in all-electric range (AER).
Additional refinements include improved low-temperature operability, a more durable membrane structure, and enhanced cell uniformity. The new ‘Wake Up’ anti-freezing function and other optimizations ensure reliable cold-weather performance and year-round driving confidence.
NEXO also includes a Smart Regenerative System (SRS) to reduce driver workload and to promote smoother progress. This intelligent system automatically adjusts regenerative braking based on navigation data and the proximity of vehicles ahead while utilizing map information6 to account for road features such as speed cameras and speed bumps. This reduces driver intervention by managing deceleration during coasting, all while offering customizable distance settings based on driver preferences.
In addition, European-specification models of the all-new NEXO introduce an exciting new capability: towing. With a towing capacity of up to 1,000 kg, NEXO becomes the first FCEV to offer this level of functionality, further expanding its versatility and appeal.7
Innovative Features Make Hydrogen Driving Intuitive and Convenient
The all-new NEXO is equipped with consumer-focused innovations designed to enhance convenience and simplify the FCEV driving experience. Its column-type shift lever frees up interior space, enabling increased storage capacity in the center console.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
All-new Hyundai NEXO achieves top five-star rating in EuroNCAP safety test – hydrogen-powered fuel cell SUV, source
