Hyundai Nexo FCEV secures full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with 90% adult protection. Hydrogen SUV excels in crash tests, advanced tech. India-bound?
Hyundai Nexo FCEV Shines with 5-Star Safety Rating
The Hyundai Nexo FCEV just grabbed headlines by scoring a perfect five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, proving hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles can match top safety standards. This next-gen SUV from Hyundai builds on its predecessor’s legacy, which was the first FCEV tested by Euro NCAP back in 2018. With India on the radar for a potential launch, the Nexo FCEV stands out as a clean, powerful alternative to battery EVs amid growing demand for zero-emission rides.
Imagine driving an SUV that emits only water vapor while protecting your family like a fortress. The Nexo FCEV achieved 90% in adult occupant protection and 85% in child protection, topping Euro NCAP’s tough 2025 protocols. This rating joins Hyundai’s elite club alongside IONIQ 5, 6 and 9, all five-star performers.
What Makes Hyundai Nexo FCEV a Safety Champion?
Euro NCAP put the Hyundai Nexo FCEV through brutal frontal offset, full-width barrier, side barrier and far-side tests. The passenger compartment stayed rock-solid, shielding knees, femurs and vital areas for driver and passenger alike. Side impacts earned maximum points, with the center airbag preventing far-side collisions effectively.
Rear whiplash protection rated “good” for front and rear seats, a boon for daily commuters facing unpredictable traffic. For kids, six- and ten-year-old dummies showed excellent protection in frontal and side crashes, thanks to compatible child restraint systems and a passenger airbag deactivation switch with clear indicators. Vulnerable road users like pedestrians scored high too, boosted by advanced driver aids.
Safety tech seals the deal: eCall for emergency calls, post-crash braking to avoid secondary impacts, and doors/windows that work even if submerged. These features make the Hyundai Nexo FCEV not just safe but lifesaving in real-world scenarios.
Power and Performance of Hyundai Nexo FCEV
Beyond safety, the Hyundai Nexo FCEV packs serious muscle. Its fuel-cell stack delivers 184 hp and 395 Nm torque via a single electric motor, hitting 0-100 kmph in 9.2 seconds with a top speed of 179 kmph. Range touches 700 km on a 6.33 kg hydrogen fill-up, outpacing many EVs in refuel time—just 5 minutes at stations.
This front-wheel-drive SUV measures 4,670 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, with a 2,790 mm wheelbase for stable handling. Ground clearance of 162 mm tackles Indian roads, while boot space expands from 461 to 1,466 liters. Fuel efficiency? Around 0.95 kg/100 km combined, making it eco-friendly without range anxiety.
Inside, expect premium vibes with advanced infotainment, possibly mirroring Hyundai’s IONIQ lineup. The Hyundai Nexo FCEV blends SUV practicality with FCEV innovation, weighing 1,889 kg yet feeling nimble.
| Feature | Hyundai Nexo FCEV Specs |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hydrogen Fuel Cell, 184 hp, 395 Nm |
| Range | 700 km (est.), 6.33 kg H2 tank |
| Dimensions | 4670 x 1860 x 1630 mm, 2790 mm WB |
| Safety Score | 5-Star Euro NCAP (90% Adult, 85% Child) |
| Acceleration | 0-100 kmph: 9.2 sec |
| Boot Space | 461-1466 L |
Why Hyundai Nexo FCEV Could Transform India
India’s EV push meets hydrogen dreams with the Hyundai Nexo FCEV eyed for local debut, possibly late 2025 via pilots or fleets. Hyundai invested ₹2,000 crore in electrification, including Creta Electric, but hydrogen fits urban zero-emission goals amid charging woes. Challenges like sparse H2 stations persist, yet global success hints at potential.
Picture fleets in Delhi or Mumbai running clean, water-only exhaust cutting pollution. Priced around ₹65 lakh expected, the Hyundai Nexo FCEV targets premium buyers seeking sustainability. Government incentives could speed adoption, mirroring Europe’s growth.
For Indian riders loving SUVs, this Hyundai Nexo FCEV offers Creta-like space with futuristic power. As battery EVs flood markets, hydrogen’s quick refuel edges it for long hauls.
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Inside the Tech Powering Hyundai Nexo FCEV
The Hyundai Nexo FCEV‘s fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, powering the motor silently. Advanced cooling and durability upgrades from the 2018 model ensure reliability. Euro NCAP praised its assistance systems like autonomous braking and lane-keeping.
Ride quality shines with McPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, ventilated discs all around, and electric power steering. Tires in 225/60 R17 or 245/45 R19 grip well, turning radius at 11.2 meters suits city parking.
Future of Hydrogen with Hyundai Nexo FCEV
Hyundai leads FCEV charge, with the Hyundai Nexo FCEV proving hydrogen’s viability post its predecessor’s five-star win. India-bound whispers excite, especially for tech-savvy buyers eyeing green luxury. As infrastructure grows, this SUV could redefine clean mobility Down Under.
Safety-first design, blistering range, and zero emissions position the Nexo FCEV as a game-changer. Watch for launch updates—could 2026 bring it to Indian shores?
