“If you are looking for dependability, reliability, comfort and what I consider state of the art technology, look no further, my Nexo offers all of that and more. To me it's a feeling of total freedom, freedom from the gas pump, I just drive by and wave bye bye to the high price of gas. To me the fuel cell car, is the future and I am now thanks to Hyundai I am a part of that future.”
2021 Hyundai NEXO: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Hyundai NEXO is a carryover with no major changes. It keeps the same two trims, hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain, front-wheel drive, styling, safety features, and technology as the 2020 model.
About the 2021 Hyundai NEXO
1st generation NEXO (introduced for 2019), third model year; no major 2021 update.
Hyundai positions the NEXO as a technology-led hydrogen SUV: a practical crossover body wrapped around a zero-tailpipe-emission fuel-cell drivetrain. The pitch is simple for shoppers who can use the hydrogen network: electric-car smoothness, quick refueling, useful SUV space, and a strong set of driver-assistance features. Hyundai also treats it as a showcase model for its cleaner-mobility strategy, highlighting water-only tailpipe output and even air-filtration benefits.
The Blue is the range-focused version, with up to 380 miles of EPA-estimated range, a 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen, heated front seats, and a broad safety suite. The Limited puts more emphasis on comfort and convenience with ventilated front seats, upgraded audio, around-car camera views, and remote parking assistance.
2021 Hyundai NEXO specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hydrogen | Hydrogen |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 161 hp |
| Torque | 291 lb-ft | 291 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.5 cu-ft | 56.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.6 in | 38.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 380 | 354 |
| MPGe Combined | 61 | 57 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Power Moonroof | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2021 Hyundai NEXO?
Nothing significant changed for the 2021 Hyundai NEXO. Its trims, hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain, front-wheel-drive layout, styling, safety equipment, and infotainment carried over from 2020.
Is the 2021 Hyundai NEXO different from the 2020 model?
The 2021 Hyundai NEXO is essentially the same as the 2020 model. Both use the same two-trim lineup and the same hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain.
What trims does the 2021 Hyundai NEXO have?
The 2021 Hyundai NEXO has Blue and Limited trims. Blue emphasizes driving range, while Limited adds comfort, upgraded audio, around-car camera views, and remote parking assistance.
How far can the 2021 Hyundai NEXO Blue travel?
The 2021 Hyundai NEXO Blue has an EPA-estimated range of up to 380 miles. It is the longer-range trim in the lineup.
Does the 2021 Hyundai NEXO need to be plugged in?
No, the 2021 Hyundai NEXO does not use plug-in charging. It runs on hydrogen, produces electricity onboard, and can be refueled in about five minutes at a compatible hydrogen station.
2021 Hyundai NEXO Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai NEXO.
3.6
2021 Hyundai NEXO
(19 reviews)
“Fueling a hydrogen vehicle is a PAIN due to lack of hydrogen. It is often impossible to fill a hydrogen vehicle. I have spent entirely too much time searching for and waiting in line to fuel the vehicle. Lack of hydrogen has also caused me to miss work on multiple occasions.”
“Make sure you are close to a Hydrogen fuel station and it is working always. Currently I'm having issues with availability of the fuel, every time it's offline and I've to go many miles to get filled.”