Hyundai Nexo

Let's be fair, as SUVs in Korea are becoming common on today's roads, their powertrain is becoming out of context as the value of diesels beginning to fade right now and the search for more alternative ways and means are becoming more complex. In response, Hyundai made a fuel-cell crossover that claims to be one of the most important breakthrough in the history of the rapidly-growing South Korean carmaker.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

This is the Hyundai Nexo and yes, we know, it's another crossover that we're becoming weary right now but because this is a fuel-cell crossover, it's becoming a step zero-to-one for Hyundai and for those who are starting to stave off from the common diesel-powered crossovers of today because of the times, this could be the answer.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

There's so much to talk about the heart of the Nexo but let's talk about this later because the design is what we're tackling it first because while this is somewhat average for crossover standards, it isn't as average as, let's say, a Toyota MIRAI, and henceforth, not bad to take a gander on its decent looks that can be easily heckled by speedo boys at parking lots. Yes, you can get heckled by speedo boys elsewhere, but on a progressive point of view, the Nexo knows it really demands progress for a fuel-cell crossover that supersedes the old Tucson Fuel Cell by a long shot.

2019 Hyundai Nexo interior

2019 Hyundai Nexo interior

Speaking of progress, the Nexo's interior really shows its demanding progress for the occupants. There's a fun fact that most of the interior materials such as the leather, plastic, and fabric, are sourced from, let's be fair, vegetables and UL Certified BIO Materials, meaning that while the interior is made out of stuff that grows from the farm, it really shows its sustainable self, which is good. While the sustainable interior materials is the Nexo's signature piece, the high-tech dashboard, the electronic shift button, and the Krell Premium sound system really shows that it has some luxury car vibes to a not-so-luxury crossover, which is a bonus. Decent space at the back as well.

2019 Hyundai Nexo

Now, we get to the very important part of the Nexo and that is the heart of it. First, the Nexo is powered by an electric motor that churns out 154PS of power and 395Nm of torque, which is more than the old Tucson FCEV it replaces, capable of reaching a top speed of up to 179kph, similar as a Japanese car can go. Second, the Nexo's got three fuel tanks, capable of carrying 6.33kg/156.6L of total capacity, resulting to a driving range of 609km. You heard that from the Koreans but on average, it is a tad less than the Toyota MIRAI.

You should know that unlike the MIRAI, the Nexo's got all-wheel drive, meaning that it's capable to handle any road regardless on what's the weather condition's going to be or perfect enough to visit some historic Korean landmarks without the range anxiety. That range is like from Muntinlupa to Cabanatuan and back with a few juices left to go to Festival Supermall. Now that is the future.

Apart from the fuel cell perks, the Nexo goes further with safety thanks to its wide array of driving assist features such as blind spot view monitor, lane following assist and highway driving assist. It even comes with a clever but flattering remote parking assistant that allows the Nexo to park by itself and retrieve the vehicle while setting off. Sounds kooky but hey, we live in the future, zura.

Should you buy it? The Hyundai Nexo starts at 73,378,500 Korean Won (around 3,630,000 Pesos), which sounds too niche to buy one, especially when there's the after tax benefit sale price bonus. Although the pricing and the styling is worth a heckle, the Nexo's promising efficiency and usability as a crossover is something that shouldn't be underestimated upon, which is fine for an unrivaled fuel-cell crossover, and with the world starting to stave off from diesels, the Nexo is a crossover that is here today, ready for tomorrow. Consider this your next ride if you are willing to let go your rusty diesel crossover.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company