This is really what it looks like! 2026 Hyundai Nexo locked-in for Australia with next-generation hydrogen system focusing on better-than-electric driving range and towing capability

Hyundai has revealed its second-generation Nexo hydrogen fuel-cell electric SUV, which adopts wild styling elements and promises significant improvements over both the first-generation car, but also over other electric rivals.

Now offering 700km of range from a five-minute fill, the second-generation Nexo also has upgraded power outputs for its new fuel-cell and battery, jumping from 135kW to 190kW, while the motor’s peak output is 150kW. This trims the 0-100km/h sprint time to 7.8 seconds from the previous car’s 9.2 seconds.

Meanwhile, Euro-spec versions of the Nexo are capable of towing up to 1000kg, and Hyundai has made significant improvements to the hydrogen tank’s temperature management system to optimise range in a variety of seasonal conditions.

The styling sticks closely to the 2024 'Initium' concept, sticking to the company’s new 'art of steel' design direction. Like the Santa Fe before it, the new Nexo features a tough front face, with H-style headlight fittings, and a boxy overall visage.

Meanwhile, around the rear, the hydrogen SUV has an unorthodox hatch tailgate, which seems as though it is a reference to unusual designs from the past, like the Pontiac Aztek, although the brand says the look not only adds a “sturdy and sophisticated” feel with a “rugged image”, but it also features many aerodynamic improvements compared to the curvy look of the previous model.

On top of this, the new Nexo features active noise cancelling for the cabin, as well as noise-absorbing tyres, and a new regenerative braking system which can use navigation data to automatically adjust the amount of motor-based regenerative braking for increased efficiency.

Inside, like other recent Hyundai products, the new Nexo features dual 12.3-inch displays for the multimedia screen and digital instrument cluster, alongside a 12-inch head-up display.

It also features wireless phone mirroring and dual wireless chargers, while the system itself has over-the-air functionality for system updates, an AI voice assistant, and fuel-cell route planning for the navigation system which takes into account the live status of stations.

It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing it to use its hydrogen power source to provide juice to external devices via household power outlets, even on the exterior of the vehicle, negating the need for a charge port adapter.

Other innovations include a built-in dash cam front and rear, a fingerprint sensor, and the option for digital side mirrors in some markets.

Hyundai also promises the new Nexo will comply with the highest safety standards, featuring nine airbags, a fully equipped active safety suite and specific protection for the hydrogen tank.

A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia confirmed to CarsGuide the Nexo will launch in Australia in the first half of 2026, following on from the current car’s successful trials, primarily focused around a fleet in the ACT.

Whether or not the new Nexo will actually be sold to customers rather than be offered exclusively on a fleet trial basis remains to be seen, with the spokesperson confirming the brand was still working through what the launch might look like.

In previous comments to CarsGuide the brand’s previous Chief Operating Officer in Australia, John Kett, said the brand would look to use hydrogen vehicles on a community basis where their traits are best suited, and the infrastructure cost was relatively low, as is currently the case with the fleet of Nexos in the ACT.

Hyundai is currently operating a successful trial of Xcient hydrogen heavy vehicles in Europe, but its heavy vehicle plan for Australia is yet to materialise.