Hyundai’s Nexo hydrogen fuel cell SUV aced its IIHS crash tests
Photo: Hyundai
The 2019 Hyundai Nexo SUV recently became the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to undergo testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Nexo aced that test by winning a Top Safety Pick+ rating — the highest one available.
To achieve this rating, the Nexo snagged “good” ratings in six key crash tests: driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint. It also garnered a “superior” rating for front crash prevention and a “good” rating for its headlights.
Other safety technologies offered for the Nexo include Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor.
Photo: Hyundai
“Hyundai and its engineering team continue to make vehicles even safer with the addition of active standard safety features, prioritizing cutting-edge safety and convenience at the forefront of the driving experience,” said Scott Margason, Hyundai Motor America’s director of product planning. “Our Nexo further emphasizes this priority on safety, with generous driver-assistance technologies and excellent passenger protection in a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.”
The Nexo is just the latest in a long line of Hyundai vehicles to win Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards from IIHS. The Accent, Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid, Santa Fe XL, and Veloster are Top Safety Picks. The Elantra, Kona, Palisade, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson are Top Safety Pick+ models.
So far, the Nexo is only available in California, although Hyundai hopes to eventually expand availability for this zero-emissions model. The Nexo’s hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain generates 161 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque while providing up to 380 miles of driving range. Equipped with three hydrogen storage tanks, the vehicle can be refueled in just 5 minutes.
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