The 2024 Hyundai Nexo: Fuel Economy and Efficiency

The 57 MPG combined isn’t just a number for the 2024 Hyundai Nexo, it’s the core reason this vehicle exists. This is about sidestepping gasoline entirely, not squeezing extra miles out of a gasoline gallon. The Nexo is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV), using hydrogen to generate electricity and emitting only water vapor as exhaust. That 57 MPG, actually MPG equivalent, or MPGe, represents the energy efficiency of that process. The target demographic is clear: drivers in California where hydrogen refueling infrastructure exists, willing to embrace new technology and potentially prioritize zero emissions over other conventional vehicle attributes.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down the Nexo’s efficiency further, revealing 59 MPGe in the city and 54 MPGe on the highway. This slight edge in city driving makes sense. Stop-and-go traffic allows the Nexo’s regenerative braking system to recapture energy and store it in the small battery pack, boosting efficiency. On the highway, continuous high-speed driving relies more heavily on the hydrogen fuel cell itself, resulting in slightly lower, though still impressive, numbers. Unlike gasoline cars where highway MPG usually leads city MPG, the Nexo is the opposite. This means people who drive frequently in city traffic will most appreciate the performance.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $921 for the 2024 Hyundai Nexo. This figure assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and uses the national average price of hydrogen fuel. Remember that hydrogen prices fluctuate regionally and can be considerably higher than gasoline in some areas, especially outside of California where the infrastructure is limited. This cost projection is also a significant factor for prospective buyers, as it factors in both the environmental and economic aspects of owning a fuel cell vehicle.

Real-world expectations

While 57 MPGe is the official EPA rating, real-world driving conditions always play a role. Factors like driving style, climate control usage, and terrain can impact actual efficiency. Aggressive acceleration or extended use of air conditioning will reduce fuel economy, just as it would in a gasoline car. However, the Nexo generally delivers consistent performance relative to its rating because of this second-generation fuel cell system coupled with Hyundai’s software expertise in maximizing efficiency.

How it compares

The Toyota Mirai, the Nexo’s closest competitor, achieves a similar 60 MPGe combined in its XLE trim, but drops to 52 MPGe for the Limited trim. While seemingly close, those slight disparities matter to the FCEV buyer. Another comparison is the Hyundai Kona Electric. Its EPA rating is 129 MPGe combined, but it’s a fully-electric vehicle that requires charging from the grid instead of hydrogen refueling. The Nissan LEAF is similar at 111 MPGe combined, also fully electric. The crucial nuance here is range and refueling time. The Nexo boasts a range of around 380 miles and can be refueled in about 5 minutes, whereas electric vehicles often require significantly longer charging times. For those prioritizing range and refueling convenience in a zero-emission vehicle, while not being able to install an EV charger at home, the Nexo holds unique appeal. The NEXO MPG across all years remains consistently high, reflecting the stable technology.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The Nexo’s electric drivetrain delivers instant torque, making it tempting to floor the accelerator, but smooth and gradual acceleration will significantly conserve hydrogen. Monitor the energy consumption display to gain insight into how different driving habits affect fuel efficiency.

Use the regenerative braking system effectively. Anticipate stops and gently lift off the accelerator to allow the system to recapture energy, rather than braking hard at the last moment. Using this feature will help you get the most of regenerative braking.

Minimize climate control usage when possible. Heating and cooling require energy, so using the seat heaters/coolers instead of the HVAC system can reduce the load on the fuel cell. Consider driving with the windows down when appropriate weather permits.

Ensure proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. Regularly check your tire pressure and maintain it at the recommended level, which is specified on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.

Plan your routes strategically. Using navigation systems and apps to avoid traffic congestion and optimize routes can help minimize unnecessary stops and starts, leading to better overall fuel efficiency. For further reading, you can explore all Hyundai fuel economy data.

The 2024 Hyundai Nexo isn’t just about transportation; it’s a statement of commitment to a different future, to zero emissions, and to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. It’s a car for people who prioritize those values, and those are values not everyone has.