2021 Hyundai Nexo

From low-cost sedans to three-row EV SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ Reliability and Owner Satisfaction ratings. Individual models and years vary widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost subcompacts like the Elantra, and midsized sedans like the Sonata. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsize Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer three-row seating. Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In our testing, most Hyundai models benefit from a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness in addition to improving fuel economy. Hyundai’s EVs are some of the best values among electric cars. The Ioniq models are high-tech, well designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.

The Hyundai Nexo joins the Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity as a hydrogen-run fuel cell vehicle. It takes on an SUV body style that's sized between the Tucson and Santa Fe and has front-wheel-drive. Power comes from an electric motor with a 161-hp output. Three hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 14 pounds ensure a 380-mile driving range, longer than both competitors. Unlike other FC vehicles, functionality isn't compromised due to a small cargo area or a high floor. Of course, hydrogen filling stations are few and far between, a major concern. The Nexo drives like a luxury car with effortless power, a comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and responsive handling. A few driver assist features come on the top trim, including blind-spot monitors that relay a video image of the car's flanks onto the instrument panel. It also has the ability to park itself and be summoned from a parking space. The Nexo is available only in California metro areas and Hyundai provides a prepaid card with a quota of fill-ups. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning with braking all come standard.