DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Nexo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- –
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FCV
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,059 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 148 for similar models.
Watch out for
- No AWD or 4WDTwo-wheel drive only, unusual for a small SUV.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Nexo is a small SUV and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,059 lb.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Nexo — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Nexo →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 183.9 in | 73.2 in | 64.6 in | 109.8 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,059 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexo Blue FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 65 / 58 / 61 | – | – | – | |
| Nexo FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 59 / 54 / 57 | – | – | – |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Nexo.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Nexo (this car) | – | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices · Oct 11, 2024 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 24V761000 · 1,545 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Nexo vehicles. The thermally activated pressure relief device (TPRD) may break and cause a hydrogen gas leak, which can result in a fire while parked.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the TPRD, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 8, 2024. Final owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, beginning January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 269.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Fuel Cell · Apr 14, 2022 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 22V258000 · 922 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Nexo vehicles. The hydrogen gas detection sensors may fail to detect leaks in the hydrogen gas delivery system.
- Risk
- A hydrogen gas leak can increase the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed. Dealers will replace the hydrogen gas detection sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 12, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 225.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Nexo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Nexo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 3 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Nexo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Nexo years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →