Hyundai Nexo: The First Hydrogen Fuel-Cell SUV to Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+

A Historic Safety Milestone for Hydrogen Vehicles

The automotive industry reached a significant safety benchmark when the Hyundai Nexo became the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle ever to earn the prestigious   rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This recognition places the Nexo among the safest vehicles on the road today, proving that alternative fuel vehicles can achieve the highest safety standards.

While currently available only in California due to hydrogen infrastructure limitations, the Nexo's safety validation from IIHS represents a critical step forward for fuel-cell technology. The insurance-industry-sponsored safety organization noted that testing the Nexo provided "an early opportunity to evaluate a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle" at a time when most consumers and regulators are focused on battery electric vehicles.

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Uncompromising Crash Protection

The Nexo demonstrated exceptional crashworthiness across all IIHS evaluations, earning perfect scores in every category:

• Driver-side small overlap front test: Maximum "Good" rating
• Passenger-side small overlap front test: "Good" rating (new 2019 requirement)
• Moderate overlap front test: "Good" rating
• Side impact test: "Good" rating
• Roof strength test: "Good" rating
• Head restraints test: "Good" rating

These results are particularly impressive considering the unique challenges of designing a fuel-cell vehicle. The Nexo's architecture incorporates the hydrogen fuel tank and fuel-cell stack while maintaining exceptional structural integrity. Hyundai engineers developed a special framework around the hydrogen components that actually enhances overall vehicle rigidity compared to conventional SUVs.

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Advanced Collision Avoidance Technology

Beyond passive safety, the Nexo excelled in active safety systems, earning the highest possible "Superior" rating for its standard forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking. In IIHS testing:

• The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph test scenarios
• Provided timely warnings to drivers in all test conditions
• Demonstrated consistent performance in various lighting conditions

This comprehensive safety suite includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
• Safe Exit Warning
• 
  

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Headlight Performance: A Critical Upgrade

One of the most significant factors in the Nexo's Top Safety Pick+ achievement came from improvements to its lighting system. For vehicles built after June 2019, Hyundai adjusted the headlights' factory aim to provide:

• Better straight-line visibility
• Improved illumination through curves
• More consistent light distribution

These changes, combined with standard automatic high beams, elevated the headlights from an "Acceptable" to "Good" rating - a requirement for Top Safety Pick+. The upgraded lighting provides:

• 500 feet of visibility on low beams
• Automatic adjustment based on steering input
• Glare-free high beam operation

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Hydrogen Safety: Beyond Conventional Standards

As the first fuel-cell vehicle to undergo complete IIHS testing, the Nexo had to prove its hydrogen systems were as safe as conventional powertrains in crash scenarios. Hyundai implemented multiple redundant safety measures:

• Triple-sealed hydrogen tanks: Carbon fiber construction with additional protective layers
• Automatic shut-off valves: Immediately isolate the fuel system upon impact
• Advanced leak detection: Multiple sensors throughout the fuel system
• Strategic placement: Hydrogen components located in the most protected areas of the vehicle

IIHS testing confirmed these systems remained completely intact even in severe crash scenarios, with no hydrogen leakage detected in any test.

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Why This Recognition Matters

The Nexo's safety achievement represents more than just another five-star rating. It validates hydrogen fuel-cell technology as a viable, safe alternative to conventional powertrains. For consumers considering alternative fuel vehicles, the Nexo proves that:

• Hydrogen vehicles can meet the highest safety standards
• Advanced technology doesn't require safety compromises
• Fuel-cell architecture can enhance vehicle safety
• Eco-friendly vehicles can protect occupants as well as any conventional SUV

As hydrogen infrastructure expands beyond California, the Nexo's safety credentials position it as a compelling option for safety-conscious buyers looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing protection.

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How the Nexo Compares to Other Green Vehicles

When compared to other environmentally friendly vehicles in its class, the Nexo stands apart in safety:

This comparison shows the Nexo matching or exceeding the safety of the most advanced electric vehicles while pioneering hydrogen technology.

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The Future of Hydrogen Vehicle Safety

The Nexo's success in IIHS testing establishes important benchmarks for future fuel-cell vehicles. Automakers developing hydrogen models now have clear safety targets to meet, including:

• Maintaining structural integrity around hydrogen components
• Developing robust fuel system protection
• Integrating advanced driver assistance systems
• Optimizing lighting performance

As hydrogen technology evolves, we can expect to see:

• Lighter yet stronger hydrogen storage systems
• More compact fuel-cell stacks allowing for better crash structure
• Enhanced sensor networks for hydrogen systems
• Improved emergency response protocols

The Nexo has set a high bar that will likely influence hydrogen vehicle development for years to come.