Hyundai NEXO Receives Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

Euro NCAP has awarded the new Hyundai NEXO a five-star safety rating, confirming strong occupant protection and advanced safety systems in the hydrogen SUV. Learn more.

The all-new Hyundai NEXO has achieved the highest possible five-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP safety assessment, reinforcing the brand’s focus on safety as hydrogen-powered vehicles move further into the mainstream.

According to Euro NCAP, the next-generation fuel-cell SUV scored 90% for Adult Occupant Protection and 85% for Child Occupant Protection. During frontal and side-impact tests, the passenger compartment remained stable, while the driver and front passenger dummies showed good protection across all critical body areas. The NEXO earned maximum points in the side barrier test and received a “good” rating for whiplash protection in rear-impact evaluations.

Child safety was one of the strongest areas in the assessment. Six- and ten-year-old dummies demonstrated good protection in both frontal and lateral impacts, allowing the vehicle to secure full points in crash performance for children. Euro NCAP also highlighted the clear and effective front passenger airbag deactivation system, as well as the secure installation compatibility for all approved child restraint systems.

In the category of Vulnerable Road Users, the NEXO achieved a score of 76%. The vehicle is equipped with an active bonnet and advanced autonomous emergency braking systems capable of detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. While overall mitigation performance was rated highly, Euro NCAP noted variations in protection levels across specific areas of the front structure.

Safety Assist technologies contributed to an overall score of 80%. Standard equipment includes intelligent emergency braking, lane support systems, speed assistance, and a driver monitoring system designed to detect fatigue and distraction. The assessment also confirmed the presence of an advanced eCall system, post-crash secondary collision prevention, and verified door and window operability in the event of vehicle submergence.

This latest result extends Hyundai’s run of five-star Euro NCAP ratings, following the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9. For the NEXO, the achievement carries particular significance: the previous generation became the first fuel-cell electric vehicle tested by Euro NCAP in 2018. The new rating highlights how hydrogen technology and vehicle safety standards continue to evolve together, positioning fuel-cell models firmly within modern expectations of occupant and road user protection.