In the midst of Toyota’s extensive range of mainstream cars, crossovers, and enthusiast-focused vehicles, there’s a model often overlooked – the hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered Mirai.
As 2024 unfolds, Toyota is drawing attention to this unconventional sedan, providing a few updates before it faces new competition in the limited hydrogen segment.
The most evident change for 2024 is the introduction of new Beyond Zero badging, previously seen on the 2023 Prius. Toyota has extended this small circular blue logo, along with “FCEV” lettering (representing fuel-cell electric vehicle), to its latest hybrid and electric vehicles, including the Grand Highlander Hybrid Max. The Mirai also debuts a new color option, Elemental Silver.
The 2024 Mirai now incorporates the full Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, featuring driver-assistance elements like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and pre-collision emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
In terms of mechanics, the Mirai remains unchanged. Its hydrogen fuel cell powers an electric motor generating 182 horsepower for the rear wheels. Though the acceleration to 60 mph takes a measured 9.1 seconds, the base XLE model boasts an impressive 402-mile range on a hydrogen tank.
Opting for the Limited trim results in a slightly reduced range of 357 miles. Toyota sweetens the deal by offering $15,000 worth of hydrogen to Mirai buyers. The base price edges up to $51,215, with the Limited priced at $68,180.
While the alterations are subtle, the Mirai, now in its second generation since 2021, doesn’t need drastic changes to attract the few buyers intrigued by hydrogen experimentation.
As one of only two fuel-cell vehicles currently available in the United States, along with the Hyundai Nexo, the Mirai remains exclusive to California.
In 2023, Toyota achieved its best sales for the Mirai, selling 2,737 units, marking a 31 percent increase over 2022. In comparison, the Nexo found homes in just 241 households, representing a 41 percent drop from 2022.
The Mirai’s upcoming challenge comes from Honda, which plans to launch a hydrogen-powered version of its popular CR-V crossover this year.
Manufactured at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio, where the Acura NSX was once produced, Honda claims that the new fuel-cell system is more durable and costs two-thirds less to build than the setup in its previous Clarity Fuel Cell model.
With the joint venture between General Motors and Honda to produce fuel-cell systems in Michigan underway, the Mirai is on the verge of facing its next hydrogen competitor.