This is Toyota looking to create its own hydrogen-fuel future
Mirai is actually Japanese for ‘future’ and it’s not that hard to guess what Toyota is aiming for here.
With BEVs in full bloom, the carmaker still believes in FCEVs and the second-generation Mirai is proof to such creed.
In fact, in a recently published press release, Toyota stated that it “remains committed to hydrogen fuel technology as a powertrain with tremendous potential.”
Coming back to the second-gen Mirai, it’s built on a rear-wheel-drive platform so there’s not surprise it looks more like a Lexus than a Prius. If you can recall, the first-gen Mirai took the unmistakable Prius looks to the extreme and it was often deemed as ugly, rightfully so.
The second-gen Mirai is way sleeker. At the same time, gone is that crossover-y vibe, because Toyota also lowered the new Mirai (height is 57.8 inches), which also happens to be wider (at 74.2 inches) and longer (at 195.8 inches) than its predecessor. Expect an increase in the aerodynamic department as the new Mirai looks a lot more streamlined than its predecessor.
The cabin, too, looks like it’s been sent to the house of Lexus for more refinement. Toyota says it’s also quieter than before and it now includes the brand’s Premium Multimedia infotainment that’s based on a 12.3-inch high-res touchscreen as well a an eight-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility is also on the table.
Those looking for practicality should know that the new Mirai can accommodate five passengers. The first Mirai could only shelter four, due to the battery layout, but now it’s safe to say that the new Mirai is an out-and-out mid-size sedan when it comes to interior space.
Two trim levels
XLE and Limited will split the 2021 Mirai range and from how the press blurb reads, they’re both well kitted and available in one of five body colors: Hydro Blue (exclusive for Limited), Oxygen White, Supersonic Red, Heavy Metal, and black.
Besides the tech bits mentioned in the previous section, XLE comes with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and power-folding mirrors as standard. Limited then ups the ante with the likes of:
- color HUD
- three-zone auto climate control
- heated and ventilated front AND rear seats
- rear touchscreen control panel
- Bird’s Eye View camera
- Intelligent Park Assist
- dual panoramic moonroof w/ power-sliding shade
- black/white SofTex seat covers
- gray stitching with silver accents
- ivory stitching with copper accents
Powertrain
Toyota is very quiet when it comes to power and torque numbers for the new Mirai. We know that the previous generation produced 151 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, yet there’s no word on similar specs for the 2021 Mirai.
The new FCEV, however, was driven by some of Japan’s car journos and they are claiming the electric motor’s output went up by about 30 horses to around 180 horsepower, as per Motor1. We’re still waiting for official word from Toyota before labelling anything as sure-shot.
Most importantly, Toyota is targeting a maximum range improved by 30 percent compared to the previous Mirai. Doing some simple math based on the fact that the previous Mirai had an EPA-range of 312 miles, it results that the new one could be good for over 400 miles. Then again, we’re waiting for official word from Toyota on this front, too.
Price and availability
Again, we don’t have much to work with as Toyota is coy on these details too. Most likely, the new Mirai will be available in California, Hawaii, and maybe Germany if we are to take Europe into consideration. Perhaps even in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, but the Mirai showing up on those markets depends on the existing fuel-cell infrastructure and last time we checked, it was nowhere near the ever-spawning BEV charging network.
The 2020 Toyota Mirai starts at $59,545, which means the new one could demand at least $62,000. We’re hoping to know more in a couple of weeks, as 2021 Mirai sales kick off.