Toyota launched the Mirai Sedan in 2016 and quickly grabbed the limelight for its innovative approach towards a greener tomorrow. However, though the idea bagged a lot of appraising, the Mirai Sedan itself did not leave such an impact. The Toyota Mirai has not changed much since its arrival in 2016, however, that's about to change now as the 2021 Toyota Mirai is going through a major overhaul.
Since the Mirai is offered only in one trim, no scope of getting choosy here. However, fret not, the car packs in all the bells and whistles you’d expect from such a futuristic car.
The 2021 Toyota Mirai does a lot more things than just looking better than its predecessor, which happens to be covering more range, packing in more grunt, and offering more trim options. The 2021 Toyota Mirai will be available in a total of 2 trims - XLE and Limited. Though there is no official word about the pricing of the new Mirai, yet we expect the prices for the 2021 Toyota Mirai to start from $64,000 when it goes on sale in December 2020.
The Mirai is one of a kind and one of the first cars to explore this aperture. However, it still receives some fight from a homeland innovator, which is none other than the Honda. The Toyota Mirai locks its horns with the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. So now, the question remains which car serves as an overall better package? Well, scroll down to find out...
Pricing and Features
7.5/10
The Toyota Mirai was offered in a single configuration, as a standalone trim until last year. However, for the model year 2021, a lot has changed for the Toyota Mirai, including its trim lineup.
The 2021 Toyota Mirai will be offered in a total of 2 trims, namely - XLE and Limited. Though there is no official word yet about the pricing of the 2021 Toyota Mirai, still we expect the prices of the 2021 Toyota Mirai to start from $64,000 for the base XLE trim and range up to $69,000 for the more loaded Limited trim.
Trim
Toyota Mirai XLE
Toyota Mirai Limited
MSRP (FWD)
$64,000 (expected)
$69,000 (expected)
Key Features
LED Headlights with Auto-On/Off and Auto High Beam Assist and LED DRL's
Adds to/replaces XLE features:
17" Machine Chiseled Alloy Wheels
Heated steering wheel with tilt and telescopic column
Rain Sensing Variable Intermittent Heated Windshield Wiper with De-Icer
Power adjustable and heated seats
12.3-inch Touchscreen infotainment system with Entune Audio and Clari-Fi
14-speaker JBL Surround Sound System
USB, AUX, SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple Car Play Compatibility
Keyless Entry with Push Button Start and Soft touch Entry
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The 2021 Toyota Mirai, even in its base configuration happens to be a pretty loaded-up car as it gets features such as 17-inch Machine Chiseled Alloys, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and LED headlights as standard. Though the 2021 Toyota Mirai Limited will definitely be a lot more feature-rich than the base XLE trim, yet you won't have to compromise on a whole lot of amenities even if you go for the base XLE trim.
Engine and Performance
7.5/10
The Toyota Mirai obtains its octane mainly via a Permanent magnet AC Synchronous motor. This engine setup generated151 hp and 247 lb.-ft. Of the peak spinning force in the 2020 Toyota Mirai, however, we expect these power figures to amplify for the 2021 Toyota Mirai.
To aid the engine to deliver a more engaging ride, there sits a high voltage Nickel-Metal Hydride drive battery, which accounts for enhanced regenerative braking and somewhat provides a boost of performance at low speeds where the engine feels slow to react and respond.
Models
Toyota Mirai sedan
Honda Clarity fuel cell*
MSRP
$64,000
$58,490
Engine
Permanent magnet AC Motor
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack w/Electric Motor
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Transmission
1-Speed Automatic
1-Speed Automatic
Power
151hp@4,700rpm
174hp@4,500rpm
Torque
247lb-ft@3,500rpm
221lb-ft@3,500rpm
Another element of the Toyota Mirai’s powertrain is a pair of High-Pressure Carbon Fiber Hydrogen Tanks that store hydrogen and expands it accordingly. The 2021 Toyota Mirai gets a 1-speed automatic transmission that routes all the grunt to the rear wheels of the 2021 Mirai, unlike its preceding model that was driven by its front wheels.
How fast is the Toyota Mirai?
Cars like the Toyota Mirai are not meant to sprint down the lanes at blazing speeds but are more of a thankful gesture towards Mother Earth and your pockets. However, the Mirai still presents us with respectable off the line figures and can compete with other humble sedans on any given day.
2021 Toyota Mirai electric Sedan Three Quarter View
The Mirai goes from 0-60 in a span of 8.6 seconds and can cover the quarter of a mile distance in around 17.2 seconds. The Mirai knocks a top speed of 111 mph. Though there have been no official subtleties about the 2021 Toyota Mirai's 0-60 figures, yet since it is expected to host more power and be driven by its rear wheels, we expect the new model to be faster.
Model
Toyota Mirai sedan
Honda Clarity fuel cell*
0-60 MPH
8.6 sec
8.1 sec
Quarter Mile
17.2 sec
16.4 sec
Top Speed
N/A
N/A
Engine
Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Motor
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack w/Electric Motor
60-0 MPH
130 ft
N/A
The 2021 Mirai's low profile and scrawny wheels add to the ride’s MPG figures yet degrade the execution of brakes. What additionally hampers the braking performance is the heft that ranges above the 4,000lbs mark.
The brake pedal feel is modest in day to day conditions but gets edgy under panic braking scenarios. The Toyota Mirai pulled a 60-0 panic brake test distance of 130 feet.
What about its driving dynamics?
The Toyota Mirai is not going to provide you with any of the most distant vibes of an engaging or enthralling driving experience. First of all, the Engine feels slow to react and respond at low speeds. Secondly, the car’s skinny wheels further degrade the experience, accounting for instability at high speeds and a rather trembly experience.
The Mirai handles decently under regular conditions, but think of pulling off a high-spirited corner stunt with it, and you are in for some big trouble. Apart from that, the steering wheel of the car feels rightly weighted and provides a decent amount of feedback to the driver.
Alright, so after a certain amount of criticism in the above sections, the Mirai meets us in its very own forte, which is the fuel efficiency offered by this car. The Toyota Mirai with its electric motor powertrain, and hydrogen fuel, delivers spectacular mpg figures.
The 2020 Toyota Mirai delivered the same mileage figure in all conditions, which is 67 miles per gallon. However, according to the various claims made by Toyota, the 2021 Mirai will improve on these numbers and should offer a range of more than 400 miles on a single full-tank.
Model
Toyota Mirai sedan
Honda Clarity fuel cell*
MPG (City)
67
69
MPG (Highway)
67
67
MPG (Combined)
67
68
Fuel Capacity
32.3 gallons
37.3 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
N/A
N/A
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
N/A
N/A
Though the Toyota Mirai posts a great set of mpg figures, yet seems a bit meek in comparison to the mpg figures posted by the contending Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. However, with the advent of the new 2021 Toyota Mirai, we expect this gap to fill up.
Interior
7.5/10
The Toyota Mirai’s cabin emits an airy and spacious vibe, while the big glass area further accentuates the roominess and increases outside visibility. The 2021 Toyota Mirai can seat up to 5 passengers only, and all of them are bound to enjoy a laid back and leisurely drive, accrediting to the plenty of space on offer. The Mirai provides ample space to all the occupants in all directions at all times.
2021 Toyota Mirai electric Sedan Cockpit Area
Speaking of the seats, they are nicely sculpted and generously stuffed, along with an eight-way power adjustment feature. The rear row consists of 2 comfy bucket seats, with a console armrest mounted in between.
Model
Toyota Mirai sedan
Honda Clarity fuel cell*
Seating Capacity
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
38.5/54.3/42.5
39.1/59.6/42.2
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
36.8/53.5/30.1
37.1/57.2/36.7
The dash design is simple yet sensible, and the knobs and buttons enforce the Mirai’s futuristic approach. The fit and finish of the interior seem decent, however, some of the materials used inside the car do not match with the almost $60,000 price tag of the Mirai.
2021 Toyota Mirai electric Sedan Cup Holder
Creature comforts on offer in the Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai packs in a number of convenience features that ensure that all the occupants are at ease at all times. Some of the most prominent comfort features on offer in the Toyota Mirai are:
Proximity key
Keyfob trunk/hatch/door release
Remote keyless entry
1-touch down
Illuminated passenger vanity mirror
Memory seats
Retained accessory power
Mechanical cargo access remote release
Day-night rearview mirror
1 12V DC power outlet
Steering wheel memory
Cruise control with steering wheel controls, distance pacing
Automatic temperature control
Emergency communication system
2 driver memory seat settings
Heated steering wheel
Does it come loaded with tech inside?
The 2021 Toyota Mirai houses Toyota’s very own Entune 3.0 infotainment arrangement, which displays all the information on a 12.3-inch focal touchscreen panel. The Mirai is packed with a number of advanced entertainment features such as a Premium Entune Audio System with 11 JBL Speakers and a Dynamic Real-Time Navigation that can guide you to the nearest Hydrogen Filling Stations.
some of the most prominent infotainment features of the Toyota Mirai are:
11 premium speakers
Internet access
Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
Entune 3.0 Smart device integration
Radio data system
Window grid antenna
Speed sensitive volume
The clari-Fi digital signal processor
Wireless phone connectivity
SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite with seek-scan, single in-dash CD player
Automatic equalizer
Voice-activated radio
Amplifier
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
What about utility?
The Toyota Mirai offers just 12.8 cubic feet of space to stow your luggage into. The space on offer is marginally greater than that of the Honda Clarity, yet the basic drawback for the Mirai here is that the rear seats cannot be folded down.
The Mirai wears the typical Toyota facia which is very much similar to other offerings by the auto-marquee. From the front angle, the 2021 Toyota Mirai looks pretty much like the Avalon, however, its the repulsive side profile that spoils the game for this car.
2021 Toyota Mirai electric Sedan Left Side View
At the rear, the attempted fastback shape seems like a bit overdone, as it overshadows other design elements. Apart from that, the 2020 Toyota Mirai resembles other Gas-powered sedans in terms of the exterior dimensions. It doesn't look small or overly big and has decent proportions overall.
Model
Toyota Mirai sedan
Honda Clarity fuel cell*
Curb Weight
4075 lbs
4134 lbs
Length
192.5"
192.7"
Width
71.5"
73.9"
Height
60.5"
58.2"
Ground Clearance
5.1"
N/A
Wheelbase
109.4"
108.3"
What are those eye-catching features?
Automatic LED Low and High Beam Headlamps with Auto On/Off
LED Daytime Running Lamps and Stop Lights
Auto-Dimming Heated Outside Powered mirrors with Memory Function, Turn Indicators and Blind Spot Warning Indicators
17" Machine Chiseled Alloy Wheels
Rain Sensing, Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers with Heated Windshield and Wiper De-Icer
Noise Reducing Windshield on the front, rear, and side glass
Keyless Entry
Touch Sensor Lock/Unlock door feature
Safety
8.0/10
The Mirai is Toyota’s take on future vehicles and standing true to the notion that the future beholds safer cars, the Mirai houses a number of standard safety features. Some of the most eminent safety features on-board the Toyota Mirai are:
The Toyota Mirai and the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are arch and the only rivals to each other. Both the cars are a step from their respective auto-marquees towards a better and greener future. The prices for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell start at $58,490. The car houses a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack w/Electric Motor that belts out 174 hp and 221 lb.-ft. Of torque, thus giving the Clarity an edge in the power comparison. These figures also make Clarity faster than the Mirai, sprinting from 0-60 in 8.1 seconds. The Clarity also takes a better poll at the mpg fixture, churning out a city/highway/ combined mpg figure of 69/67/68.
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell
Final Verdict
The Toyota Mirai is a progressive step towards a greener and better future, and the auto-marquee definitely deserves applause for putting forward such an enforced step towards the preservation of nature. The Toyota Mirai is a great car in all terms, except for the exterior appeal, and has the caliber of making it big in the hydrogen fuel niche.
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