Overview
The 2024 Toyota Mirai is the most affordable electric car to top 400 miles per charge—and it’s one of only a few that’s fueled by hydrogen. Despite the naysayers, Toyota continues to improve and promote fuel-cell technology in this sedan’s second generation. It’s the rarest Toyota and a particularly stylish one, with a unique design and upscale cabin treatments seen nowhere else in the brand’s lineup. Sadly, it’s sold only in southern California, the only place in the country with hydrogen refueling stations. The Mirai isn’t just a science project. It’s a luxurious and decent-handling car that acts just like a normal EV, except it refuels from dead to 100 percent in five minutes. There’s no other car on sale quite like it, but it’s not entirely without competition. The Hyundai Nexo SUV is powered by a similar hydrogen fuel cell and, like the Mirai, it is exclusive to California.
What’s New for 2024?
Software updates and new exterior paint colors are the only notable changes on the Mirai for 2024. Toyota Safety Sense, the Mirai’s standard group of driver assists, goes from version 2.5+ to 3.0. This update includes Traffic Jam Assist and Proactive Drive Assist, the latter of which can slow the car in traffic without cruise control. A digital smartphone key is optional on the XLE and standard on the Limited. Elemental Silver is a new optional color, while the Hydro Blue hue and 20-inch chrome wheels that were restricted to the Limited are now available on the XLE. Finally, if you’re lucky enough to find a Mirai, you’ll see new badges that say “FCEV” and “Beyond Zero,” which is Toyota’s latest catchphrase for its commitment to build cars that aren’t just EVs.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Toyota Mirai starts at $51,285 and goes up to $68,210 depending on the trim and options.XLE$51,285Limited$68,2100$25k$50k$75k$100k$125k
Toyota offers the Mirai in either the base XLE trim or the loaded Limited guise, but we’d stick with the less expensive of the two. Standard interior features include heated and power-adjustable seats, keyless entry and ignition, faux-leather upholstery, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. All Mirai models come with a $15,000 fuel credit over three to six years (depending on whether you lease or purchase) and 21 days of complimentary vehicle rentals for when travel dictates drives away from areas with hydrogen fueling stations.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Toyota Mirai relies on a fuel-cell electric powertrain, which converts hydrogen gas into electricity. Essentially, this is a chemical laboratory on wheels. The electric motor powering the Mirai produces 182 horsepower, and a direct-drive transmission sends those ponies to the rear wheels. Although Toyota claims the Mirai requires a leisurely 9.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, the immediate nature of the electric motor’s power delivery makes it feel perkier than that when driving around town. Likewise, the rear-wheel-drive chassis delivers a surprising level of athleticism while preserving a refined and composed ride.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Toyota claims that the XLE model is good for 402 miles per fill-up of hydrogen. Going with the Limited model drops that estimate to 357 miles. Both of those numbers put it near the head of the pack among electric cars, but the limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure means drivers will have to stick close to California.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
There are no published EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2024 Mirai. According to Toyota, the Mirai XLE is good for up to 76 MPGe city and 71 MPGe highway. The Limited’s numbers are slightly lower at 67 MPGe city and 64 MPGe highway. For more information about the Mirai’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mirai boasts a snazzy cabin that matches its swoopy exterior. Copper-colored trim pieces highlight several curvy elements on the dash and door panels while the nearly all-digital instruments and 12.3-inch infotainment screen dominate the upper part of the dashboard. It’s a futuristic and rich-looking design that’s appropriate for a car with a $50,000 starting price. Despite two large hydrogen tanks underneath the cabin floor (and a third in the trunk), the rear seat-space is reasonably spacious. Trunk space is small, at 10 cubic feet. Rear passengers can also enjoy heated and ventilated outboard seats and a separate moonroof.
