Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range

This new version of the Mirai retains much of the prototype's style but improves on its predecessor in every way.

By Brett Foote - December 7, 2020
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range
Second Gen Mirai Has New Looks and 400 Miles of Range

Better in Every Way

It's been a while since we first saw the Toyota Mirai prototype - over a year, in fact. But now, the production version of the second-gen Mirai has finally been revealed, and it looks, well, a lot like the prototype. That's a good thing, of course, but there the new Mirai is also cheaper and more efficient than its predecessor, so long as you have access to hydrogen.

Photos: Toyota

Sporty Luxury

Built on the same platform as the Lexus LS, the 2021 Mirai aims to address customer complaints about the first-gen model, which included its strange design and lack of luxury. It certainly looks sportier and more conventional on the outside, with a wider and longer stance and staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Lexus-Like

The new Mirai is a full six inches longer than its predecessor, most of which has been used to increase legroom. The Mirai's interior has also received a massive overhaul and now looks a lot like something you'd see in a Lexus sedan, with nice materials and a big, driver-focused infotainment screen.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

More Conventional

Instead of the large void that existed between the driver and passenger in the first-gen model, the new Mirai has a large center console that's both more conventional and filled with storage and a wireless phone charger. Perhaps more importantly, it also makes space for the car's centrally-located fuel tank.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Better Handler

The new Mirai promises to drive much better than the old one as well, thanks to some major changes underneath. That includes a switch from front- to rear-wheel-drive, a multi-link suspension, and a low center of gravity, and near 50:50 weight distribution thanks to the location of that aforementioned hydrogen fuel tank. 

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

More Range

Even better, the Mirai offers an impressive range of 403 miles, thanks to 128kW, 24-liter fuel cell and a larger hydrogen tank, which is joined by two smaller tanks located beneath the rear seats and trunk floor. Altogether, they help improve the range from the outgoing Mirai by a whopping 30 percent.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

One Big Problem

On top of all of that, the new Mirai will also retail for 20 percent less than the first-gen model, with a starting MSRP of around $50,000. The only downside? Access to hydrogen stations is still quite limited for those living in the U.S., as they're mainly found in parts of California and Hawaii only, with a total of 45 stations in the entire country. But if you do live close enough to one to make owning a new Mirai realistic, it certainly seems like a great choice.

Photos: Toyota

>>Join the conversation on the 2nd Gen Mirai right here in the Club Lexus Forum!

Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape. 

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