“The Toyota Mirai is great, overall (provided we can reliably fill it with hydrogen). But there are some build quality issues: lots of resonating plastic sounds inside.”
Toyota Mirai: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Toyota Mirai is a hydrogen fuel-cell electric sedan known for delivering quiet, zero-tailpipe-emission driving without plug-in charging. Its defining traits are quick hydrogen refueling, long driving range, and a more upscale feel than a typical mainstream Toyota sedan.
The Mirai has always aimed to make hydrogen power feel usable in a normal daily sedan. The first generation established the formula with roughly 300 miles of range and refueling in about five minutes. The 2021 redesign kept the fuel-cell focus but added rear-wheel drive, a richer cabin, and a lower, more premium design.
Strengths
- The hydrogen fuel-cell system provides electric driving without needing plug-in charging.
- Hydrogen refueling is quick, with Toyota describing the original Mirai as taking about five minutes to fill.
- The second-generation Mirai has long driving range, with the 2026 model rated for 402 miles.
- The 2021 redesign brought a quieter, richer cabin and a more upscale feel than most mainstream Toyota cars.
- Safety and technology have remained a priority, with newer models receiving updated driver assistance, a large touchscreen, and wireless smartphone connectivity.
Who it's for
The Mirai best fits drivers who want electric propulsion without waiting for a battery to charge and who have reliable access to hydrogen fuel. It also suits someone who prefers a quiet, well-equipped sedan over an SUV and values comfort and technology more than maximum passenger or trunk space.
Toyota Mirai lineup
Early Mirai models followed a simple one-trim strategy with a generous equipment list. From the 2021 redesign through 2024, the XLE served as the core trim, while the Limited added the more premium equipment and parking technology. Pick the XLE for the essential Mirai experience, or look to a 2021-2024 Limited for the richer version. Since 2025, Toyota has returned to a single XLE trim and folded in equipment that had previously sat higher in the lineup.
Toyota Mirai generations
From 2016 to 2026, the Mirai spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2021, following the 1st Generation (2016–2020).
2nd Generation (2021–Present)
The Mirai became a larger five-seat sedan with rear-wheel drive, a stronger hydrogen fuel-cell system, and up to 402 miles of EPA-estimated range. It also gained a more upscale cabin and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
0 In Stock
2026
Carries over as a single-trim XLE, with only a minor wheel appearance change.
2025Trim changes
The Limited leaves, creating a one-trim XLE lineup. A 360-degree camera view, parking assist with automatic braking, and heated power-folding mirrors become standard.
2024
The newer Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assistance suite becomes standard on both trims.
2023
The updated touchscreen system brings over-the-air updates plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to both trims.
2022
The Limited gains Toyota Teammate technology, including an automated parking system.
2021New generation
Fully redesigned on a rear-wheel-drive platform with five seats, more power, up to 402 miles of EPA-estimated range, and XLE and Limited trims.
1st Generation (2016–2020)
The original U.S. Mirai was a single-trim, front-wheel-drive hydrogen fuel-cell sedan. It offered about 300 miles of EPA-estimated range at launch, later rated at 312 miles.
0 In Stock2020
Carryover final year before the 2021 redesign.
2019
The standard driver-assistance suite adds road-sign recognition, cyclist detection, and improved pedestrian detection.
2018
The 7-inch touchscreen system is updated to Entune 3.0, along with minor interior-detail revisions.
2017
Carryover year with no meaningful updates.
2016New generation
First U.S. model year for Toyota’s retail hydrogen fuel-cell sedan, with one well-equipped trim and roughly 300 miles of EPA-estimated range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota Mirai.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota Mirai an electric car or a hybrid?
It is an electric car powered by hydrogen, not a hybrid. A fuel-cell system turns stored hydrogen into electricity for the motor, so the Mirai drives without gasoline or plug-in charging and has no tailpipe emissions.
Does the Toyota Mirai need to be plugged in?
No. The Mirai makes electricity onboard from hydrogen, so it refuels at a hydrogen station rather than charging from a plug. Reliable access to a compatible station is therefore an important part of ownership.
Is the Toyota Mirai a sedan, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The Mirai is a four-door sedan, and second-generation models seat five. The latest version has 9.6 cubic feet of trunk space and 33.1 inches of rear legroom, so cargo and back-seat room deserve a close look before buying.
How far can a Toyota Mirai go on hydrogen?
Range depends on the generation. First-generation models were rated at roughly 300 to 312 miles, while the redesigned second generation reaches up to an EPA-estimated 402 miles. Actual distance varies with driving and conditions.
Is the Toyota Mirai AWD?
No. First-generation Mirai models from 2016 through 2020 use front-wheel drive, while the redesigned 2021-and-newer car uses rear-wheel drive. The lineup described here does not include an AWD version.
What changed between the two Toyota Mirai generations?
The 2021 redesign was a major shift. It moved the Mirai from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, raised power and range, added a fifth seat, and brought a lower sedan shape, a richer cabin, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and stronger standard technology.
Is the Toyota Mirai practical for everyday driving?
It can be, if dependable hydrogen stations fit your routine. The Mirai offers quiet electric driving, quick hydrogen refueling, and sedan comfort, but station access matters more than it does with a gasoline car or a plug-in electric car.
What is the Toyota Mirai known for?
It is known for combining electric propulsion with hydrogen refueling instead of plug-in charging. The second generation also stands out for its rear-wheel-drive sedan layout, quiet character, long rated range, and more upscale cabin.
Toyota Mirai Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota Mirai.
3.9
Toyota Mirai
(366 reviews)
“Vehicle is excellent, but availability of fuel is so bad that it kills everything else.”
“The hydrogen price is too expensive. The 15k fuel card is only going to last you a year and good luck paying for that out of pocket after that.”
“Hydrogen is hard to find, expensive and pumps can shut down as you pull up after someone else has just filled up in front of you without notice. You must be committed to it and plan around it. If not, you will be very frustrated and should go with an EV.”
“The fuel is wildly expensive suddenly and it will burn through your fuel card fast. You will be stuck paying an exorbitant amount for a tank of hydrogen. It's a bummer to feel this so early in the ownership experience.”
“Beautiful vehicle. Drives like a dream. Love all the bells and whistles-blind spit indicator,etc”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2026 Toyota Mirai Driving The Future With Style Range And Innovation
- pressroom.toyota.com — Innovative And Cutting Edge The Toyota Mirai Streamlines For My2025
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2021 Toyota Mirai Hits Dealerships In December With Cutting Edge Technology Enhanced Safety And Multiple Grades
- pressroom.toyota.com — Advanced To The Core Toyota Mirai Offers An Electrifying Ride
- toyota.com — 2024 / Mirai Features / Technology
- toyota.com — 2024 / Mirai Features / Safety Convenience
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota Mirai Adds Toyota Audio Multimedia For 2023
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2024 / Mirai Ebrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For Toyotas 2023 Sedans And Sports Cars
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2022 Toyota Mirai Ups Future Tech With New Toyota Teammate Advanced Driver Assistance
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2022
- pressroom.toyota.com — Zero Emissions In Style 2022 Toyota Mirai Pricing Announced