Dallas, Texas (Nov. 18, 2021) The 2022 Toyota Mirai brings the future to drivers today with an innovative powertrain, a distinctive coupe-like form, and a luxurious interior that is crammed with technology. The 2022 Mirai is Toyota’s premium zero emission, rear-wheel drive fuel-cell electric vehicle. It was named one of Ward’s Automotive’s 10 Best Engine and Propulsion Systems winners for 2021, and it has a starting price of $49,500*. (FCEV). The 2022 Mirai, which is scheduled to hit Toyota dealerships this December, offers premium automobile performance and styling while emitting just water.
The Japanese word “mirai” means “future,” making it the ideal moniker for a vehicle that fits into a plan that also incorporates Toyota’s present and future hybrid vehicles as well as upcoming battery electric vehicles (BEVs), like the just-announced bZ4X. With a striking look that never goes away, more engaging driving dynamics, and an extended zero emission range of 402 EPA-estimated miles on the Mirai XLE (up from a prior EPA rating of 312 miles), the second-generation Mirai offers a roughly 30% improvement over the first-generation model.
The Mirai is a mid-size luxury-sport sedan with a commanding posture enhanced by standard 19-inch alloy wheels. It is constructed on the rear-wheel drive GA-L platform. Compared to its ground-breaking predecessor, the second-generation Mirai’s more potent fuel cell system offers a more exciting driving experience. Comparing the RWD version to the front-wheel drive Mirai of the first generation, more hydrogen can be stored.
The 2022 Mirai comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which uses autonomous emergency braking to assist prevent collisions or lessen their damage. The system consists of:
- Pedestrian detection pre-collision system (PCS w/PD) with intersection support and emergency steering assistance
- Dynamic Full-Speed Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
- Alert for lane departure
- Support for Lane Tracing (LTA)
- Auxiliary High Beams
- Road Sign Support (RSA)
Is the Toyota Mirai pricey enough?
The Mirai has a luxuriously smooth ride, a tastefully finished interior, and a sturdy construction. Because of its rear-wheel-drive design and superior weight distribution, it drives through curves with remarkable composure. The Mirai is slightly more expensive than its rivals, and both passenger and cargo space are constrained.
How long does a Toyota Mirai’s hydrogen fuel tank last?
A 2021 Toyota Mirai established a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by a fuel-cell vehicle without refueling by traveling 845 miles on a single hydrogen tank. There are a few restrictions on that record, though.
According to a press release from Toyota, the Mirai was primarily driven during rush hour. This allowed drivers to go very slowly, which increases the Mirai’s range. Additionally, it was mostly driven in Southern California loops rather than straight lines. According to Toyota, the record attempt took place during the two days of August 23 and 24, 2021, covering 473 miles on the first day and 372 miles on the second.
This was a very unusual driving style and was not at all practical in the actual world because the crew used hypermiling techniques to optimize range, such as turning off equipment and overinflating the tires.
The Mirai has a tank life of 357 miles in Limited form and 402 miles in XLE form, according to the EPA, with the LE earning higher fuel economy than the Honda Clarity. The figures obtained by Toyota, which are similar to a regular driving range that is more than double the EPA rating, won’t be experienced by most drivers.
Even yet, this is a noteworthy accomplishment all by itself. According to Toyota, the Mirai achieved 152 MPGe and traveled the distance on only 12.4 pounds of hydrogen. On a weight basis, that is less than the weight of two gallons of gas, or more than 420 mpg, with a gallon of fuel weighing roughly 6.3 pounds. The Mirai weights 4,255 pounds, which is significantly less than a comparable battery-electric vehicle for a large, premium sedan.
Additionally, Toyota claims that the Mirai produces “zero emissions” when driving and cleans the air.
A large portion of hypermiling entails, at the very least, traveling very slowly. But it’s a useful mental exercise to consider how much efficiency you might be giving up by adjusting to standard driving speeds and patterns.
Over the years, we’ve reported about a variety of hypermilers, such the Jaguar XJ-S driver who got 36 mpg or the pair that drove their Jetta TDI 9,505 miles across the United States while averaging 67 mpg. In a battery-electric vehicle, you may travel many, many more miles on a charge if you’re willing to drive slowly enough.
At least one possible fuel-cell device claims to have a 1,000-mile range while going to great lengths to achieve it. That supercar, the Hyperion XP-1, likewise boasts a stated top speed of 221 mph.
Stunts like the hypermiling one match Toyota’s continuing efforts to advance fuel cells. As part of kits to replace the diesel engines in Class 8 semi trucks, the business recently announced its intention to manufacture fuel-cell modules in the United States. As with previous record runs, this most recent experiment doesn’t really prove much, but the numbers are what matter.