The 2024 Toyota Mirai, in its second generation, features engineering enhancements and an interior equipped with advanced technology. It has a modern design and provides a performance-oriented drive, with an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles on the XLE grade. Read on and we’ll explore additional features about this fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV).
What’s New for 2024
This year, the Mirai introduces a new Elemental Silver exterior color option and features Beyond Zero badging, reflecting Toyota’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions and advancing towards a carbon-neutral future. Additionally, it includes the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 for enhanced passenger protection.
The Mirai, a FCEV, offers a unique “plug-less” electric driving experience. Unlike battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that require charging, the Mirai simply needs a refill of non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas. It generates electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing only water as the emission.
This vehicle’s electricity, sourced from its fuel cell and regenerative braking, is stored in a lithium-ion battery. The rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor, powered by the fuel cell and/or battery, drives the rear wheels. The system includes a pressurized electric air compressor, a water-cooled intercooler, and an integrated oil cooler for enhanced efficiency.
The Mirai’s intake system is designed for minimal noise and includes an electrostatic air cleaner and a charcoal filter to purify the intake air. Additionally, the 2024 model comes with up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen for buyers or lessees.
Fuel Cell History
Fuel cell technology, which dates to 1838, predates the automobile. Initially generating an insufficient electric current, it later found application in America’s Gemini and Apollo spacecraft in the 1960s, providing electricity and water.
While fuel cells were considered for automotive use, their practical and cost-effective implementation is more recent. Toyota, paralleling its work on the original Prius, developed solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells used in the first and second-generation Mirai models. To support the spread of FCEVs, Toyota released over 5,000 related patents royalty-free.
This versatile technology is adaptable in scale, from powering small devices like phones to larger applications such as buildings. An example is Toyota’s adaptation of fuel cell powertrains for class-8 semi-trucks, capable of handling up to 80,000-pound loads, used around California’s Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Hydrogen, the fuel for these cells, can be derived from various domestic sources. The Hydrogen Council, co-founded by Toyota, aims to use hydrogen produced sustainably, such as from bio-resources or through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, for transportation.
Luxury Platform
The Mirai is constructed on Toyota’s premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) GA-L platform, characterizing it as a mid-size luxury-sport sedan. This RWD setup enhances the driving experience and accommodates an additional hydrogen fuel tank compared to its predecessor.
Built on a high-strength GA-L platform with advanced multilink suspension, the Mirai offers exceptional handling and a smooth, quiet ride. It employs laser screw welding and adhesive bonding, techniques also used in other Toyota and Lexus models, for a premium road feel.
For improved handling, the Mirai features Active Cornering Assist and Hill Start Assist Control. Its electric power steering ensures responsive handling, complemented by a compact 38.6-ft. turning circle. Both XLE and Limited grades have 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, with an option for 20-inch wheels on the XLE.
Design and Color Choices
The Mirai’s design, featuring a long hood and sweeping roofline, creates a dynamic appearance. it comes in six colors: black, oxygen white, supersonic red, heavy metal, hydro blue, and elemental silver. The second-generation Mirai has a larger wheelbase, height, length, and width than the first-generation model, with a near 50:50 weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.
Unique lighting includes long, narrow bi-beam LED headlights, multi-LED turn signal indicators, daytime running lights, and side marker lamps with the Mirai logo. The rear showcases a slim LED taillight panel with a distinctive nighttime signature.
The Mirai boasts a low 0.29 drag coefficient, aided by various aerodynamic details. Notably, the windshield wipers lower when not in use and feature direct-spray washer fluid arms for quieter operation.
Display Panel
The Mirai, in both its grades, features a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display central to the driving experience. This display allows easy access to multimedia, climate control, and navigation, and includes a Panoramic View Monitor for a 360-degree overhead view in certain models.
The gauge cluster, also 12.3 inches, includes an ECO drive indicator to promote fuel-efficient driving, displaying acceleration guidance and an economy score. It constantly shows the hydrogen fuel level and estimated range. The Limited grade also offers a Color Head-Up Display with speedometer and navigation information.
For device charging, the Mirai provides a Qi-compatible wireless charging tray, USB ports, and a 12V DC socket. The XLE grade features imitation leather-trimmed, heated, power-adjustable front seats, while the Limited grade adds ventilated front and rear seats with more adjustment options.
The Limited interior offers two-tone color schemes, LED ambient lighting with eight color choices, and blue footwell illumination. It also includes a digital rear-view mirror with a HomeLink® transmitter, offering both conventional and camera views.
Mirai’s interior is designed for comfort and efficiency, with an infrared-reflective headliner layer to reduce cabin heat and Thinsulate for sound damping. The windows are UV-protected and water-repellent.
Rear passengers in the Limited grade have digital touch switches for audio and climate control, and options for manual side window sunshades and a power rear window shade. The Limited also features a power sunshade for the panorama roof.
Toyota Multimedia System
The 2024 Toyota Mirai features the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, developed by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. This system includes Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for enhanced connectivity and convenience.
The system can be operated through touch and voice controls, responding to phrases like “Hey Toyota” for voice-activated commands. This includes searching for directions, locating Points of Interest (POI), adjusting audio, and changing cabin temperatures.
Drive Connect, available in the Mirai, offers Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and a 1-year trial of Destination Assist. Cloud Navigation uses cloud data for the latest maps, traffic, and routing information, while POI search is powered by Google. Destination Assist provides 24/7 live agent support for locating destinations.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system supports dual Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Mirai also comes with a 1-month Wi-Fi Connect trial, offering 4G connectivity for up to five devices and turning the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot. Additional features include HD Radio, USB data ports, a 3-month SiriusXM trial, and Integrated Streaming, allowing users to link Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions for onboard control.
Safety Connect
The Mirai offers a range of Connected Services. Safety Connect features include an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator, all available with up to a 10-year trial. Service Connect provides Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts, and reminders for up to 10 years.
The Toyota app offers a 1-year trial of Remote Connect, allowing users to control their Mirai remotely. This includes Digital Key, standard on Limited grades and optional on XLE grades with an Advanced Technology Package. Digital Key enables unlocking and starting the vehicle using a smartphone, sharing keys digitally, checking vehicle status, and setting Guest Driver Alerts.
Mirai owners also receive additional benefits:
- Extended ToyotaCare for three years or 35,000 miles
- Safety Connect Enhanced Roadside Assistance for up to 10 years
- Dedicated Mirai phone support for three years
- Complimentary hydrogen fuel up to $15,000, for up to three years with leases or six years with purchases
- Eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on key FCEV components
- Ten-year/150,000-mile warranty on key hybrid components
- Complimentary rental for up to 21 days during the first three years
- Eligibility for HOV carpool sticker.
- Driver-Assist and Other Safety Features
The 2024 Mirai is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes a suite of safety features:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (PCS w/PD)
- Full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control (DRCC)
- Lane departure alert with steering assist (LDA w/SA)
- Lane tracing assist (LTA)
- Road sign assist (RSA)
- Automatic high beams (AHB)
- Proactive driving assist (PDA)
Additionally, standard safety and convenience features on the Mirai include:
- 8 airbags
- Star safety system
- Traffic jam assist
- Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert
- Tire pressure monitor system (TPMS)
- Tire repair kit
- Back-up camera
For those opting for the Limited grade, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Braking are standard. The XLE grade offers this feature as part of the Advanced Technology Package. Furthermore, Advanced Park is standard on the Limited grade.
XLE Grade
The Mirai XLE is equipped with standard features including SofTex-trimmed heated seats with power adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate control, Smart Key System, auto-leveling LED headlamps, LED interior reading lights, Toyota Audio Multimedia system with JBL Premium Audio and navigation, Qi wireless charger, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an electronic parking brake.
The XLE also offers an optional Advanced Technology Package, adding the Panoramic View Monitor, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking, Front Seat Foot Illumination, and Digital Key compatibility.
Limited Grade
The Mirai Limited grade includes all XLE features as standard, plus heated and ventilated front and rear seating, three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic moonroof with a power sunshade, and Advanced Park.
Warranty Plans
The vehicle comes with an extended ToyotaCare maintenance plan for three years/35,000 miles, roadside assistance for three years (unlimited miles), an eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key components, and up to 21 days of complimentary rental during the first three years of ownership.
See Also — What is the Toyota Mirai?
Images courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.
