Hydrogen as a motor fuel: alive or dead? While some are already shoveling dirt in the grave, others say hydrogen is finally on the cusp of long-promised growth. It’s been nearly five years since we spent six months with a hydrogen-powered 2016 Toyota Mirai in our long-term fleet, and much has changed in the alternative-fuel world, including a spectacular new 2021 Toyota Mirai. Having been mega-impressed by the new car, we thought it was a good time to sign up for another long-term Mirai reassess hydrogen’s place in our rapidly electrifying automotive world.
The new Mirai is a much nicer car than the outgoing model, with more range, more luxury, a lower price, and way more attractive styling. The 2021 Toyota Mirai is available in XLE and Limited trim levels, and we opted for the lesser. Why? Both cars share the same hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered electric powertrain, but the XLE offers 402 miles of (theoretical) range versus 357 for the Limited, which Toyota attributes to the latter’s additional weight and a more aggressive wheel-and-tire setup. Given the limited availability of hydrogen fuel stations, we figured more range was a good idea.
Also, the $50,495 Mirai XLE is a surprisingly lavish car. Standard equipment includes heated front seats upholstered in buttery-soft faux-leather, a 14-speaker JBL stereo, navigation, and a comprehensive safety/driver assistance suite that includes dynamic cruise control and lane keeping assist. The Limited adds a panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, front-seat coolers, rear-seat heaters, a back-seat climate control panel, and a few other odds and ends, but we didn’t think it was worth the $16,500 price premium. One thing we will miss is the Limited’s optional interior with white seats, dash, and headliner and copper-colored armrests. The XLE cabin only comes in black, but with children and dogs in many of our households, we suppose that’s the smarter choice.
| SPECIFICATIONS | 2021 Toyota Mirai XLE |
| BASE PRICE | $50,495 |
| PRICE AS TESTED | $52,330 |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Rear-motor, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan |
| MOTOR | 182-hp/221-lb-ft AC permanent-magnet electric |
| TRANSMISSION | 1-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 4,250 lb (est) |
| WHEELBASE | 114.9 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 195.8 x 74.2 x 57.9 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.4 sec (MT est) |
| EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON | 76/71/74 mpg-e |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 44/47 kWh/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 0.00 lb/mile (at vehicle) |
By: rono
Title: The 2021 Toyota Mirai Arrives For a Yearlong Test: Will Hydrogen Make Us Happy?
Sourced From: www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/mirai/2021/long-term-arrival-2021-toyota-mirai-xle/
Published Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:00:54 +0000
