2021 Toyota Mirai
The 2021 Toyota Mirai XLE is a fuel cell electric vehicle that will be sold in Hawaii and California where most hydrogen stations are found. The hydrogen fuel cell Mirai XLE features a chassis similar to that of the Lexus LS Sedan. Despite having more classic and stylish features, the 2021 Mirai is much cheaper than its predecessor.
The Mirai features 402 miles of driving range. You will also get free $15,000 hydrogen fuel for the first 3 years.
The Driving Experience and Comfort
The driving experience is exceptionally comfortable. The redesigned 2021 Toyota Mirai sedan offers a quieter driving experience than the previous Mirai. The hydrogen fuel system of the new Mirai does not emit clicks, buzzes and whirs like that of the old Mirai, meaning quieter operation.
Just like the typical battery-powered electric cars, the pump and valve of the Mirai does not emit annoying noises. You’ll notice just a little noise when shutting down the fuel cell system.
The RWD platform has increased space for the XLE. The 2021 Mirai features a larger cabin, which means the seating space is bigger. It features softly padded and heated seats.
The Toyota Mirai Ergonomics
The hydrogen powered 2021 Toyota Mirai is a highly attractive car that combines sport and luxury. It has been revamped and it looks much better than the 2016-2020 Mirai. The 2021 Toyota Mirai has a jaw-dropping exterior, which has an eye-catching Lexus-like vibe. Its profile is similar to that of Lexus-LS.
The cabin design and the faux-leather seats of the 2021 Toyota Mirai look more like those of the Lexus. In regard to the infotainment system, the Mirai does not have a physical volume knob nor does it feature a mouse-pad infotainment system.
It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which allows you to have all your favorite apps within easy reach. Other key features include the 19-inch alloy wheels, black satin grille, LED head and taillights, and front and rear turn LED signal indicators, among others.
The Performance: Speed and Curvy Roads
In terms of performance, the 2021 Toyota Mirai accelerates from 0 to 60-mph in 7.4 seconds, which is decent. The single electric motor at the backend produces 182 horsepower, 221 lb-ft of torque, which is ideal to power the 4,250 pounds of the XLE Mirai.
Another performance feature worth noting is the rear wheel drive, which is a major departure from the front-wheel drive of the previous version. The XLE 2021 Toyota Mirai has been built on the rear-wheel platform that enhances cornering and acceleration.
This platform also makes you want to take the longer route home, as it is referred to as a premium rear-wheel drive sports-luxury FCEV.
Quicker and Smooth Rides
You will not only enjoy its good performance on curvy roads, but also its high level of competence on all types of roads. It features a GA-L architecture that is similar to that of Lexus LS.
It offers a comfortable ride on speed bumps, road defects, as well as dips. It features a reliable chassis, as well as a front and rear multilink suspension, thus ensuring you get an easygoing driving experience.
Driving Too Fast is an Expensive Affair
Driving the 2021 Toyota Mirai too fast, particularly on curvy roads can lead to high consumption of hydrogen. Mirai’s fuel consumption is measured in Miles Per Gallon Equivalent (MPGe).
Its estimated fuel consumption is about 74 MPGe. However, driving too fast has been shown to drop the consumption to 40 MPGe. On very steep hills the MPGe tends to drop up to 20 MPGe, which can drastically affect the range.
Exemplary Performance in Traffic
The 2021 Mirai is mostly found in California because that’s where you can get easy access to hydrogen fuel. And in such, the 2021 Toyota Mirai is also very ideal for the busy and crowded roads of Los Angeles.
It performs optimally on LA Freeways and MPGe can go up to 80s because the low rolling resistance tires do not require hydrogen help. The battery keeps the tires turning. The battery charges as the car decelerates, and it can regain its power from the fuel stack as required.
Consistent Braking System
One thing you will notice with the 2021 Mirai’s braking system is its consistency. However, the regenerative braking system can make it difficult for you to ascertain how much stopping power you need. Stopping distances from previous track tests were 118, 122, 119 and 122 feet.
On a figure eight course, the second generation Mirai performed slightly faster than the old Mirai. The hydrogen fuel cell electric sedan pulled a 0.86g on the skidpad test. Its best lap is a 27.4 seconds lap at an average 0.61g.
Fueling the Mirai
The 2021 Mirai has a tank capacity of 5.6 kilos. The current 2021 price of hydrogen per kg is about $13 – $16. This high cost of hydrogen fuel may not be an immediate concern. Since this car gets 74 MPGe, this will effectively bring the cost down in half compared to an average sedan. In addition, you will get 3 years or $15,000 worth of free hydrogen when you purchase your 2021 Toyota Mirai. And the cost of hydrogen fuel after this time period is expected to be much lower.
The Price
The 2021 Toyota Mirai XLE is 20-percent cheaper than the 2020 model ($9,000). The price is about $49,500 or $499 on lease agreement. You will also get an APR credit of about $10,000 if you purchase your Mirai XLE before February 1, 2021.
Conclusion
The luxurious and sporty 2021 Toyota Mirai will certainly increase your comfort on the road. You will enjoy driving on curvy roads, as well as on the busy and crowded roads of Los Angeles at a significantly lower price.
Citations
https://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/index.php/toyota-mirai/
https://www.hydrogencarsnow.com/?s=mirai