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Redesigned 2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV Brings Appealing Style, More Tech, and Better Driving Range

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When the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) arrived in the U.S. in 2015, it became the first car of its kind to be mass-produced for the North American consumer market. FCEVs are powered by hydrogen and produce no tailpipe emissions while emitting only water vapor into the environment.

With a name derived from the Japanese word meaning “future,” the redesigned 2021 Toyota Mirai midsize sedan now seats five people rather than four. It is built on a new real-wheel-drive platform featuring a greater focus on technology and convenience over its predecessor.

The reimagined exterior styling is sleeker and more aerodynamic, drawing a higher degree of inspiration from Toyota/Lexus design DNA than the original Mirai. A much bolder stance comes from new 19- and 20-inch aluminum wheels that replace the outgoing Mirai’s 17-inch shoes. In addition to its eye-catching design, the Mirai elevates its appeal factor with a palette of new exterior colors including Hydro Blue, Oxygen White, Supersonic Red, Heavy Metal, and Black.

The Mirai’s new underpinnings aim to improve both ride and handling. The revised architecture results in a lower, longer, and wider vehicle promising a roomier and more refined ride experience. At the same time, a stiffer, more rigid chassis enhances the Mirai’s driving dynamics and agility.

Electric power now goes to the rear axle instead of the front wheels. The Mirai’s larger hydrogen fuel cell should increase range by about 30%, which equates to almost 400 miles. This longer cruising range will help offset the infrastructure limitations for hydrogen refueling stations that exist today.

For the 2021 model year, the Mirai offers a choice between XLE and Limited trim levels. Both bring enhancements to interior seating materials, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility is standard. Every Mirai also includes a premium 14-speaker JBL audio system and a wireless smartphone charger. Limited trim adds high-end standard features such as a color head-up display, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a surround-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof.

On the safety front, the all-new Mirai becomes one of the first Toyota models to offer Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5+, the latest iteration of the brand’s comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Enhancements include a preceding bicyclist detection system for the forward collision warning and pedestrian detection technology. However, it still doesn’t boast large animal detection, like Volvo City Safety provides.

Additionally, TSS 2.5+ provides alerts and automatic braking during certain left-hand turn maneuvers at intersections, and adaptive cruise control upgrades supply more seamless overtaking of vehicles.

Many major automakers continue to develop fuel cell systems as an alternative source of sustainable energy for transportation, but only three are available to U.S. consumers. Alternatives to the Mirai include the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell and the Hyundai Nexo.

The all-new 2021 Mirai goes on sale in December 2020. Pricing will be announced closer to its arrival in showrooms.

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