Toyota Mirai Two Generations (2016-present)

Two generations on the US market. 1st gen (2016-2020): launched 2014 globally as Toyota's first dedicated commercial hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, came to US for 2016 model year. FF-based platform (FWD-derived). Hydrogen fuel cell stack + 1.6 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery providing ~150 hp peak system output, single front-mounted electric motor, ~312 mi EPA range, 5-minute refueling time. Polarizing exterior styling — sci-fi futuristic, intentionally distinctive to signal 'this is the future' messaging. Cabin: 7-inch touchscreen, dual 4.2-inch displays, Toyota Safety Sense ADAS standard. Sold heavily through California dealers under significant Toyota subsidization. 2nd gen (2021-present): complete redesign on the GA-L platform (Lexus LS chassis architecture) — making the 2nd gen Mirai a RWD-based luxury sedan rather than the 1st gen's FF-derived layout. Distinctive long hood, conventional sedan proportions, much more handsome design than 1st gen. Hydrogen fuel cell stack (improved capacity over 1st gen — 5.6 kg hydrogen storage in three carbon-fiber tanks), 1.24 kWh lithium-ion battery for electric motor buffer, single rear-mounted electric motor providing 182 hp / 221 lb-ft, single-speed automatic transmission, ~402 mi EPA range (best fuel-cell EPA range in production at launch). 0-60 in approximately 9.0 sec — adequate but not quick. Refueling takes 5 minutes at hydrogen stations vs hours for BEV equivalents — hydrogen's structural advantage for road-trip use. Sold retail only in California (and very limited Hawaii) due to hydrogen refueling infrastructure being limited to those states. California has approximately 50 retail hydrogen stations as of 2026, concentrated in LA basin, San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento corridor. Other US states have no retail hydrogen infrastructure for passenger vehicles. Toyota offers $15,000 worth of free hydrogen fuel with new Mirai purchases — aggressive incentive to overcome consumer hesitation about fueling-network constraints. Trims: XLE (base), Limited (top — leather, premium audio, executive package option). Cabin: 12.3-inch touchscreen + 8-inch instrument cluster, JBL premium audio, panoramic glass roof, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 ADAS standard. Pricing $50k-$67k. The Mirai represents Toyota's strategic bet on hydrogen — a bet that has not yet paid off commercially. Hydrogen infrastructure investment has been far slower than BEV charging build-out, and California hydrogen stations have had persistent reliability issues — many stations have been down for weeks at a time, leaving Mirai owners stranded. Used 2nd-gen Mirais trade at dramatic discounts ($25-40k off MSRP) precisely because of fuel-network anxiety. The Mirai's future is uncertain — Toyota has affirmed hydrogen as part of its long-term portfolio but slowed retail expansion plans.