Used 2019 Toyota Mirai

Hybrid cars aren’t the only green alternative, and the 2019 Toyota Mirai proves the feasibility of an electric car powered by hydrogen may be a superior solution to long charging times. Contrary to what you may have heard, the Mirai doesn’t burn hydrogen. It converts it to electricity with the only emission being water. Unfortunately, hydrogen fueling stations are limited to a few markets in the Southern California corridor, and hydrogen itself is also highly fossil-fuel-intensive to produce. These two factors, for now, limit the hydrogen fuel-cell cars to a select few. But, if you’re lucky enough to be in the right place, the Mirai, offers seating for four, zero emissions and a range just under 300 miles, all for a monthly lease price around $350.

If you didn’t know hydrogen and oxygen were combining under the driver’s seat (that’s where the fuel cell is stored) to power the 2019 Toyota Mirai’s electric motor, you might easily think you were driving just another electric car. The absence of motor noise takes some getting used to, but the overall driving experience is very much like being behind the wheel of Toyota’s Prius hybrid, that is to say, pleasant but not thrilling. Push the button to “start” the car, shift the console lever into Drive and press the accelerator and off you go. As electric motors are pure torque, acceleration is brisk and the 2019 Toyota Mirai’s ride and handling feel very familiar. Also familiar are Toyota mainstays, like the Entune connectivity and slider-based climate controls. A large center-mounted screen displays usage and range, and is placed at the windshield’s base similar to the setup in the Prius.

Climbing inside Toyota’s 2019 Mirai fuel-cell car delivers a feeling of déjà vu. That’s because it’s remarkably similar to the company’s Prius line of EVs and plug-in hybrids. The center-mounted display screen dominates the dash, with controls for audio, infotainment and navigation. Below that is another display, this one with touch-sensitive controls for the ventilation, front and rear defroster and fan speed. The speedometer and other pertinent information is contained in a narrow display located at the windshield’s base. Seats are firm and supportive, but there’s only room for four people due to a raised center console dividing the rear seats. Legroom is a bit snug in back as well, but four adults can fit comfortably for trips around two hours long.

The futuristic exterior of Toyota’s Mirai is partly stylistic and partly dictated by necessity. The two massive front intakes funnel cool air to the car’s three radiators (fuel cells produce a lot of heat), while the overall shape improves aerodynamics to help cheat the wind. While Toyota explained that the design theme of the Mirai is that of flowing water, with a rear end resembling a catamaran, most people will most likely mistake it for just another Prius Prime.

QI WIRELESS CHARGING
Driving a car with wires dangling in front of the dash is so 2008. With the Mirai’s QI wireless charging pad, you can keep your phone’s battery charged while keeping your device tucked neatly out of the way.

24/7 CARE
Getting people to try new things sometimes requires some hand holding, which is why the 2019 Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell car comes with three years or $15,000 of complimentary fuel, a concierge service providing a free loaner car when yours is in the shop, and an app that helps find the nearest refueling station.

The 2019 Toyota Mirai fuel-cell vehicle comes with numerous features as standard, many of which are aimed at making hydrogen life easier. Hydrogen fill-ups are free for three years (not to exceed $15,000). Entune comes standard, along with three years of Safety Connect (including the hydrogen-station map app). Also standard are dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 11-speaker JBL Premium audio with navigation, Smart Key with push-button start, 8-way-power driver’s and passenger seats with driver power-lumbar support, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision warning and emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.

With a vehicle this specialized and with a premium price, it should come as no surprise that there are no factory options and just a few dealer add-ons.

In place of a gasoline tank for its hybrid powertrain, the 2019 Toyota Mirai employs a hydrogen fuel cell, a unique device that combines oxygen and hydrogen to create an electric charge. The electricity in turn powers the electric motor, which drives the car. The Mirai’s range is about 312 miles and unlike an electric car, it can be refueled in less than five minutes.

Fuel-cell stack, electric motor
153 horsepower
247 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 67 MPGe (estimated), 312-mile range