Is Toyota Mirai all wheel drive?
No. The Toyota Mirai is not offered with all-wheel drive. The current generation is rear-wheel drive (RWD) and uses a hydrogen fuel-cell electric system to power the rear wheels. There is no factory AWD option in the current lineup.
To understand how this affects performance, traction, and everyday usability, here is a concise look at the Mirai's drivetrain configuration and what potential AWD implications would entail.
Current drivetrain configuration
Key facts about the Mirai's drivetrain in production models today:
- Propulsion is delivered by a hydrogen fuel cell stack that powers an electric motor mounted to the rear axle, driving the rear wheels (RWD).
- A battery pack buffers energy and supports power delivery, while the fuel cell stack provides a steady source of electricity as long as hydrogen is available.
- There is no front-axle drive or additional motor for a front axle in the current Mirai; the model lineup remains rear-wheel drive across markets where it is sold.
In short, the current Mirai configuration is rear-wheel drive with a single electric motor on the rear axle and no all-wheel-drive option.
What AWD would mean for the Mirai
If Toyota were to offer an all-wheel-drive Mirai, it would involve adding front-axle drive hardware or an additional motor and related electronics. The following points outline the potential implications of such a change:
- Powertrain extension: An AWD setup would require front-axle propulsion (such as a second electric motor) or a more complex torque vectoring system to drive the front wheels.
- Efficiency impact: Additional drivetrain components and weight typically reduce overall efficiency and could affect range or fuel economy in everyday use.
- Traction benefits: AWD can improve traction in snow, rain, and other low-traction conditions, given suitable tires and traction control systems.
- Packaging and cost: The added hardware could affect interior packaging, vehicle cost, and manufacturing complexity.
As of the latest model year, Toyota has not announced an AWD Mirai; the current model continues to rely on rear-wheel drive and its hydrogen-electric powertrain.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai is not all-wheel drive. It uses a rear-mounted electric motor powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, with no current AWD option in production. Traction and performance in adverse conditions depend on tire choice and vehicle stability systems rather than an additional front axle drive. If Toyota ever introduces an AWD Mirai, official announcements would spell out the specs and availability.
