Is Toyota Mirai front wheel drive?
Yes. The Toyota Mirai is a front-wheel-drive hydrogen fuel-cell sedan. It uses a single electric motor mounted on the front axle, powered by electricity generated by a hydrogen fuel cell stack. There are no rear motors and no all-wheel-drive option in current models.
How the Mirai's drivetrain works
The propulsion system centers on an electric motor that drives the front wheels. Hydrogen stored on board feeds a fuel-cell stack that generates electricity to power the motor, with a compact high-voltage battery buffering energy for smooth acceleration and regenerative braking. The drivetrain is configured as front-wheel drive with a single-speed reduction gear; there is no separate rear motor, so torque is delivered to the front axle alone. This layout supports practical packaging and predictable handling while emphasizing efficiency in a fuel-cell vehicle.
Key features of the powertrain
Before outlining the details, here are the core characteristics of the Mirai's front-drive system:
- Single electric motor located on the front axle powers the front wheels
- Hydrogen fuel-cell stack generates electricity to feed the motor
- High-voltage battery buffers energy for performance and regenerative braking
- Single-speed transmission/gear set drives the front axle
- No rear motor or rear-wheel drive; Mirai remains front-wheel drive across current generations
In short, the front-wheel-drive setup is a foundational design choice that aligns with Toyota's approach to the Mirai and keeps the vehicle's packaging efficient across model years.
Generation overview and drive layout
To illustrate how this arrangement has persisted, consider the Mirai's two generations. The original Mirai (introduced in the mid-2010s) and the second-generation model (launched for the 2021 model year) both use a front-mounted electric motor that drives the front wheels. Toyota has not offered all-wheel drive on the Mirai, focusing instead on efficient packaging and predictable handling typical of front-wheel-drive sedans.
Generation-by-generation quick notes
Before this list, here is a concise comparison of the two generations' drive layout:
- First generation (approximately 2015–2020): Front-wheel drive with a front-mounted electric motor and fuel-cell stack powering the system
- Second generation (2021–present): Maintains front-wheel drive with refinements to the fuel-cell stack and powertrain tuning; no AWD option
Ultimately, both generations use front-wheel drive; the layout has remained consistent as Toyota optimized range and performance without introducing rear- or all-wheel traction.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai is front-wheel drive. Its propulsion relies on a front-axle electric motor powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell stack, with a small battery buffering energy. There is no rear-axle motor or all-wheel-drive option in current production, and the layout has remained stable across generations.
What is the lawsuit against Toyota Mirai?
Toyota faces legal action over lack of hydrogen fuel infrastructure. California Mirai owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Toyota seeking $5.7 billion in damages. Plaintiffs allege Toyota concealed reliability issues and misrepresented hydrogen infrastructure.
What are the disadvantages of the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai's interior should be luxurious and sleek, but some owners have noticed issues with the overall build quality. Complaints have included rattling noises, poorly fitting trim pieces, and malfunctioning controls. Additionally, the exterior has shown signs of premature wear, with paint chipping or fading.
Is the Toyota Mirai front or rear-wheel drive?
Rear-Wheel Drive
Luxury Car Chassis
The Mirai is built on the premium Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) GA-L platform, creating a mid-size luxury-sport sedan. The RWD configuration helps support an engaging driving experience that also allows for an additional hydrogen fuel tank over the first-generation car.
Is the Toyota Mirai being discontinued?
No, the Toyota Mirai has not been discontinued, but Toyota is streamlining its lineup by discontinuing the top-trim Limited for 2025, leaving the XLE as the only model available. The XLE trim will now include some of the features previously exclusive to the Limited model, making it a simpler and more focused offering for the year.
Key changes for 2025
- Limited trim discontinued: Toyota has eliminated the Limited trim level, focusing its efforts on the XLE.
- XLE now includes more features: The XLE will incorporate some premium features from the former Limited trim, such as a 360-degree camera, heated exterior mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors.
- Simplified lineup: The model year offers a single trim level, which may be a strategic move to reduce production costs and streamline the slow-selling hydrogen fuel-cell car.
- Higher starting price: The starting price for the 2025 Mirai XLE is higher than the 2024 model's base price, partly due to the added standard equipment.
