What is the mileage of a Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai’s mileage is measured in miles-per-gallon-equivalent (MPGe) and in range on a full hydrogen tank. Current models typically deliver about 74 MPGe combined and roughly 400 miles of range, though figures vary by model year, trim and driving conditions.
Understanding Mirai’s EPA ratings and what they mean
The Mirai is powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell stack feeding an electric motor. The EPA reports two key numbers: MPGe (fuel efficiency) and the driving range on a full hydrogen fill. The following figures reflect recent generations and should be read as targets rather than guarantees in every situation.
Key performance figures for recent Mirai models.
- EPA-estimated fuel economy: about 74 MPGe combined.
- Estimated driving range on a full hydrogen tank: roughly 400 miles (about 402 miles in some model years).
Real-world mileage can vary based on driving style, climate, refueling availability, and other conditions.
Model-year variations in mileage
Over its generations, the Mirai has seen changes in efficiency and range. Here is a quick guide to how mileage has evolved.
Note: The following figures are generalized estimates for typical configurations and may differ by trim, equipment, and testing conditions.
- 2015–2020 Mirai: EPA around 67 MPGe combined with an estimated range near 312 miles on a full tank.
- 2021–2023 Mirai: EPA around 74 MPGe combined with a range near 402 miles on a full tank.
- 2024–present Mirai: EPA around 74 MPGe combined with a range typically cited near 400 miles, depending on conditions.
As technology and hydrogen infrastructure have evolved, Toyota has refined efficiency, but real-world results will vary with how and where you drive.
Factors that influence real-world mileage
Several variables affect the Mirai's actual mileage in everyday use. Driving style, temperature, and access to hydrogen fuel stations all play a role.
- Driving style: smoother acceleration and steadier cruising improve MPGe.
- Climate control usage: heating and cooling can increase energy consumption and reduce range in cold weather.
- Hydrogen supply and refueling access: proximity to stations affects how efficiently you can plan trips.
- Tire pressure and maintenance: proper upkeep supports optimal efficiency.
In practice, expect real-world mileage to be somewhat below the EPA estimates, especially in extreme temperatures or heavy traffic.
Summary
The Toyota Mirai’s mileage rests on two measures: MPGe and hydrogen-driven range. For current models, expect around 74 MPGe combined and about 400 miles of range on a full tank, with earlier generations offering lower figures. Real-world results depend on driving conditions, temperature, and hydrogen infrastructure.
Why is Mirai so cheap?
The Toyota Mirai is cheap because its low resale value is driven by a severely limited hydrogen refueling infrastructure, making it impractical for most people, and high hydrogen fuel costs. Additional factors include faster-than-average depreciation due to rapidly evolving technology and a niche market, along with government incentives that lower the initial price but may affect long-term investment potential.
Key factors contributing to low prices
- Limited hydrogen infrastructure: The U.S. has very few hydrogen fueling stations, with most located in California, and these stations frequently have operational issues, leading to shortages and an unreliable supply.
- High fuel costs: Even where stations are available, the cost of hydrogen is high, making the total cost of ownership expensive and offsetting potential savings, notes this YouTube video.
- Rapid depreciation: As a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in a niche market, the Mirai has a very high depreciation rate. Early models have lost a significant percentage of their value, often exceeding 80% within five years.
- Market saturation: Many used Mirais are lease returns, creating an oversupply in the used market that drives prices down further.
- Government incentives: Incentives, such as free hydrogen fuel for several years, can lower the initial purchase price, but the value of these incentives can decrease over time as fuel prices increase, making the car less appealing for future owners, says Top Speed.
- Concerns about maintenance and reliability: Potential owners are often deterred by concerns about long-term reliability and high repair costs associated with hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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.
How far can a Toyota Mirai go on a full tank?
The Toyota Mirai has an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 402 miles on a full tank, though this can vary based on driving habits, weather, and other factors. Real-world driving may result in a shorter range, with some estimates suggesting around 300 miles or less depending on usage, particularly with air conditioning.
Factors affecting range
- Driving conditions: Highway speeds and aggressive driving can decrease range.
- Weather: Using the climate control system, like air conditioning or heating, will reduce the range.
- Vehicle and road conditions: Factors such as vehicle load and road conditions can also influence fuel efficiency.
- Driving style: Driving in eco mode and maximizing regenerative braking can help achieve a longer range.
Additional information
- The 402-mile range is an EPA-estimated figure for the XLE trim, which has been standard for several model years.
- While some drivers have reported achieving lower numbers, the 402-mile estimate represents the most efficient range under ideal conditions.
How much does it cost to fill up a Mirai with hydrogen?
The cost to refuel a Toyota Mirai is approximately $200, based on the current average price of about $36 per kilogram and the Mirai's 5.6 kg tank capacity. However, Toyota includes a $15,000 fuel card, which covers complimentary fuel for up to six years for new purchases and three years for leases. After the complimentary period, out-of-pocket refueling costs can be substantial and are subject to significant price fluctuations.
Cost breakdown
- Price per kilogram: Approximately $36/kg
- Tank capacity: 5.6 kg
- Cost per fill-up: Approximately $201.60 ($36 x 5.6 kg)
- Cost per mile: Around $0.50 per mile, based on the ~$200 refill and an estimated 400 miles of range.
Complimentary fuel
- New purchase: The purchase of a new Mirai includes up to $15,000 or six years (whichever comes first) of complimentary hydrogen fuel.
- Lease: The lease of a new Mirai includes up to $15,000 or three years (whichever comes first) of complimentary hydrogen fuel.
- Note: The $15,000 credit is based on an estimated 30,000 miles of driving, even at high price points.
Cost comparison to other vehicles
- EV: It is significantly cheaper to charge a comparable electric vehicle, with estimates suggesting it costs about 14 times less per mile than refueling a Mirai with hydrogen in California.
- Gasoline: Even compared to a gasoline car, the cost of hydrogen refueling is much higher. For example, fueling a Toyota Corolla Hybrid costs about one-sixth the price per mile of a Mirai.
Factors to consider
- The cost of hydrogen fuel can fluctuate significantly, and a shortage of stations and supply issues can impact availability and price.
- The complimentary fuel card is a major benefit for new buyers, but the cost after the card is used can be a significant factor in the total cost of ownership.
