What is the real mpg of the Toyota Mirai?
The Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), is advertised to have an impressive fuel economy of 76 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in the city and 71 MPGe on the highway. However, the real-world fuel efficiency of the Mirai may vary depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting the Mirai's Fuel Efficiency
The actual fuel economy of the Toyota Mirai can be influenced by a variety of factors, including driving conditions, driving style, and the availability of hydrogen refueling stations.
- Driving Conditions: The Mirai's fuel efficiency can be affected by factors such as terrain, weather, and traffic conditions. Driving in hilly or mountainous areas, for example, may result in lower fuel economy compared to flat, urban environments.
- Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration, high-speed driving, and frequent braking can all contribute to reduced fuel efficiency in the Mirai. Drivers who adopt a more gentle, eco-friendly driving style are more likely to achieve the advertised MPGe ratings.
- Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure: The availability and accessibility of hydrogen refueling stations can also impact the Mirai's real-world fuel economy. In areas with a limited number of hydrogen stations, drivers may need to travel longer distances to refuel, which can result in lower overall fuel efficiency.
It's important to note that the EPA's MPGe ratings for the Mirai are based on laboratory testing and may not accurately reflect the vehicle's performance in all real-world driving conditions.
Real-World Fuel Economy Estimates
According to various reports and reviews, the actual fuel economy of the Toyota Mirai in real-world driving conditions can vary significantly from the EPA's estimates. Some owners have reported achieving MPGe ratings in the range of 60-70, while others have experienced even lower fuel efficiency, particularly in colder climates or during high-speed highway driving.
It's worth noting that the Mirai's fuel efficiency can also be influenced by the specific driving conditions and habits of individual owners. Drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency and adopt a more eco-friendly driving style are more likely to achieve fuel economy closer to the EPA's ratings.
Conclusion
The real-world fuel economy of the Toyota Mirai can vary significantly from the EPA's advertised MPGe ratings due to a variety of factors, including driving conditions, driving style, and the availability of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. While the Mirai is a highly efficient FCEV, it's important for potential buyers to consider these factors and adjust their expectations accordingly when evaluating the vehicle's real-world fuel efficiency.
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 main cons of the Toyota Mirai are the limited and unreliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure, which can result in long waits or difficulty finding stations, and high hydrogen fuel costs. Other drawbacks include potentially unrealistic range estimates, technical issues with the fuel cell system, and lower-than-expected resale value. Some owners have also reported interior build quality complaints and issues with driving dynamics.
This video discusses the challenges of owning a Toyota Mirai, including limited hydrogen refueling stations and technical issues: 54sThe Fast Lane CarYouTube · Nov 26, 2021
Refueling and fuel costs
- Limited infrastructure: There are very few hydrogen refueling stations, and many have operational problems or are out of service.
- Long refueling times: The fueling process can take a long time due to equipment malfunctions, such as pumps freezing up, and waiting for fuel to become available.
- High fuel cost: Hydrogen fuel is expensive, and the cost per mile can be much higher compared to electric vehicles or gasoline cars.
- Unrealistic range claims: Some owners report achieving a significantly shorter range than the advertised figures, which can be impacted by factors like software issues.
Performance and reliability
- Technical issues: The hydrogen fuel cell system has been a source of problems, including issues with the cooling system and power delivery.
- Driving dynamics: The driving experience may be compromised by vague handling, a heavy feel, and less-than-premium brake feel.
- Resale value: The car has a poor resale value due to the high cost of hydrogen and limited long-term ownership appeal.
Other drawbacks
- Interior quality: Some owners have reported issues with the interior, such as rattling noises, poorly fitting trim pieces, and malfunctioning controls.
- Child seat installation: Installing child seats can be difficult due to a challenging rear seat design and hard-to-access LATCH anchors.
- Limited seating: The car only has four seats.
What is the mpg equivalent of the Toyota Mirai?
Fuel economy and range
Under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cycle, the 2016 model year Mirai has a range of 502 km (312 mi) on a full tank, with a combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 66 mpg‑US (3.6 L/100 km; 79 mpg‑imp) equivalent (MPG-equivalent).
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.
