PLANO, Texas (Nov. 18, 2021) – With an advanced powertrain, striking coupe-like design and a luxury interior that’s loaded with technology, the 2022 Toyota Mirai brings the future to drivers today. Recognized by Ward’s Automotive as a 10 Best Engine and Propulsion Systems winner for 2021, and starting at $49,500*, the 2022 Mirai is Toyota’s premium zero emission, rear-wheel drive fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this December, the 2022 Mirai brings drivers luxury car design and performance, while emitting nothing but water.

Mirai means future in Japanese, which is the perfect name for a car that fits into a strategy that also includes Toyota’s current and future hybrids and upcoming battery electric vehicles (BEVs), like the recently announced bZ4X. This second-generation Mirai brings a stunning design that doesn’t quit, more engaging driving performance and an increased zero emission range of 402 EPA-estimated miles range on the Mirai XLE (previous EPA rating of 312 miles), a nearly 30% increase over the first-generation model.

The Mirai is built on the rear-wheel drive GA-L platform, creating a mid-size luxury-sport sedan with a bold stance accentuated by standard 19-inch alloy wheels. The second-generation Mirai’s more powerful fuel cell system provides a more engaging driving experience than its pioneering predecessor. The RWD configuration also allows for increased hydrogen storage compared to the first-gen, front-wheel drive Mirai.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard on the 2022 Mirai to help avoid collisions or mitigate their impact with emergency automatic braking. The system includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) with intersection support and emergency steering assist
• Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Automatic High Beams
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)

In addition to TSS 2.5+, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on the 2022 Mirai.

FCEV: Making Electricity from Hydrogen

An FCEV is a “plug-less” electric vehicle. There’s no need to charge a big battery. Instead, the FCEV driver simply fills the tank with hydrogen, which only takes about 5 minutes.

With an FCEV, the fuel is non-toxic, compressed hydrogen gas rather than liquid gasoline. As it did with the first-generation Mirai, Toyota will include up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen with a purchase or lease.

An FCEV generates its own electricity onboard from hydrogen, with water as the only emission. A fuel cell system combines stored hydrogen with oxygen from the air, and a chemical reaction that produces electric current, and water, which drops out of a hidden vent pipe beneath the car.

Electricity generated by the Mirai’s fuel cell and the regenerative braking system is stored in a lithium-ion battery. Pressing the accelerator pedal yields immediate flow of electric power from the fuel cell and/or battery to the rear-mounted AC synchronous electric motor, which drives the rear wheels.

Electric “Supercharger”

An electric air compressor pressurizes the intake air, and a water-cooled intercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air before it enters the FC stack. A water-cooled oil cooler integrated with the air compressor helps maximize efficiency.

The intake system is designed to mitigate noise, which is virtually unnoticeable to occupants. By necessity, the intake air for the fuel cell must be purified. And so, an electrostatic air cleaner element captures ultra-fine particles (Particulate Matter 2.5), and a charcoal filter removes chemical substances.

Electrifying Design, Slippery Aero

The second-gen Mirai design conveys a sense of motion with a long-hood, sweeping roofline and short rear deck rendered in a practical four-door sedan package. The overall effect is that of a single metal form sculpted into a bold shape. The five exterior colors offered help the Mirai make a dramatic statement: Black, Oxygen White, Supersonic Red, Hydro Blue and Heavy Metal.

Wheelbase, height, length and width were all increased over the first-generation, front-wheel drive Mirai. Weight increased by just 176 lbs., yet weight distribution improved to near 50:50, and the center of gravity is lower to significantly enhance handling agility.

Sleek Details

The second-gen Mirai introduced a new lighting signature for a Toyota sedan, with long, narrow headlights that sweep rearward into the fenders. Available in XLE and Limited, all Mirai models are equipped with auto-leveling bi-beam LED headlights, multi-LED front and rear turn signal indicators, Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and clearance lights. The LED side marker lamps are etched with the Mirai logo.

A thin LED taillight panel spans the car’s width, tapered in the center, and creates a unique nighttime signature with three distinct gradation lines. Color-keyed heated power-folding outside mirrors feature turn signal indicators, defrosters, blind spot warning and puddle lights.

The Mirai’s 0.29 coefficient of drag is the result not only of the body’s shape, but a slew of bumper-to-bumper aero details, such as windshield wipers that retract to a lower position when not in use. The wipers show the kind of detail Toyota infused to raise comfort and convenience to a higher level in the Mirai: They feature direct-spray washer fluid arms, and, when in use, operate more quietly thanks to slower speed at the reversing point.

Comfort and Tech: Above and Beyond

Exacting craftsmanship and high tech give the Mirai comfort that’s above the ordinary. The headliner, for example, integrates an infrared reflective layer on the roof-facing surface to block that part of the light spectrum, helping reduce heat buildup inside the cabin. That also reduces electrical load on the air conditioning system. A layer of Thinsulate™ within the headliner also helps to block heat as well as provide additional sound damping. The side windows are UV-protected and water-repellent.

The Mirai XLE grade features SoftTex- trimmed and heated, power-adjustable front seats (8-way for driver, 4-way for passenger). The Limited steps up to perforated SoftTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front and rear seats, including an 8-way power front passenger seat.

The Limited interior is available in dramatic two-tone color schemes: white and brown or black. LED ambient lighting includes eight driver-selectable colors and blue footwell illumination. The Limited grade’s standard digital rear-view mirror with a HomeLink® transmitter in the Limited can be switched from conventional to digital modes. The latter relays an expansive camera view from behind the vehicle and can also brighten the nighttime image.

For rear seat passengers in the Limited, digital touch switches on the rear of the center console operate the audio and climate controls and the available panorama roof’s power sunshade. The Limited features available manual sunshades for the side windows and a power shade for the rear window.

Dual Digital Displays

Both Mirai grades employ an 8-inch color TFT LCD digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia display. Within the 8-inch gauge cluster, a 4.2-in. multi-information display includes an ECO drive indicator that helps the driver to maximize fuel efficiency by providing acceleration guidance and assigning a score on economical driving. Hydrogen fuel level and remaining range are always shown.

The 12.3-inch display provides easy access for the driver or front passenger, and the multimedia, climate control and navigation content can be toggled from left and right. Both model grades come standard with a Dynamic Navigation three-year trial and Premium Audio playing through 14 JBL® speakers, including subwoofer. The system features the latest in-demand connectivity tech, including Bluetooth® wireless technology, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, Amazon Alexa compatibility and SiriusXM® with 3-month All Access trial.

The 12.3-inch display also relays imagery from the Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, Overhead 360-Degree View in drive and reverse and Curb View (standard on Limited and available for XLE).

Luxury Car Chassis

The high-strength GA-L platform with sophisticated multilink suspension provides the foundation for superb handling agility and an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride. Laser screw welding and adhesive structure bonding, proven on many other Toyota and Lexus models, are among the construction techniques used to give the Mirai a truly premium feel on the road.

Active Cornering Assist engages the stability control to reduce understeer in certain cornering situations. Hill Start Assist Control, standard for both grades, allows smooth, safe takeoffs from stops on hills.

Electric power steering delivers quick response, with a tight 38.6-ft. turning circle for easy maneuverability. Both the XLE and Limited grades are equipped with 19 x 8-inch alloy wheels and 235/55R19 all-season tires. The Limited offers optional 20 x 8.5-inch turbine-style Super Chrome alloy wheels with 245/45ZR20 tires.

Two-Grade Model Strategy

The Mirai XLE comes well equipped with standard SofTex-trimmed seating featuring heated, 8-way power driver and 4-way power passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with remote feature, Smart Key System remote keyless entry system with trunk-release, panic button and remote illuminated entry, auto-leveling LED headlamps, LED front interior reading lights, Toyota Premium Multimedia system with navigation and 14 JBL speakers, Qi wireless charger, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror and electronic parking brake.

Connected Services include Safety Connect® with 1-year trial, Service Connect with 10-year trial, Remote Connect with 1-year trial, Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within 3-month trial and Destination Assist with 1-year trial. (See toyota.com/connected-services and toyota.com/audio-multimedia for details.)

As an option, the XLE offers the Advanced Technology Package that includes Bird’s Eye View Camera, Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking and Front Seat Foot Illumination.

The Mirai Limited grade makes those features standard, along with ventilated front seats, heated rear seating, three-zone automatic climate control (two-zone in front, one-zone in rear with separate digital control panel), ambient lighting and a panorama roof, which features fixed glass panels and a power sunshade.

Fuel Cells: Back to the Future

Fuel cell technology pre-dates the automobile by half a century. In 1838, a Welsh physicist combined hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of an electrolyte and produced an electric current, though not enough to be useful. By the 1960s, the technology was being used in America’s Gemini and Apollo spacecraft, where it provided crews with both electricity and water from stored hydrogen and oxygen.

Fuel cells had been studied for the automotive sector, but the technology only recently became practical and cost-effective. Toyota began its fuel cell development around the same time as its original Prius nearly 25 years ago, and the Mirai shares technology from the company’s hybrid program.

Toyota developed the solid-polymer electrolyte fuel cells used in the first- and second-generation Mirai models. To help foster FCEV proliferation, the company has released over 5,000 of its patents, royalty-free.

It is a scalable technology that can be made small enough to power a phone or large enough to power a building, or anything in between. For example, Toyota installed fuel cell powertrains in a fleet of class-8 semi-trucks that are rated for a maximum 80,000-pound load. These big rigs have been used for moving freight in and around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California.

Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources. The goal of the Hydrogen Council, for which Toyota is a founding member, is to use decarbonized hydrogen for transportation such as that produced from bio-resources or renewable electricity via electrolysis by 2030.

Mirai Pricing*

The 2022 XLE grade has a starting MSRP of $49,500. An Advanced Technology Package, which includes Bird’s Eye View camera, front and rear Parking Assist with Automated Braking and front seat foot illumination, can be added for $1,410.

The Limited grade has a starting MSRP of $66,000, with optional 20-inch Super Chrome Alloy wheels available for an additional $1,120.

Both the XLE and Limited grades have a Special Color price of $425 for Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red and, exclusive to the Limited, Hydro Blue.

Each Mirai comes with up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen.

An extended ToyotaCare maintenance plan, good for three years or 35,000 miles, is included with the vehicle. Other owner benefits include roadside assistance for three years (unlimited miles), an eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key fuel cell electric vehicle components, a complimentary rental experience for up to 21 days during the first three years of ownership and much more.

* MSRP excludes Toyota Dealer Processing and Handling (DPH) Fee of $1,025 (DPH subject to change).