The Toyota Mirai hasn’t changed much since it arrived for the 2016 model year. That changes this December, when we will see the launch of the 2021 Toyota Mirai, a brand-new version of the previously styling-challenged hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. In the meantime, Toyota is showing off the new design on social media, and we’re impressed. The car looks more like a Lexus-ified Camry, and we mean that in the best way possible. Oh, and did we mention it’s rear-wheel-drive?
Ditching the aggressive grille and ungainly proportions of the old generation, the new, more streamlined Mirai is far easier on the eyes. The design resembles what we saw on the Toyota Mirai concept last year. Five paint options have been announced: Hydro Blue, Oxygen White, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, and Black. Trim levels will include XLE and Limited, as seen on the social media images.
Pictures of the interior reveal a redesigned center console area, plush seating, and a large sunroof. We’ve been told the new Mirai will boast a quieter cabin, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a 14-speaker JBL sound system. Unlike the current Mirai, which seats four, the new version will have room for five people inside the cabin.
The 2021 Mirai sits on a new rear-drive platform, which besides improving the car’s proportions (and thus, its looks) will hopefully improve driving dynamics. As we’ve noted in previous reviews, the outgoing, front-wheel-drive Mirai suffers from vague handling and a heavy feel during cornering (not to mention squishy brake feel). The new fuel-cell Toyota should be more practical, too. Expect the Mirai to boast a 30-percent improvement in driving range, meaning you should be able to drive the Mirai around 400 miles before needing to refill the tank.
We’ll have more information soon as the 2021 Toyota Mirai rolls out in late December.
