2019 Toyota Mirai Review

For commuters who live in a region where the hydrogen fueling infrastructure is already built out, opting for the 2019 Toyota Mirai may make a lot of sense. For starters, it's a genuinely futuristic experience since the Mirai is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell that converts the stuff of stars into electricity and water. This electricity goes to a small battery that drives the motor while the water leaves the tailpipe as vapor.

Unlike battery electric vehicles that require lengthy charging to keep them going, the Mirai's hydrogen fuel tanks can be filled in about the same amount of time as a car's traditional gasoline tank. The process is just as easy, too — simply swipe your payment card. Toyota gives you three years' or $15,000 worth of fuel, so hook up the nozzle and let the hydrogen flow.

Beyond the futuristic powertrain, the Mirai drives a lot like any other sedan. Although there are some clicks and buzzes from the fuel cell, the Mirai is otherwise ultra-quiet, just like a battery electric vehicle. Performance-wise, it's not fast, but it is adequate for the day-to-day grind.

There aren't many hydrogen-fueled alternatives, so the Mirai is certainly one to check out along with the Honda Clarity and the new Hyundai Nexo. Pure battery-electric vehicles aren't nearly as futuristic, but the infrastructure for recharging is much further along than that for hydrogen. Our favorites include the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Hyundai Kona EV and the Tesla Model 3. No matter what you choose, know that you're driving the wave of the future.

What's it like to live with?

To learn more about the Toyota Mirai of this generation, read about our experiences from six months of living with a 2016 Toyota Mirai. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world fuel economy, especially important given the Mirai's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Is a fuel cell vehicle worth the expense and inconvenience? Read through our Toyota Mirai long-term test to see what we think.