Toyota Mirai vs Toyota bZ4X: Your Guide to Choosing Toyota‘s Hydrogen or Electric Future

Toyota, the world‘s largest automaker, has pursued two divergent zero emission vehicle technologies since the 1990s: hydrogen fuel cell propulsion showcased in the Mirai sedan, and lithium-ion battery electric systems debuting in the new bZ4X SUV. For environmentally minded drivers, both vehicles promise guilt-free daily driving without tailpipe emissions.

But beyond their green credentials, significant differences in performance, refueling methods and overall ownership make choosing between the 2023 Toyota Mirai and 2023 Toyota bZ4X far from straightforward. This comprehensive guide examines how these two high-tech Toyotas compare to help you decide if hydrogen or batteries are a better fit.

Overview: Hydrogen and Batteries Race Towards Net Zero Emissions

Global automakers face regulatory pressure to curb vehicle emissions as climate change concerns mount. Many have pivoted heavily towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs). But Toyota continues investing in hydrogen fuel cells as an alternate zero emissions pathway.

Battery Electric Vehicles
BEVs like the bZ4X use large lithium ion battery packs to silently drive electric motors and onboard systems. They produce no local emissions, and charge by plugging into electric power grids sourced increasingly from renewables. But limited range and charging speed remain barriers for widespread adoption.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Alternatively, FCEVs including the trailblazing Mirai combine pressurized hydrogen tanks with fuel cell stacks that generate electricity. This powers electric motors sans emissions except harmless water vapor. Long range and rapid refueling mirror gas cars, but hydrogen‘s availability lags far behind electric charging stations.

Now, onto how these divergent green technologies translate into Toyota‘s groundbreaking new Mirai and bZ4X…

Powertrain and Performance: Range vs Responsiveness

Lets dig deeper into each vehicle‘s underlying technology and how that shapes real world power, acceleration and driving range.

Toyota Mirai Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain

The Mirai‘s specially designed fuel cell stack houses over 300 individual fuel cells. Via a chemical reaction, these combine hydrogen from three high pressure tanks with oxygen pulled from the air to produce electricity. This powers a front mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels through a single speed transmission. Total system output equals 182 horsepower enabling 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds.

Toyota bZ4X EV Powertrain

A large 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides juice for dual electric motors (front and rear axle) rated at 201 combined horsepower. The bZ4X sprints to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds thanks to instant EV torque. A gear reduction gear box sends power to both axles for AWD models or solely the front wheels. Recharging comes from plugging into electric power grids via Level 2 AC at home or DC fast charging stations.

Driving Range Comparison

Clearly the Mirai provides substantially more miles between fill-ups – crucial for long trips away from hydrogen stations. But the bZ4X posts excellent MPGe efficiency ratings competitive with compact EV SUVs, alongside responsiveness more akin to electric vehicles.

Dimensions, Seating and Cargo Review

The four-door Mirai classified as a midsize sedan predictably offers less passenger and cargo volume compared to the bZ4X small crossover SUV:

Exterior Dimensions Comparison

Interior Space Differences

Reviewing the specs, the bZ4X provides noticeably more front and rear headroom, critical for taller passengers. Added wheelbase also lengthens rear leg room. But both vehicles seat 5 adults comfortably thanks to the Mirai‘s sedan proportions. Cargo room is where bZ4X leads by a wide margin, nearly 3x that of the Mirai trunk. Important for road trips or larger grocery runs.

Technology Features and Available Upgrades

As brand new Toyota releases for 2023, both the Mirai hydrogen vehicle and bZ4X electric SUV come nicely equipped with similar cutting edge tech and desirable features:

Standard Highlights

• 12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster (bZ4X)
• 12.3” Toyota Audio Multimedia Touchscreen
• Six-Speaker Audio
• Integrated Navigation
• Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
• SiriusXM w/ 3-Month Trial
• Connected Services Capable
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• WiFi Connectivity / Hotspot
• Over-the-air Updates

Safety Technology

• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
  • Pre-Collision System
  • Pedestrian + Cyclist Detection
  • Lane Departure + Lane Keep Assist
  • Road Sign Assist
  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
• 10 Airbags
• Back-Up Camera + Parking Sensors

Both also offer nicely-equipped Limited trims with options like:

• Heated + Ventilated Softex Front Seats
• Heated Rear Seats
• Head-Up Display
• Digital Key
• Panoramic Moonroofs
• Premium JBL Audio
• Bird‘s Eye View Camera

Given the close relation as all-new 2023 Toyota releases, the Mirai and bZ4X are equally matched for must-have entertainment, driver assistance and interior luxury touches. No clear winner here.

Comparing Ownership Costs

We‘ve explored the respective tech and specs, but how do total cost of ownership and payback period compare given hydrogen‘s novelty versus prevalent EV incentives?

MSRP Pricing + Estimated 5 Year TCO

|| Toyota Mirai | Toyota bZ4X
|–|–|–|
| Base MSRP | $50,545 | $42,000
| Est. 5 Year TCO | $71,502 | $62,752 |

*TCO factors in fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance with 10% discount rate. Assumes 15k annual miles.

Key point is that while the Mirai retails higher, fuel cell maintenance is simpler than hybrid or EV systems. And Toyota provides an insane $15,000 worth of hydrogen fuel with purchase upfront. Enough to drive 94,000+ miles per my cost assumptions!

Here‘s a recap of other key ownership costs differences:

Incentives

• $8,000 MAX Federal Tax Credit (Mirai)
• $7,500 Federal Tax Credit (bZ4X)
• CARB rebates up to $750 (CA buyers)

Running Cost Per Mile

• Mirai Hydrogen: $0.05 to $0.11 avg.
• bZ4X Electricity: $0.09 to $0.20 avg.

Resale Value

• Mirai projected at 67% initial after 5 years
• bZ4X expected to hold 68% on average after 5 years

Level 2 home charging setup for the bZ4X will run about $1,200 including installation. DC fast charging in public averages $0.30+ per kWh based on current rates. Ultimately both vehicles promise low per-mile running costs on par with cheap gasoline.

Hydrogen Infrastructure + Availability Reality Check

The final consideration, and perhaps main limiting factor for most consumers, comes down to actual accessibility of vehicle purchases and hydrogen refueling versus readily available EVs and charging networks.

Hydrogen Refueling Station Forecast through 2030

This map highlights current locations plus funded stations projected to open through 2030 focused in metro California, the sole Mirai sales region. You‘ll notice vast swaths of the state still lack coverage, with growth centered around major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento.

Contrast that to America‘s existing electric charging infrastructure tallying over 48,000 public stations with 115,000+ plugs available for convenient top-ups coast to coast. Granted, station gaps remain in midwest states and rural regions. But government funding focusing on interstate corridors looks to spur rapid expansion aligned to rising EV adoption this decade. California in particular leads all states with over 73,000 connectors.

So unless you‘re located in an actively growing refueling market like California and content facing range anxiety issues for longer trips, the bZ4X supports easier transition coming from a traditional gas powered car.

I‘ll wrap up with a final pros vs cons rundown…

Toyota Mirai

Pros

• 402 mile max range
• 5 minute refills
• HOV lane access

Cons

• California only initially
• Sparse hydrogen infrastructure
• Enthusiast drivers may want more performance

Toyota bZ4X

Pros

• Familiar EV ownership experience
• Widespread infrastructure
• Fun and torquey performance
• Extra cargo flexibility

Cons

• Slower charging times
• Less max driving range
• RWD only to start

Both vehicles promise responsible daily driving devoid of tailpipe emissions. The Mirai suits Californians wanting no compromise performance mirroring gas cars. For all other regions, the bZ4X makes adapting to an all-electric lifestyle easier thanks to proven EV tech and charging support.

Hopefully this detailed head-to-head guide better informs your decision making process between two compelling eco-conscious offerings from Toyota! Please drop any other questions in the comments section.