Toyota's hydrogen-powered luxury car now available with hands-free driving.
Toyota has announced minor updates to its Mirai for the 2023 model year. The Mirai is less than two years old, so no updates to the exterior were required.
Instead, Toyota focused on making the car easier to live with by adding a new infotainment system with optional connectivity and convenience features and available advanced driver assistance systems for the top-spec Limited trim.
The Limited trim can now be optioned with the latest advanced driver assistance technology, called Toyota Teammate. Toyota calls it a suite of features, but Teammate is basically two functions bundled together under one banner. Advanced Drive and Advanced park use cameras, radar, and LiDAR to create new or updated assistance systems.
Advanced Drive is a new Level 3 autonomous driving feature available on limited-access highways. After the driver sets the speed, the car can accelerate, brake, and steer itself. Hands-free driving is also possible in certain conditions, but the onboard driver monitoring system will ensure that the driver keeps their eyes on the road at all times.
Advanced Park will park the car without any human interference. The system can steer, accelerate, brake, and even change gears. It has been optimized for both parallel and perpendicular parking, including backing into a parking spot.
The eight-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central touchscreen display are carried over. Still, the software has been updated to Toyota Audio Multimedia, developed by the Texas-based Connected Technologies offices. The new system comes standard with over-the-air updates, and enhanced connectivity, and convenience features. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Emergency Assist, Automatic Collision Notification, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to five devices.
Connected Service Drive Connect is an option, and it adds Intelligent Assist (the “Hey, Toyota…” thing), Cloud Navigation with real-time traffic and route information, and Destination Assist, which provides 24/7 live agent assistance.
Unfortunately, the Mirai remains limited to California due to its hydrogen-electric powertrain. California has the best hydrogen infrastructure, which is why BMW will also run both hydrogen-powered iX5 models in the state. The Mirai might become more available as the hydrogen infrastructure expands as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal.
The base XLE model retails for $49,500, while the Limited costs $66,000. These prices are the same as last year and do not include the $1,025 destination charge. The Toyota Teammate option for the Limited grade adds $5,170 to the price. Every Mirai is sold with up to $15,000 of complimentary hydrogen.
Keyword: 2023 Toyota Mirai Arrives With Better Tech, Same Price Tag