Â
We really don't get to see too many hydrogen-powered cars in the US, as the current fueling infrastructure relegates them to the sunny state of California only. Hydrogen fuel cell cars do, however, hold promise to challenge electric vehicles (EVs) in the future.
We'll take a closer look at two strong competitors in this small segment: the 2023 Hyundai Nexo vs. Toyota Mirai.
2023 Toyota Mirai
The Mirai was originally based on the Toyota FCV-R (Fuel Cell Vehicle) concept car back in 2011. Fast forward to the current second generation, and the 2023 Toyota Mirai is available as a four-door, five-seater passenger sedan in two trim levels.
2023 Hyundai Nexo
The Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell-powered crossover SUV was revealed in 2018. The Nexo is the current flagship for Hyundai's "eco-car" portfolio, the world's first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV, and is also available in two trims.
Toyota Mirai vs. Hyundai Nexo: At a Glance
Besides the obvious difference in body style, a quick look reveals:
The Toyota Mirai is rear-wheel drive and equipped with a fuel-cell electric powertrain comprising of a single permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that delivers an output of 182 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.
The Hyundai goes about life differently with a front-wheel drive layout, with motivation for the Hyundai Nexo coming from a permanent magnet electric motor making 161 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. This unit powers the front wheels directly using Nexo's one-speed transmission, endowing this transmission system with a smooth and quiet driving experience.
Â
Interior
The Toyota Mirai's luxury cabin offers seating for five with fixed rear seats and is finished with standard heated SofTex-trimmed front seats with optional leather trim and available satin-silver or copper-color accents. Ventilated and heated front and rear seats are also an option.
Comfort features include dual-zone automatic climate control and a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with integrated controls. Power windows feature one-touch auto up/down; an overhead console is fitted with dome lights and touch-activated map lights. The unique UV-protected and water-repellent side windows are standard fare across all Toyota Mirai models.
The Mirai provides a total passenger volume of 122.4 cubic inches, while the trunk holds 9.6 cubic feet of cargo loading volume.
The Hyundai Nexo boasts an inviting interior space with features that compare very closely with the Mirai's. Vinyl-trimmed upholstery with vegan H-Tex seating surfaces and heated front seats are standard. Further comfort features are a dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with Bluetooth controls, LED overhead interior lights, solar front glass, and privacy glass on the rear side windows.
The Hyundai Nexo offers seating for five, with an interior volume of 130.9 cubic feet along with a useful cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear row, growing to 56.6 cubic feet with a folded back-row seat.
Exterior
The Toyota Mirai sedan body measures a pretty long 195.8 inches, 57.9 inches high, with a ground clearance of 5.9 inches.
Key exterior treatments include a satin-black front grille and either color-keyed or dual-tone finish heated power-folding wing mirrors with turn signal indicators, blind spot warning and puddle lights.
Other standout standard exterior features include:
- Windshield wiper de-icer
- LED Bi-beam auto-leveling headlights
- Front and rear multi LED turn signal indicators, clearance lights, and side marker lights etched with Mirai logo
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- LED tail lights and rear combination lights
The Toyota Mirai XLE features 19-inch twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, whereas the Limited trim comes with 19-inch black machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels, with an option to upgrade to 20-inch Super Chrome-finished aluminum alloy wheels.
The compact SUV body shape of the Nexo measures 183.9 inches in length and 64.2 inches high, and key features on the outside include:
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- LED tail lights
- Power-folding heated side mirrors
- Gloss black side mirrors
- Puddle lamps
The Hyundai Nexo base Blue trim rides on 17-inch alloy wheels while the Limited sees fitment of 19-inch alloy wheels.
Performance
Now let's compare the Nexo vs. Mirai on performance. Toyota quotes a 0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds for the Mirai, while independent tests put the Hyundai Nexo's 0-60 mph time at 8.4 seconds. Both vehicles offer a top speed of 111 mph.
Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Mirai XLE trim offers a fuel economy rating of 76 mpg city, 71 mpg highway, and 74 mpg combined. The Hyundai Nexo's EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings are 65 mpg city, 58 mpg highway, and 61 mpg combined.
The Mirai's XLE trim offers a manufacturer-estimated range of 402 miles, and the Limited a rating of 357 miles. The Hyundai Nexo offers a manufacturer-estimated range of 380 miles for the Blue Trim and a 354-mile rating for the Limited.
Safety and Technology
Both vehicles are comprehensively equipped with safety features along with the latest technology to keep passengers safe and sound.
The Toyota Mirai comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which includes a lane departure alert along with steering assist and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, plus more.
The Hyundai Nexo comes standard with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with Stop & Go, high beam assist and numerous other features.
The Limited trim also sees blind-spot camera display fitment in the instrument panel.
Pricing and Value
The Mirai XLE starts at $49,500 MSRP while the Limited trim starts at $66,000 MSRP and adds niceties such as a dual fixed panoramic view moonroof with power sliding shade and 19-inch black machine-finished aluminum alloy wheels.
Toyota offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty, and an eight-year/100,000-mile fuel cell electric vehicle warranty.
The Hyundai Nexo Blue starts at $60,135 MSRP, and the Limited trim at a slightly pricier $63,585 adds a Krell premium audio system, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, surround view monitor and premium remote smart parking assist amongst others.
Hyundai's leading warranties include a five years/60,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty, ten years/100,000 miles limited powertrain warranty and ten years/100,000 miles Hybrid/Electric Battery warranty plus the assurance of 5 years/unlimited miles, 24/7 roadside assistance.
Choosing The Right Model For You
When it comes to the 2023 Nexo vs. Mirai, both cars offer similar specifications, and buyers will do well to research both models extensively, consider their long-term ownership and running costs, and not forget all the important peace of mind that their respective warranties offer.
Â
 Get Your Hyundai Nexo at Granite Hyundai
Discover more about the Hyundai Nexo or other innovative Hyundai vehicles at the Granite Hyundai dealership in Somersworth, NH.
With an extensive range of new and pre-owned Hyundai vehicles on offer, our sales team welcomes you to experience exceptional service and commitment to meet your motoring needs.
