by Toyota Mirai Update for 2026
The Japanese automaker Toyota has introduced an updated version of the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan for the 2026 model year. The changes to the car are minimal, which is interesting given that the model is one of the brand’s least-selling cars in the USA.
The most noticeable external change was the installation of new 19-inch black alloy wheels. The mechanical part remained unchanged. The powertrain consists of a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity for a rear-wheel-drive system with 182 hp. Acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes about 9 seconds.
Update Details and Availability
Apart from the wheels, the changes only affected the color palette. For 2026, customers will have the following options available:
The Elemental Silver Metallic and Supersonic Red colors, available for the 2025 model, have been removed from the offering.
The pricing policy has remained unchanged. The base price of the 2026 Toyota Mirai starts at $51,795, to which a fixed delivery, processing, and handling fee of $1,195 is added.
Sales Context and the Model’s Future
Toyota Mirai sales in the USA remain extremely low. In the first nine months of this year, only 157 cars were sold nationwide, which is 54.4% less than in the same period last year. Moreover, the model is available for purchase exclusively in California.
A logical question arises about the advisability of continuing sales of this model in the American market, given the meager volumes. It is likely that Toyota views the Mirai not so much as a commercial product, but as part of a strategic investment in hydrogen technologies. Operating a small fleet of these cars allows the company to collect data on the long-term reliability of fuel cells and feedback from real owners in preparation for future projects.
Despite the limited power and dynamics, the model probably fully meets the needs of its target audience, for whom the environmental image and the use of alternative fuel may be more important than sports characteristics. The continuation of the Mirai’s life cycle, even with minimal updates, indicates that Toyota does not intend to abandon the hydrogen theme, even if large-scale commercial success remains in the future for now.
