Toyota
Mirai
Toyota
Prius
Toyota Mirai vs Toyota Prius: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Prius comes out ahead of the Toyota Mirai on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Mirai
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding ownership viability, dominated by severe infrastructure and cost-of-fuel criticisms. The vehicle is acknowledged as a technological showcase with a smooth, quiet driving experience and a drastic aesthetic improvement in the 2021+ redesign. However, the overwhelming consensus from owner discussions is that the Mirai is a compromised and impractical vehicle for nearly all buyers due to the cripplingly limited and unreliable hydrogen refueling infrastructure, exorbitant fuel costs after initial subsidies expire, and catastrophic depreciation.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to distinguish between trims or model years. The 2021+ second-generation model is noted for its "stunning" and "decent" redesign, a significant improvement over the widely criticized aesthetics of the first-generation (2015-2020) model.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophically limited and unreliable refueling infrastructure: stations are sparse, frequently out of service, or out of hydrogen for weeks, stranding owners.
- ⚠Prohibitively high hydrogen fuel cost: prices cited from $21/kg to over $30/kg, resulting in a fueling cost of approximately $75-$150 per tank and a cost per mile of $0.19-$0.50/km ($0.30-$0.80/mile), vastly exceeding gasoline and electric…
- ⚠Severe depreciation: used values are extremely low (e.g., $15k-$17k for a 2017-2018 model) due to the above factors and the expiration of fuel credits for second owners. Frequency: very frequent.
Prius
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Prius consistently praised as the quintessential rational transportation appliance. It is celebrated for its exceptional fuel economy (frequently cited as over 50 MPG, especially in city driving), legendary long-term reliability, and low cost of ownership. The vehicle is described as practical, spacious, and extremely efficient, with many owners reporting examples with extraordinarily high mileage (1.5 to 2 million miles) in demanding roles like delivery or taxi service.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" trim or generation from the provided discussions. Feedback spans many generations, each with its own noted strengths (e.g., Gen 2 solidity, Gen 4 improvements, the new 2025+ design).
Known issues
- ⚠**For Older Generations (e.g., 2009, Gen 2):** Hybrid battery failure: expected lifespan of over 10 years, with replacement costs cited from $1,700 to over $3,300 USD for a new OEM pack. Frequency: very frequent discussion point.
- ⚠**General Notes:** Lack of driving engagement: described as an appliance, not engaging or sporty. Frequency: very frequent. Subjective styling: polarizing design, often cited as "funky" or unattractive. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Prius is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Toyota Mirai, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Prius are a dealbreaker, the Toyota Mirai is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Toyota Mirai or the Toyota Prius?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Prius than the Toyota Mirai. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Toyota Mirai or the Toyota Prius?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Toyota Mirai is classed as a Sedan, the Toyota Prius as a Liftback, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Toyota Mirai or the Toyota Prius?
Fuel consumption data is limited for one or both models. Check the specs table above for the figures available on each catalogued version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Toyota Mirai or the Toyota Prius?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Toyota Prius than the Toyota Mirai. See the known issues comparison above.