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Toyota’s hydrogen-fueled sedan adds new features for 2025

By John Newby
March 28, 2025
Photo credit: Toyota

The hydrogen-fueled Toyota Mirai returns for the 2025 model year with an updated list of features for consumers.

According to Toyota, the luxury sports sedan moves solely to the XLE grade for the 2025 model year. This change brings with it such features as a panoramic view monitor and front and rear parking assist with automatic braking. The Mirai XLE also adds front-seat foot illumination, digital key capability, and dual-tone heated outside mirrors.

The panoramic view monitor provides an overhead 360-degree view in drive and reverse. The driver and passenger can see this on the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen display. This piece of tech also provides access to multimedia, climate controls, and navigation.

Photo credit: Toyota

The Toyota Mirai includes multiple charging options for driver and passenger alike. This includes a Qi-compatible wireless charging tray, one USB media port, and three USB Type C charging ports. The hydrogen-fueled sedan also has a 12V DC Socket in the center console.

The 2025 Toyota Mirai will arrive at dealerships this spring. The hydrogen-fueled sedan has a suggested MSRP of $51,795. This does not include the dealer processing and handling fee of $1,095.

The hydrogen-fueled car delivers extended range

Photo credit: Toyota

The distance a vehicle can travel is an important part of the conversation when discussing alternative fuel options. For example, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is an electric vehicle with a promised range of 512 miles. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Select eAWD has an estimated range of only 224 miles.

How does the Toyota Mirai compare? The hydrogen-fueled car has an EPA-estimated driving range rating of 402 Miles.

What makes the hydrogen-fueled vehicle special? Essentially, it’s a plug-less electric vehicle that uses hydrogen to generate its electricity onboard. This fuel cell system stores the hydrogen and combines it with oxygen from the air.

A chemical reaction occurs and generates an electric current and water. The electricity powers the engine while the water drips out of a vent pipe. Regenerative braking then generates electricity and stores it in a lithium-ion battery.

When the driver presses the accelerator, electric power immediately flows from the fuel cell battery to the rear-mounted electric motor. This drives the rear wheels and moves the sedan forward.

Obviously, the extra parts in the Toyota Mirai create a potential for failure down the road. Toyota addresses this with perks for those who purchase or lease the sports sedan.

  • Extended ToyotaCare for three years or 35,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Safety Connect Enhanced Roadside Assistance for up to 10 years, including expedited towing service and trip interruption reimbursement
  • Dedicated Mirai 24/7 phone support for three years
  • Complimentary hydrogen fuel of $15,000, or six years for new Mirai purchases, or three years for new Mirai leases (whichever comes first)
  • Eight-year/100,000-mile FCEV warranty on key fuel cell electric vehicle components
  • Ten-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty on key hybrid components
  • Complimentary rental experience for up to 21 days during the first three years of ownership or lease
  • Eligibility for HOV carpool sticker

News

Honda tests Passport TrailSport towing capacity in extreme way

By John Newby
March 31, 2025
Photo credit: Honda

Manufacturers of trucks and sports utility vehicles often brag about the towing capacity of their vehicles. Honda has gone a step further while showcasing the Passport TrailSport.

Honda posted a video that featured three Passport TrailSports and a 140-foot-long crane. The automaker then connected the three SUVs using the front recovery hooks and Class III tow hitches.

As the video showed, the crane lifted the three SUVs high into the air. According to Honda, the front bumper of the first Passport Trailsport reached 100 feet. This vehicle’s recovery points held more than 14,000 pounds.

To make this test possible, Honda manufactured the three SUVs in its Alabama plant. It then drained the fluids from all three and fixed the transmissions in neutral.

The 2026 Passport TrailSport and the TrailSport Elite are Honda’s first light truck models featuring its new front recovery system. These bright orange cast iron recovery points are capable of supporting twice the SUV’s weight.

Honda had them powder coated to prevent corrosion. The automaker also designed a breakaway system in the event of a front collision.

The Passport TrailSport includes several features for off-road use

Photo credit: Honda

The 2026 Passport features three grade levels — RTL, TrailSport, and TrailSport Elite. Honda builds them all in its plant in Lincoln, Alabama.

The Passport includes a 3.5-liter DOHC V-6 engine, which Honda paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers 285 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Passport includes several features geared toward off-road use. This includes a stronger rear drive unit that can handle 40% more torque. Honda says that drivers can send up to 70% of the engine’s torque to the rear axle. This helps improve traction in all driving scenarios.

Additionally, the Passport TrailSport and TrailSport Elite have steel skid plates. These protect the oil pan, transmission, and gas tank from damage. Honda says these skid plates can support the weight of the vehicle crashing onto a rock.

The suggested MSRP of the Passport starts at $44,7501. This does not include the $1,450 destination charge.

“Passport plays a pivotal role in our Honda lineup, with the highest conquest rate of any Honda SUV and more buyers under 40 than key competitors in its segment,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales.

“We expect the authentic rugged design and off-road performance of the all-new 2026 Passport and Passport TrailSport to attract even more young, active, weekend adventurers to the Honda brand.”