2016 Electric/Hybrid Best Buy Finalists
Challenging the Chevy Volt for top honors in the Electric/Hybrid category were two other notable rivals: the Toyota Mirai and the Volkswagen e-Golf. Listed below in alphabetical order, each represents its own uniquely attractive approach towards creating a cleaner and greener future for mass transport. While we anticipated including the new 2016 Toyota Prius in this mix, vehicle availability issues prevented that from happening this time around.
2016 Toyota Mirai
A Hydrogen-Fueled Dream Machine
They say that timing is everything, and while the new 2016 Toyota Mirai continues to make plenty of automotive headlines, this futuristic zero-emissions sedan proved just a bit too leading edge to snare this year's Electric/Hybrid Best Buy honors. Although its edgy styling drew mixed response from our evaluation team, there was unanimous agreement Toyota's pioneering foray into creating a mass-produced fuel-cell vehicle merited major kudos on every operational level.
Based on Toyota's New Global Architecture and fitted with a 153-hp electric motor fed by a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell, the 4-passenger midsize Mirai rides and handles smartly. It's also capable of traveling up to 311 miles before needing a refill, a process that only takes about five minutes to complete. But with the hydrogen infrastructure still in its infancy, Toyota is limiting the Mirai's initial distribution to certain areas of Northern and Southern California before expanding to other select states as support systems and vehicle supply can be ramped up to accommodate demand.
Beyond upscale elements like full LED lighting and an extensive roster of comfort/convenience touches that range from heated Softex-covered front/rear seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering column to a JBL premium audio system with navigation and adaptive cruise control, the Mirai features all of Toyota's Star Safety System elements as well as premium driver assists like Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert in addition to its dedicated Intelligent Hydrogen Monitoring system.
Stating the car represents "a turning point for zero-emission vehicles," Toyota has committed to bolstering the Mirai's acceptance by making its ownership experience as exceptional as possible whether a customer chooses to purchase one outright for $57,500 -- before up to $13,000 in various federal and state incentives -- or lease it at $499 for 36 months with $3,649 down. In addition to three years of complementary hydrogen fuel, the Mirai will arrive with three years of 24/7 personalized Concierge service, Entune with Safety Connect and full Roadside Assistance as well as Toyota Care maintenance for up to 12,000 miles annually. The Mirai represents a bold step towards tomorrow, but one Toyota feels confident will pay long-term dividends.
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