Compare the2023 BMW i4VS 2022 Toyota Mirai

The i4’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Mirai doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The i4 M50 has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Mirai doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the i4 and the Mirai have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The i4 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Mirai’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The i4’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the Mirai’s (12 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is rated lower.

The i4 eDrive35’s standard electric motor produces 99 more horsepower (281 vs. 182) than the Mirai’s electric motor. The i4 eDrive40’s standard electric motor produces 153 more horsepower (335 vs. 182) and 17 lbs.-ft. more torque (317 vs. 300) than the Mirai’s electric motor. The i4 M50’s standard electric motors produces 354 more horsepower (536 vs. 182) and 286 lbs.-ft. more torque (586 vs. 300) than the Mirai’s electric motor.

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the Mirai:

The i4 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Mirai doesn’t offer launch control.

For better traction, the i4 M50’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mirai (F:255/35R20 & R:285/30R20 vs. 245/45R20).

The i4’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Mirai’s standard 55 series tires. The i4 M50’s optional 255/35R20 front and 285/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Mirai Limited’s optional 45 series tires.

The rear suspension of the i4 uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Mirai, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The i4 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The Mirai’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The i4 has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Mirai doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The i4 is 7.3 inches shorter than the Mirai, making the i4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the i4 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Mirai doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The i4’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Mirai doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the i4’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Mirai doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

A Condition-Based Service Display is standard on the i4 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for vehicle inspection based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Toyota doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Mirai.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 18% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

The i4 has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Mirai doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The i4’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Mirai XLE’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the i4 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Mirai doesn’t offer cornering lights. The i4 also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The i4’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Mirai has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the i4’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Mirai doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance.