Compare the2023 Toyota MiraiVS 2023 Nissan Ariya

The Mirai has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats (WIL), which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the WIL system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Ariya doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Mirai has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ariya doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the Mirai and Ariya have Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but the Mirai offers optional Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Ariya’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Mirai and the Ariya have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, 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.

There are over 15 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Nissan dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Mirai’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in long-term dependability. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 15th.

The Mirai’s electric motor produces 79 lbs.-ft. more torque (300 vs. 221) than the Ariya’s standard electric motor. The Mirai’s electric motor produces 79 lbs.-ft. more torque (300 vs. 221) than the Ariya +’s standard electric motor.

The Mirai can travel longer on a full tank of hydrogen than the Ariya on a full charge:

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Mirai’s wheelbase is 5.6 inches longer than on the Ariya (114.9 inches vs. 109.3 inches).

The Mirai is 7.5 inches shorter in height than the Ariya, making the Mirai much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

The design of the Toyota Mirai amounts to more than styling. The Mirai has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .29 Cd. That is lower than the Ariya (.3 to .33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the Mirai get better fuel mileage.

The Mirai has .5 inches more front hip room, 1.3 inches more front shoulder room and .3 inches more rear hip room than the Ariya.

With its sedan body style, valet key and remote trunk release lockout, the Mirai offers cargo security. The Ariya’s sport utility bodystyle defeats cargo security.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Mirai. The Ariya doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Mirai uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Ariya uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

If the windows are left open on the Mirai the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Ariya can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are standard in the Mirai Limited to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Ariya doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

Standard air conditioned seats in the front and rear seats keep the Mirai Limited’s passengers comfortable and take the sting out of hot leather in summer. The Ariya doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats in the rear.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Mirai has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Ariya Evolve+/Empower+/Platinum+ offers wireless charging.

The Toyota Mirai outsold the Nissan Ariya by over 10 to one during 2022.