Crown vs Mirai
Inside the Toyota catalog, the Crown and the Mirai sit in different lines, which usually means different trade-offs. The spec sheets tilt toward the Crown, which leads in 3 of 4 areas and opens its biggest gap on engine & performance. There’s also a launch price gap of $10,355 in favor of the Crown.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Crown wins
- Space & Practicality Crown wins
- Off-road & Towing Crown wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Crown wins
Key Differences
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The Crown has 58% more cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Crown makes its strongest case: 15.2 cu ft against 9.6 cu ft. The Crown’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
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The Crown has 54 hp more power
The Crown clearly leads on total system output, and 236 hp versus 182 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Crown has available all-wheel drive
This is a feature gap rather than a spec gap: the Mirai simply lacks it. The Crown offers all-wheel drive; the Mirai doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
- Crown 196.1 in × 72.4 in × 60.6 in
- Mirai 195.8 in × 74.2 in × 57.9 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds.
Dimensions
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.1 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 60.6 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 114.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Crown leads
The Mirai is outclassed on engine & performance; the Crown leads by a clear margin. The Crown stands out with 54 hp more power. The Crown’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Crown is the safer choice.
Total system output
Crown: 236 hp Mirai: 182 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Crown leads
This section belongs to the Crown. In space & practicality, it leads the Mirai by a margin that’s hard to ignore. In its favor, the Crown has 58% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. If space & practicality is your priority, the Crown is the car to pick.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Crown: 15.2 cu ft Mirai: 9.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Crown leads
The off-road & towing numbers lean toward the Crown, not dramatically but consistently. The Crown takes this one with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Crown has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Crown: yes Mirai: no All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
On paper, the safety & tech comparison ends all square. Bottom line for safety & tech: it’s a wash.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Hydrogen fuel cell |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 hybrid | Fuel cell stack + electric motor (134 kW) |
| Total system output | 236 hp (winner) Most powerful in class | 182 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 221 lb-ft Most torque in class |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 41 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 42 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 15.2 cu ft (winner) | 9.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.1 in | 195.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 72.4 in | 74.2 in |
| Height | 60.6 in | 57.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 114.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Crown | Mirai |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $41,440 (winner) | $51,795 Priciest in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
This is not a small price difference: $10,355, or 25%, separates the two launch prices. The Mirai’s extra $10,355 is hard to justify when the Crown leads in more areas.
Launch prices in the US as of launch; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Crown if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (15.2 cu ft vs 9.6 cu ft)
- you want more power (236 hp vs 182 hp)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
- you’d put the $10,355 saving toward something else
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Crown or the Mirai?
On the specs compared here, the Crown makes more sense for most buyers; the Mirai doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Crown bigger than the Mirai?
The Crown and the Mirai are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Is the Crown cheaper than the Mirai?
At launch, the Crown undercut the Mirai by $10,355. These figures are as of launch, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Two siblings, one decision. Here’s how I’d think about the Crown versus the Mirai. The Crown has 58% more cargo space, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the Crown doesn’t stop there; it also offers 54 hp more power.
The Crown is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Mirai for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Crown.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.