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Overview
Whether powered by electricity, gasoline, or hydrogen, the Honda Clarity brings you the future today. The plug-in hybrid Clarity is sold nationwide and boasts a claimed 47 miles of electric-only driving range before the gas engine fires up. The all-electric model is available only in California and Oregon; hydrogen-powered versions are exclusive to California where there is the necessary hydrogen-refueling infrastructure.
Engines, Ride, and Handling
The plug-in hybrid model is powered by a gasoline-powered 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine; the setup makes a combined 212 horsepower and scooted the Clarity PHEV to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds at our test track. We nearly hit Honda's claimed 48 miles of electric-only driving before the gasoline engine fired up; at 75 mph, the Clarity PHEV provided four more miles of EV driving than the Chevrolet Volt. The all-electric variant of the Clarity comes with a 161-hp electric motor, but a small onboard battery delivers a disappointing 89 miles of driving range. The hydrogen-powered Clarity comes with a 174-hp electric motor that draws electricity from both an onboard battery and a hydrogen fuel cell in the trunk that's good for a claimed 366 miles of range.
Interior and Technology
Sliding into the Clarity's interior feels like just about any modern Honda. Materials, controls, and ergonomics match that of the rest of the lineup, which is a good thing. Compared with the Clarity's main rival, the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai, the Clarity does a better job of emulating a normal car. Fit and finish is great and the Clarity offers plenty of convenience features that buyers will expect, including touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, heated front seats, and keyless passive entry. A suite of driver-assistance technologies, called Honda Sensing, is also standard and includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
