Honda Clarity Electric

Overview

Performance: 1.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with electric motor hybrid system; combined 212 horsepower
Mileage estimate: Equivalent of 110 mpge; 40-44 (overall)
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Price estimate: $34,500 to $37,700
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Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside assistance: 3 years/ 36,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

There are three versions of the in innovative 2019 Honda Clarity, a relatively new sedan in the Honda lineup. The Japanese automaker is offering the Clarity as an electric vehicle (EV), a fuel-cell model, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Honda has big expectations for the Clarity, believing it can reach 75,000 in yearly sales by 2021 for all three versions. Sales are promising right now, but have a long way to go to reach that lofty Honda goal.

Not everyone is enamored by the Clarity’s exterior appearance. The Clarity is 192.7 inches long and has a 108.3-inch wheelbase. The exterior is rather busy for some, featuring an assortment of odd angles, folds, creases, and slashes that were seemingly done without a true overall game plan.

The Clarity EV is battery-powered only and has a 161-horsepower electric motor. Unfortunately, its driving range is a disappointing 89 miles, not even close to the range of other EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Nissan Leaf. Recharging can be a frequent occurrence in this all battery electric vehicle.

The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid seems to have the most mass appeal in the Clarity lineup. It provides around 48 miles of all-electric range, so it’s suitable for commuting to work and around-town trips. The PHEV is a sedan that folks will find comfortable and with good road manners, delivers better performance than expected, and provides excellent mileage. Charging takes 2½ hours from a 240-volt station and 12 hours from a standard 120-volt wall plug. The overall range for the PHEV is approximately 300 miles.

The Clarity has steering wheel paddles that are not used for the traditional shift to manual transmission. These paddles are all about the regenerative braking. And the paddles are easy to master. Just pull on the left one for more braking and the right one for less. The PHEV comes with three drive modes – Econ, Normal and Sport.

Although there’s no overwhelming thrills as a driver, the Clarity is easy to deal with in everyday situations. Acceleration and handling are adequate and cornering can be safely navigated at modest speeds because it has a nice touch for the road.

Inside, the Clarity feels like a typical Honda, meaning the controls, materials, and ergonomics match the rest of the sedan lineup. The 8-inch touchscreen is a little less sophisticated than expected and some of the basic functions can be difficult to use. The Clarity does support Apple CarPlay and Android.

Although the back seat will feel a bit cramped, the Clarity cabin can transport five people. There’s ample room up front and the cargo area is suitable as well with 14.8 cubic feet in the trunk.

-J.W. 

Interested in Honda PHEV options? Check out Honda’s PHEV lineup or view the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

For more manufacturer details on this vehicle visit: www.honda.com

Vehicle Acceptance rate: 6.6kW