2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

Honda Clarity PHEV Performance

The Clarity PHEV sees a combined output of 212 horsepower from its two electric motors and four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard. Thanks to the pair of electric motors, the Clarity PHEV has good torque and throttle response off the line, but it’s not a sustained sensation. The car is perfect for in-town driving and short trips, but its acceleration fizzles at highway speeds. Fully depress the throttle, and the engine wakes up and makes plenty of noise, but there’s not much bite to go with the bark.

Though it doesn’t offer a thrilling experience and is far from a handling powerhouse, its ride is comfortable and relatively quiet. Honda managed to achieve an impressive level of balance in the brake pedal, where there’s little of the unpredictability and pedal sensitivity found in other hybrids. 

Honda Clarity PHEV Fuel Economy

The Clarity PHEV offers an all-electric range of 48 miles. That’s a solid number among plug-in models and could turn the car into an electric-only option for people with short commutes. Electric and gas powertrains combine to return 110 MPGe, or miles-per-gallon-equivalent. The gas engine alone is EPA-rated at 42 mpg, so the Clarity is exceptionally fuel-efficient all around, which is the point of this type of vehicle. 

Honda Clarity PHEV Comfort, Convenience, and Cargo Space

The Clarity’s cabin is uncluttered and intuitive and a comfortable place to spend time. The car’s front seats prioritize passenger space and provide 39.1 inches of front headroom and 42.2 inches of front legroom. The rear seat is slightly less accommodating, with just 37.1 inches of headroom and 36.2 inches of legroom. Trunk space is average, at 15.5 cubic-feet.

Cloth upholstery is standard, but leather and power-adjustable seats are available. Regardless of what’s covering them, the front seats are deep and well-padded and offer excellent visibility for both front passengers. The rear bench is comfy, but the lack of legroom can be a downer for adults. 

Honda Clarity PHEV Safety

Neither the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) or NTHSA (National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration) agency has crash-tested the Honda Clarity. This isn’t an uncommon occurrence in the automotive industry, as low-volume cars can add considerable expense to the testing process for the IIHS and NHTSA. Nevertheless, Honda Sensing is standard on every Clarity, which brings a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. Furthermore, no major recalls are open at this time, adding another layer of confidence in the model.

Warranty

Honda backs the Clarity with a three-year, 36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. An eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty covers the hybrid system.

Is The Honda Clarity PHEV Worth it? Which Clarity PHEV is the best value?

The Clarity PHEV is a fine car and offers great efficiency and comfort. That said, its rivals provide a combination of more space, better performance and a lower starting price that may be appealing to many buyers. The base Clarity offers the best value and has many of the features people want in a commuter.