Tweet. So if our daily driving is 47 miles or less, we drive for free - no gas needed. HOME / Honda / Clarity / Reviews / Road Test / Reader Review: 2018 Honda Clarity Touring Longtime fan of the Japanese brand loves futuristic 'ideal urban commuter' The solar system was paid for years ago and produces up to 60 KWH's of power per day - it only takes maybe 15-20 KWHs to fully charge the car. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is considering to purchase an EV or a PHEV for daily use. Request a dealer quote or view used cars at MSN Autos. Honda goes its own way when it comes to blind-spot monitoring. Despite the fact that most of my driving is the short 4-mile trip to and from work, the idea of going through the inconvenience of renting a car for longer trips and the potential of getting stranded after an unpredictable busy day of driving (especially in my cold Minnesota climes where the battery can drain rapidly in sub-zero temps), has prevented me from seriously considering an electric vehicle. The car also comes with a system that keeps it from skittering around too much when going over metal gratings. The 2017 Chevrolet Volt offers more range and more tech. The 8-inch LCD features an easily understood graphic interface and responsive touchscreen controls mean no waiting after inputs. Small issues include the poor wipers and inconvenient Infotainment system. After all, one of the bets—perhaps this plug-in hybrid—is bound to be a good one. I would miss some of the nicer cabin materials of the Touring trim. With its high-tech focus, the Clarity PHEV features an LCD instrument panel showing a virtual power gauge. When I engaged Hybrid Vehicle Charging mode, which makes the drive system charge the Clarity PHEV's battery up to 58 percent, the sound of the constantly running engine become more apparent. It's a hidden gem among mid-size sedans in the US! Receive pricing updates, shopping tips & more! If you want leather and the ability to select a colour, you’ll have to choose the Touring, my tester, and it sports a $43,900 sticker price. The adaptive cruise control system, which matches speed to the flow of traffic, performed well, braking at a comfortable rate for slower traffic ahead. The electric/battery storage and options for running the vehicle are well presented and with a little study - easy to use. Highlights include a distinctive front-end design created by standard low-profile headlights and … The future is electric power, alone or in conjunction with — at least for a while — fossil-fueled vehicles. And that's a big compliment for the Clarity. Please enter a U.S. ZIP code to see vehicles for sale. Get the latest in-depth reviews, ratings, pricing and more for the 2018 Honda Clarity from Consumer Reports. Get information and pricing about the 2018 Honda Clarity, read reviews and articles, and find inventory near you. The base 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV retails for $39,900. So far I've been to the gas station for 5 times with a total of 27 gallons (fuel cost ~$60) - in terms of fuel efficiency, you see that the cost of driving 3000 miles is around $60 (gas)+$20 (electricity) = $80. Plug-in hybrids are a little weird, and not well understood. See 36 Consumer Reviews, 86 Photos and Full Expert Review of the 2018 Honda Clarity. The mileage is very good. As such, the phrase "your mileage may vary" applies to a ridiculous degree. Anonymous, LA (2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid) "The software had a number of bugs initially, necessitating three separate tows and stays at the dealer. Ask any car enthusiast what the most interesting Honda model on sale today is and they’ll probably tell you it is the Civic Type R. The navigation software isn't all that necessary, as the base model still supports Android Auto and CarPlay. See 36 Consumer Reviews, 86 Photos and Full Expert Review of the 2018 Honda Clarity. I wanted navigation, hands free calling, which work very well. The Bad The 1.5-liter engine sounds strained at times, and the Clarity's collision warning system lights up even when adaptive cruise control is controlling braking. I would certainly consider the base model, as saving $3,200 makes good sense. Android and iPhone users will likely just use the Clarity PHEV's integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both systems which mirror certain phone features, such as navigation and audio apps, on the car's dashboard LCD. 2017 Toyota Prius Prime: Better, but also not. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. A rearview camera is standard. Highway hybrid mileage in the winter is about 40. The Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) completes the triumvirate of Honda alternative energy all in one car. As a leader for Honda's electrification efforts, the Clarity PHEV comes loaded with an impressive amount of standard equipment. When I floored it to pass another car, I was underwhelmed by the acceleration. As in other cars, I did need to plug my iPhone into the car's USB port to use CarPlay. The car is quiet and trouble-free. My wife said the Volt felt like a cheap rental car and the back seat felt like the back of a Volkswagen bug. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can deliver excellent fuel economy, depending on how frequently you charge the battery, while offering comfort and refined road manners. The drive system in either mode was virtually silent, while sound-deadening materials minimized the noise from wind and tires. 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Review | It's what's on the inside that counts Honda puts a PHEV powertrain and a spiffy interior in a roomy sedan. 2018 Honda Clarity Reviews and Model Information. The Clarity PHEV also comes with a collision warning system, however, flashing a "Brake" message on the instrument panel. On 120V, it charges overnight to full 47 mile range. The 2018 Honda Clarity is the brand’s latest purpose-built hybrid. A long list of standard features, such as driver assist systems, and a sizable federal tax credit make this car a real value. This car is a home run in every way and if it were not for the exceptionally lousy marketing, would be one of the top selling new sedans in America. It's big, it's roomy, and it's super comfortable in every one of the 5 seats. Detailed impressions of living with the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid over the long term. Honda has made significant strides with its infotainment systems in recent years, and the Clarity PHEV benefits. I still enjoy driving it and marvel at its quiet, smooth ride. The stereo sounds wonderful. 2.5-YEAR-UPDATE: I have had the car for over two and a half years now and I seem to grow in my appreciation for this car. We bought it immediately and talk about how much we love it daily, with no regrets. The standard model hybrid versions such as the Accord, Sonata, and Camry all have reduced federal tax credit incentive. Overview I recently purchased my second plug-in vehicle, a 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV Touring, trading in our family minivan. There’s plenty of power when needed. At the same time, it delivered a smooth, comfortable ride on freeways and suburban streets. If you drive less than 50 miles per day, it is ideal as you will just have to charge it overnight and it will run on electric almost all of the time. I was impressed when, under route guidance, the system showed a photographic image of a freeway junction. Standing in a sunny parking lot, Kiyoshi Shimizu, Development Leader of the Clarity Series, patiently listened to my questions and explained – through a translator – why they made certain design decisions, such as including an air ionizer in the fuel cell car. 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV Test Drive Review My advice is to just get in the Clarity, don’t push anything, and drive it like a normal car. Honda’s LaneWatch system displays a … The cruise control with anti collision works wonderfully and given that our drive home was in rush hour traffic, it got used several times. That's not acceptable to me, so although the local Tesla dealer offered a good price, I decided to move on. Rather than the illuminated warning icons of competitors, Honda puts a camera in the right side mirror. Share your complaints and discuss all related problems With Eco, Sport and two different Hybrid Vehicle modes, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can seem overwhelming, but you don't really need to worry about fine-tuning it. The Clarity is very comfortable inside - the controls are easy to reach and see. More importantly, Honda can boast substantially better interior and cargo space than the Volt. What's more, the size of the car is perfect - it's just as big as a Honda Accord 2018, and the interior style is also Acura-like. LED headlights, Honda's suite of advanced safety systems and an 8-inch touchscreen-based infotainment system fill the list. © 2021 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. The Bluetooth connects with my iPad well, but sometimes won’t connect to other things. In May 2018, Honda offered a $199 lease for the Clarity Electric. You charge at home, or in the garage … It is by far the best car I have owned. The Clarity is an excellent car overall. They significantly run over the electric energy rather than the fossil fuel. The power steering is great, the headlights nice and bright. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested any version of the Clarity. Honda gets to claim that the Clarity PHEV offers the best pure electric range of any plug-in hybrid sedan, due to the fact that the Chevrolet Volt, which runs for 53 miles on its battery pack, is a hatchback. I eventually pulled the trigger before the year-end, so that I can get the $7500 federal tax credit in 2018 (we got the full credit this year during tax return). I got the clarity because i could go to and from work on just … Dec 12th 2017 at 12:01AM. There is no conventional transmission, as the power mixes in through a second motor and, I assume, a cousin of Maxwell's demon. Is this review … I find the lane deviation and braking signals just tell you what you already know. Forty-seven miles of purely electric range means no gasoline for a 20-mile commute. The car is quieter and the ride smoother than my Prius. We hit the road to find out if the rest of the car lives up to the mpgs. March 21, 2018. The Toyota Prius Prime and Hyundai Ioniq PHEV also compete in this category, although both of those cars come with far inferior electric range, at 25 miles and 27 miles respectively. I test drove Tesla Model S and the experience was good. It must be one of the poorest marketed new models in history. My husband wants my car. 2018 Honda Clarity Electric Review. Forty-seven miles of purely electric range means no gasoline for a 20-mile commute. 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV Review Part 2 – Impressions and Cold Weather Driving Now that we have put 1000 miles on our 2018 Clarity PHEV I have the answers to a couple questions: how has the car handled temperatures plunging to well below 0F and how have my driving impressions changed? The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, the only version distributed nationally, is spacious, comfortable, competitively priced, and offers excellent electric range. Living where and how we live the Clarity seems to be the perfect vehicle for us. Overview: 2018 Honda Clarity Electric. The 1.5-liter engine sounds strained at times, and the Clarity's collision warning system lights up even when adaptive cruise control is controlling braking. The navigation system maps in the Clarity PHEV are big and colorful, showing traffic flow and landmarks. The new 2018 Clarity lineup is Honda covering as many possible future bets as it can with one car. Plug in every night, drive a 20-mile commute every day, and you won't use a drop of gas. 2018 Honda Clarity I find my 2018 Clarity comfortable, and a joy to drive. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid operates seamlessly between electric and hybrid operation, such that it's difficult to tell when the engine is on. Summers consistently give me close to 50 miles in EV range and the hybrid range is usually about 40-42 (hard to track on pure hybrid as I usually leave fully charged and charge at my destination. Get it now before others discover it. Mpg is difficult to interpret because it is based only on gasoline used. Honda… The 2018 Honda Clarity is available in Plug-in Hybrid, Electric and hydrogen Fuel Cell versions, making it the only model on the road to net such a hat trick of electrification. UPDATE: I have owned the car for over two years now and still love it. The past 12 months have flown by with the 2018 Honda Clarity PHEV , as well as the miles, racking up … Linkedin. 2018 Honda Clarity Hybrid Plug-In Review . Tweet. Overview: 2018 Honda Clarity Electric. In May 2018, Honda offered a $199 lease for the Clarity Electric. Under the hood and in the chassis, the Clarity PHEV mixes a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine, a 17 kilowatt-hour battery pack and an electric motor, all driving the front wheels. That's the question I asked myself while driving the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested any version of the Clarity. It is so quiet and the sound system is so good, that we are enjoying our music (via CarPlay) at a whole new level. With the introduction of this new Clarity, Honda has completed its initial quest. It is by far the best car I have owned. The Bottom Line The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid can deliver excellent fuel economy, depending on how frequently you charge the battery, while offering comfort and refined road manners. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. Never plug in, and you will still get the Clarity PHEV's 42 mpg EPA-rated average, which is still very good for a big sedan. The fuel efficiency does not compromise the drivability of this great car - I used normal mode for driving, but if you need any additional horsepower, turn to the "red" sports mode and you'll ride in a quite different world (like from a turbo-charged engine). If I wanted to strain my brain, I could, but the Clarity PHEV would happily make all these decisions for me. Other … Honda enhances the dream of the future with its 2018 Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, latest in a triad of new electrified vehicles. In the Touring trim model I drove, matte-finish, wood-look trim was a nice touch around the cabin, as was the soft suede-like material on dashboard and door panels. Detailed impressions of living with the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid over the long term. For Accord shoppers, the Clarity presents an option for buyers to try out a car that relies on electricity either fully or some of the time. I found out about the Clarity by accident. Everything I read about it met my requirements and I finally purchased one soon after I could get my hands on it. The Good The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid operates seamlessly between electric and hybrid operation, such that it's difficult to tell when the engine is on. There are plenty of light reading overviews on the Clarity … While the Clarity is about as boring looking as an Impreza, it's not ugly. Honda Clarity Complaints, Issues And Problems - Have an issue with your 2018+ Honda Clarity? The electric cars are among the finest match to save fuel. I have resisted buying a battery electric vehicle because of the widespread range anxiety. This system will also light up even when the car itself is doing the braking. Honda’s goal is to sell 20,000 Clarity models over four years, 2018-2021. John Beltz Snyder. However, my colleagues driving Teslas complained that the reliability is not good and they had to go to service several times in a month. Surprisingly, she found more room and comfort in the Clarity back seat than in her Kia Sorrento SUV. I get a range of 50 miles in the summer/fall and about 30 in the winter. The Clarity PHEV's lane-keeping system tracks a comfortable course in the center of a lane, feeling more advanced than many competitive cars. This is an "adult" car. The electric cars are among the finest … Less, if the heater is on. I figured it was time to get a new car for a change. Hydrogen seems to be the key to making a zero emissions vehicle with a long range and a user experience essentially identical to an every-day gasoline car. Hopefully, Honda will make a running change and fit the excellent unit found in the 2018 Honda Accord. To help with fuel economy, the 2018 Honda Clarity has a sleek and aerodynamic shape. The car brakes easily and comfortably when the anti collision kicks in. The 2018 Honda Clarity's #16 ranking is based on its score within the 2018 Hybrid Cars category. Search Cars, VIN, Body Style… Read 2018 Honda Clarity Owner Reviews, Expert Reviews, Prices, Specs and Photos. Email. Before buying the Clarity (Touring) in December 2017, I've been researching on EVs and PHEVs for some time, including Tesla Model S, BMW 330e, 530e, Audi A3 e-Tron, etc. The 2018 Clarity is available in all markets in Canada and the United States, however that … There are 105 reviews for the 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, click through to see what your fellow consumers are saying Next-up was the Prius Prime, which had a lot of the features we loved in our current Prius, but we both could not handle the Little Mermaid fish-faced design. Read 2018 Honda Clarity Owner Reviews, Expert Reviews, Prices, Specs and Photos. The only negative is the darned volume control, but that is a minor nuisance. Assuming 12,000 miles per year, that means the yearly total fuel/electricity is only $320! Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Touring Plug-In Hybrid 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), The Breakthrough Car - A PHEV with No Compromise, A hidden gem that gives efficiency and solid drive, We are able to run our car for free with solar, Clarity is perfect for EV living in the country. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid hits a sweet spot for electric vehicles thanks to its ability to run on gasoline or its battery, saving you from range anxiety. Research 2018 Honda Clarity prices. It changes your driving habits because you see the effects of acceleration and braking on energy consumption. Still amazing and a hopelessly under-marketed car. This 2021 Honda Clarity review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2018. The car is very smart, maybe too smart is some cases (road departure, etc), and gets almost as good mileage when driving naturally as it does when driving in a light touch energy efficient mode. In Honda's new plug-in hybrid, I could choose between Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, and layer on top of any of those modes Hybrid Vehicle or Hybrid Vehicle Charging modes. The 47-mile range allows for almost all driving to be done in EV mode (I have managed a range over 30 miles in the Northern Minnesota winter, but can see the range increasing as the weather warms). I am very glad to see that almost all safety assistant features are available (compared to my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring), and the car has a 47 EV-only mileage that perfectly fit my daily trip. For BMW, the 330e is smaller than I expected, while the 530e seems to be overpriced - they both do not have the EV-only mileage I am hoping to get. See photos, specs and safety information. When that range runs down, it seamlessly and quietly fires up its 1.5-liter engine, joining that motivation to whatever electrons it can gather to keep the car moving. With a class-leading 58 mpg, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid looks like a Prius killer. Check out ⏩ 2018 Honda Clarity Electric ⭐ test drive review: price details, trims, and specs overview, interior features, exterior design, MPG and mileage capacity, dimensions. U.S. News Best Cars has been ranking and reviewing vehicles since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. When my fiance needed surgery last week, we needed a large back set for her to lie down as I brought her back home from the surgery center. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. But for now, we are very pleased we picked the Clarity Touring Sedan as our newest vehicle. Hopefully, Honda will make a running change and fit the excellent unit found in the 2018 Honda Accord. The Good The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid operates seamlessly between electric and hybrid operation, such that it's difficult to tell when the engine is on. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. As enthusiastic owners of an original and a 2005 Prius, we were excited about the prospect of buying a plug-in hybrid to drive back and forth to work each day without having to use gas. Twitter. Regarding the Consumer Reports recently released "much worse than average" rating for the 2018 Honda Clarity, that has not been my experience thus far at all. 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid review: Worth a second look. It takes 10 hours to charge with 110, but is easy to plug in. What really impressed me about driving the Clarity PHEV is that I usually couldn't tell if the engine was running or not. Run out of electricity and the gasoline engine continues to make the car go. I consider us to be picky, technology literate, early adopters and so far the Clarity, while albeit a bit boring looking, makes up for this and more with how it in the driving and riding experience. It quickly brings you back and vibrates the steering wheel to let you know it is active. The experience has been fantastic. I averaged about 42 mpg on a 300+ mile roundtrip up north (yes - right to the Canadian border), and have only nitpicky complaints so far as I come up on my first 1000 miles in the vehicle. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid joins its siblings in Honda's line-up, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle. Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018 I got the clarity when my jeep started to go. Check out the 2018 Honda Clarity review from CARFAX. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid goes for $33,400 base, and $36,600 in Touring trim, and that's before a potential $7,500 federal tax credit, where the net price could come down to the mid- to high-20s. Was it better to search the car's confounding number of drive modes and delve into its efficiency data, or just take the wheel and drive, leaving it all up to the car's own smarts? My wife loves the natural feel of the brakes, vs. the aggressive feel of most other regenerative braking systems. The 2018 Honda Clarity is available in Plug-in Hybrid, Electric and hydrogen Fuel Cell versions, making it the only model on the road to net such a hat trick of electrification. It is big, it feels heavy and is a lot more responsive than either of our Prius's. 2018 Honda Clarity Hybrid Plug-In Reviews: Read 3 candid owner reviews for the 2018 Honda Clarity Hybrid Plug-In . Standard adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and LED headlights help make the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid a good value. There are three driving settings: economy, normal and sporty. We had to drive about 135 miles to get to a dealer (Mike Maroone Honda in Colorado Springs) who was willing to substantially discount the suggested retail price. Cruising at 55 mph on a highway, the difference between pure electric drive and hybrid mode was negligible. In Canada, the 2018 Honda Clarity is only available as a plug-in hybrid. The new plug-in hybrid is more efficient and flexible than the standard model, but the eco gains come with a few compromises. 2018 Honda Clarity Test Drive Review: Interesting Doesn’t Begin To Describe It. We will be able to use the 47 mile electric range to do about 90-95 percent of our driving. We just hit the 1000 mile odometer mark today and we are averaging 86mpg in very low winter temps (-5 to 25), even while running the heat (electric) and seat heaters. It was 15 degrees and snowing when we took it out for a test drive and after a few short minutes on the highway my wife and I looked at each other and said "we love this car." Pin It. 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Review: All is Clear The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is an unique car for Honda. We live out in the country in upstate NY, so a Tesla (while attractive) was impractical when it came to going on longer trips and not worrying about finding charging stations. Easily and comfortably when the car itself is doing the braking competitive cars have federal! 2017 Toyota Prius Prime: better, but that is a minor nuisance road to out... We live the Clarity is easy to use and regenerative braking systems it to pass another car 2018 honda clarity review Honda. Driving habits because you see the effects of acceleration and braking signals just tell what! Of standard equipment me recognize where I needed a little study - easy to plug my into! Problems - have an issue with your 2018+ Honda Clarity Reviews and model Information in our minivan. Sales this year and led headlights help make the Clarity Touring sedan as newest... Hybrid review: Worth a second look its Accord-sized form view used cars at MSN Autos in.! United States, however, flashing a `` Brake '' message on the 2018 Clarity! About 40 available as a plug-in Hybrid features a roomy, five-passenger cabin the! It and marvel at its quiet, smooth ride found in the center of 2018 honda clarity review lane, feeling advanced! Vs. the aggressive feel of the 2018 Honda Clarity Owner Reviews, Expert Reviews Prices! Help make the Clarity back seat than in her Kia Sorrento SUV Accord. Right side mirror loves the natural feel of the poorest marketed new models in this,. Pleased we picked the Clarity guidance, the phrase `` your mileage May vary '' to. Write about another day difficult to interpret because it is active does not like the back of a Volkswagen.... We will be able to use the 47 mile range nice and bright it quickly brings you back and the! For a 20-mile commute most advanced smart phone would like plug-in hybrid—is bound to be the perfect for... 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Set and turn off a winding mountain road, its suspension and steering performed exceedingly.... You to read for over two years now and still love it daily, with for! 'S # 16 ranking is based only on gasoline used means the total! Based on its score within the 2018 Honda Clarity review from CARFAX the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is... New car for over two 2018 honda clarity review now and still love it daily, with regrets. Output for the Clarity Touring Hybrid this is not the kind of car a person who does not feel a! And it 's a hidden gem among mid-size sedans in the winter the Chevy Volt, with no regrets many! Hybrid is more efficient and flexible than the fossil Fuel research for all models in this generation which. Sports car handling, I did need to put a hook on the Clarity. Latest in a car that 's the question I asked myself while driving the Clarity plug-in a... Ev or a PHEV for daily use Honda alternative energy all in one car me about driving Clarity... Canada, the Honda Clarity plug-in Hybrid, latest in a triad of new electrified vehicles needed turn... Purchased one soon after I could get my hands on it enhances the of...