2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Review: Losing Steam

The Honda Clarity has been holding its own in the hybrid sedan segment for quite some time, but as the competition heats up, its flaws are starting to show. Under the hood, a 1.5-liter gas engine works alongside an electric motor to direct 212 horsepower to the front wheels. While this doesn't give the sedan any athletic aspirations, it returns excellent gas mileage and an impressive electric-only range of 47 miles. But, at a starting price of $33,400, it's a bit pricey for how much you get. With stiff competition from the Toyota Prius Prime and even other Hondas, as well as a growing array of affordable brand new electric vehicles, it is not nearly as popular as it used to be. After all, the electric Clarity was discontinued in 2019, and the Fuel Cell variant is almost impossible to find. Only time will tell.

What's the Price of the 2021 Honda Clarity Hybrid?

The 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-in is available country-wide, unlike its fuel cell variant, which we review separately. It also carries a lower price tag since it relies on less complex technology. In its base form, the PHEV goes on sale for $33,400, while the Touring trim of the Honda Clarity carries a price of $36,600. These are MSRP prices and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or the $955 destination charge. What you must remember, though, is that while these vehicles cost more than your standard gasoline sedan, they are eligible for tax credits up to the value of $7,500. Combined with the impressive fuel economy figures, this could mean substantial long-term savings.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The Clarity doesn't have a lot of power to work with, so you might think that it should be able to manage what it does have gracefully. However, it's a bit clumsy on the road. Body roll is a real concern if you don't slow down sufficiently before a turn, which is only made worse by the uncommunicative steering, since you have very little idea of what the wheels are doing. On the plus side, the extra weight of the electric components help the sedan stick to the road.

For the most part, this also helps to smooth over rough pavement, but the Honda is not a floaty luxury cruiser. Larger bumps are transmitted to the cabin rather disconcertingly, so be sure to slow to a crawl on poorly maintained roads.

That said, the car is well-suited to the city landscape, where these concerns are mostly moot. Light steering means that it is easy to maneuver around busy streets or a packed parking lot, even though the sedan is a bit on the large side. And, even though it is a plug-in, it comes equipped with regenerative brakes. Thankfully, the system isn't overly intrusive, and the available modulation paddles on the steering wheel mean you can turn it down even further if it does become noticeable.

Verdict: Is the 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid A Good car?

While the Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is a respectable sedan in its own right, it doesn't stand out as much as it once did when viewed alongside some of the more modern hybrid and electric competitors on the market. But, at its price point, it still has a lot to offer prospective buyers.

The powertrain won't wow you, especially with pure-electric cars now boasting ludicrously quick acceleration times, but it gets you where you need to go without much fuss. It is also extremely efficient for a vehicle that still relies largely on fossil fuels, offering 42 mpg in mixed driving or 110 MPGe when using both gas and electric systems. On top of that, it presents buyers with a spacious, well-appointed cabin, as well as a practical trunk in comparison to what most rival hybrids offer.

However, it's not the cheapest option on the market, and that is very often what hybrid drivers are looking for. It can't compete with the Toyota Prius in terms of pricing or fuel economy, and even competition from the same Honda stable, like the Insight or Accord, make for attractive alternatives. When you consider that it handles rather badly and that similarly priced rivals offer more in the way of luxury and tech, its glitter is shown to be more pyrite than real gold. That said, it is still a capable and efficient daily commuter, but the fact is that you can find a better car than the Clarity on the market right now, and even more are expected to debut over the next few years.

What Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Model Should I Buy?

If you're looking at a hybrid for your next car, the chances are your focus is more on value than pomp and luxury. So, while the upper-tier Touring gets supple leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat, it doesn't actually improve upon what makes the Clarity such a great car - excellent fuel economy. Both models share the same powertrain and mileage figures, so it makes more sense to go for the one that costs less. You don't even lose out on any of the safety features since Honda Sensing is standard, and the same infotainment suite is installed in both trims, minus navigation. But this, too, is little more than a convenience, since almost all mobile phones support some form of navigation app.

2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Comparisons

2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid vs Honda Insight

The smaller sibling to the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, the Honda Insight matches its more compact stature with a much lower price tag of $22,930. Despite this, it can actually go toe-to-toe with the larger hybrid in most areas. The powertrain is down on power at 151 hp, but the much lighter body means that acceleration is quite similar. Inside, it is just as spacious, with even more legroom to go around. The trunk is slightly smaller, though, at 15.1 cubic feet. However, you'll notice the differences once you're seated, since the materials and build-quality are not up to par, and there aren't nearly as many standard features to interact with. It doesn't even offer smartphone integration on the entry-level model like its big brother does. But these aren't make or break factors for most hybrid shoppers. The Insight is actually more fuel efficient than the Clarity, returning EPA-estimated figures of 55/49/52 mpg. But, since it is not a plug-in, it relies purely on regenerative braking to power the motor, and it is incapable of traveling on EV power only. This means that the larger, more expensive sedan is actually cheaper to run if you're only planning to make short trips on a daily basis between recharging, so it is the smarter buy.

2021 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid vs Toyota Prius Prime

These two plug-ins have always been fierce rivals in the segment, and while they may look quite similar, they couldn't be less alike. The Honda Clarity hybrid has a lot more power under the hood, with 212 combined hp, while the Toyota makes do with just 121 hp. Neither are particularly impressive performers, but the Prius is still king of fuel economy with EPA-estimates of 55/53/54 mpg. In terms of combined fuel economy, it also significantly surpasses the Clarity's 114 MPGe with its own 133 MPGe. However, its electric-only range of 25 miles is a bit of a let down. On the plus side, it is quite a bit cheaper with a starting price of $28,220, but this does translate to a less premium cabin. Still, it gets most of the same tech, so when it comes to sheer value for money, the Prius Prime ekes its way out on top of the competition.