2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Base FWD CVT

Model Highlights

The Clarity's motivation comes from a trio of advanced powertrain options. Three distinct versions are available: Electric, Fuel Cell and Plug-In Hybrid. The Clarity Electric gets its power through a quiet and powerful electric motor and lithium-ion batteries. The electric motor provides immediate acceleration with 221 pound-feet of torque and 161 horsepower and an 89-mile range. With three charging options, it can be charged up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. With the Clarity Fuel Cell model, power delivery is provided by an electric motor that sends power to the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox. However, instead of being powered by a battery, the motor gets electricity through processing hydrogen, stored in a tank at the back of the vehicle. The output numbers are very comparable to conventional gas-powered vehicles, at 174 horsepower with 221 pound-feet of torque. The Fuel Cell version is estimated to manage a 366-mile range. The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, meanwhile, uses a high-capacity battery for all electric driving, plus it has a gas engine for those times when electric power runs low. This setup allows for 181 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. The Plug-In Hybrid offers a 340-mile combined range rating and 110-mile combined fuel economy. Standard features on the Clarity include 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, keyless entry with walk-away auto lock, pushbutton start, LED headlights, heated front seats, rearview camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror, adjustable heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Touring trim available on the Plug-In Hybrid builds on the standard features with leather seats, leather steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, voice recognition and satellite navigation. Remote Climate Pre-Conditioning is also a feature on the Touring, which allows drivers to pre-set and control the interior temperature remotely from a smartphone. Safety on the Honda Clarity is as good as with Honda's other mid-size sedans. Standard safety features include a suite of airbags, traction control, stability control, daytime driving lights and rearview camera. Honda Sensing is also standard on all Clarity models, which is a suite of safety and driver-assistance features including a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.