If you’re familiar with what the Honda Clarity has been in the past, you’ve known this name as being a vehicle that’s limited to only a small market because of the use of a hydrogen fuel cell for the propulsion system. While we could easily admire this version of the car as one that was able to be used where refueling stations are positioned, this car also brings in qualities we want in a model that has a mainstream system to power the drive and allow us to enjoy it in every area of the market.
With that in mind, Honda has taken this car that could have been considered a test model and provided it with a system that is mainstream and able to offer the drive needed. With this in mind, Honda has equipped the Clarity with a plug-in hybrid system that makes it a car that can be sold in every market and make use of a gasoline engine to aid the electric system of the hybrid motors that make this an efficient model to drive and experience when on the road. This is a ca that we’re sure to want for the ride and now that the Accord isn’t offered with a hybrid model, the Clarity PHEV can take its place.
What’s providing the power for the new Clarity PHEV that you can drive? This car benefits from the use of a small 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors. These motors are attached to a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack for the drive needed. The total system output is 212 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque for the drive. This system allows you to enjoy 44 city/40 hwy mpg for the drive on the roads you travel on a daily basis.
Size for the Ride
The new Clarity is a large sedan and one that comes close to the same size as the Accord in every way. This means it’snot your typical hybrid model and it makes it easy for four passengers to be comfortable on the road with room for a fifth if needed. There is even a cavernous storage area with the trunk that offers you 15.5 cubic feet of storage space, and with the batteries being located in the floor, the rear seat legroom is ample for every size and shape of a person who may have to sit in the back seat.
As you step inside, the new Clarity PHEV has some impressive items that will catch your eye such as the Ultrasuede panels in the doors and on the dashboard in the Touring models. There is wood trim that makes this a great looking interior for you to have the feeling that it’s a bit more than just a mainstream model from Honda for you to drive. This is a warm and inviting cabin that can certainly feel comfortable when you head out on the road for the drive to work or to handle the errands you need to run around town every day.
The Drive You’ll Love
When you head out on the road in the new Clarity with fully charged batteries you’ll have as much as 47 miles of range before the gasoline engine kicks in. This car brings you the Eco and Sport driving modes to choose from and if you have a longer drive you may want to keep it in Eco mode for most of the drive. There is only a small seven-gallon tank for the gas which means cheap fill-ups for you and range that still reaches up to as much as 340 miles.
This is a heavy car but it feels light in your hands when you drive. This is the result of the rear multilink suspension that keeps this car active and ready to drive. The cabin is also extremely quiet, making it easier for you to have the sounds you’re looking for inside and that’s all you’ll hear when you drive on the road. If you’re looking for a car that is a hybrid model with a premium feeling at a great price, the new Honda Clarity PHEV is the right choice for you and it can make driving a pleasure for you on any road you travel.
Looking for something slightly different? Opt for the Honda Accord.