2021 Honda Clarity Review

MotoPickers Rating: 8.2/10

The 2021 Honda Clarity stands out in the hybrid and electric vehicle market with its unique options, including a plug-in hybrid and a hydrogen fuel cell variant. This sedan offers versatility and innovation, catering to environmentally conscious drivers with different needs. The Clarity plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric power, delivering 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, making it a robust choice for those seeking efficiency without compromising on power.

The hydrogen fuel cell version of the 2021 Honda Clarity represents a leap toward the future of sustainable driving. With a range that leverages both electric and hydrogen energy sources, it provides an alternative to conventional fueling methods. Additionally, this model offers an upscale cabin experience, making daily commutes comfortable and enjoyable.

Exterior and Interior Design

The 2021 Honda Clarity stands out with its unique exterior look and modern, practical interior. The design prioritizes efficiency and comfort, making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer journeys.

Exterior Highlights

The exterior of the 2021 Honda Clarity exhibits a distinctive and aerodynamic design. Its smooth curves and sharp lines contribute to reduced wind resistance and improved efficiency. The front features LED headlights and a sleek grille, providing a modern aesthetic.

The wide stance and low profile give the car a sporty appearance, while the wheel designs add a touch of elegance. The Fuel Cell model includes additional elements like a unique fascia and underbody covers to optimize aerodynamics further.

Interior Features

Inside, the Honda Clarity offers an attractive and modern cabin. The build quality is notable, with premium materials used throughout. The digital gauges are easy to read, and the controls are conveniently placed for quick access.

Infotainment options include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Storage spaces are practical, including a spacious center console and door pockets, making it ideal for daily use. The interior finish is both refined and functional.

Seating Comfort

The 2021 Honda Clarity provides a spacious interior, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, ideal for long drives. They also come with power adjustments, ensuring a customizable fit.

In the rear, passengers benefit from generous legroom and adequate headroom, even for taller individuals. The seat materials are plush and contribute to overall comfort. Although the Fuel Cell model restricts rear seat folding due to the hydrogen tank, the plug-in hybrid does offer this flexibility.

Cabin Ambiance

The cabin ambiance of the Clarity is serene and inviting. The quiet ride is achieved through extensive sound insulation, minimizing outside noise. The climate control system is effective, maintaining a comfortable environment regardless of external conditions.

\Ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication, and the overall cabin design promotes a feeling of relaxation. The large windows provide excellent visibility and enhance the sense of openness, contributing to an overall pleasant driving experience.

Performance and Efficiency

The 2021 Honda Clarity excels in delivering an efficient drive with strong performance attributes. Key features include a robust powertrain, impressive electric range, and reliable handling.

Powertrain and Horsepower

The Clarity is powered by a combination of a 1.5-liter gas engine and an electric motor. This hybrid setup generates a total output of 212 horsepower. The powertrain design allows for smooth transitions between gasoline and electric power, ensuring optimal performance in various driving conditions. The electric motor provides quick acceleration, while the gas engine maintains efficiency on longer drives.

Electric Range and MPG

The 2021 Honda Clarity offers an all-electric range of 47 to 48 miles, making it suitable for daily commutes without using any gasoline. Its combined city/highway rating stands at an impressive 110 MPGe. For longer trips, the total range extends significantly when the gas engine kicks in. Charging the Clarity can be done in about 12 hours using a 120-volt outlet or approximately 2.5 hours with a 240-volt charger.

Handling and Steering

The Clarity’s handling is marked by a comfortable ride and responsive steering. The car’s suspension system is tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth drive. Steering is precise, contributing to the Clarity’s overall driving confidence. The vehicle remains stable on highways and agile in city traffic, making it a versatile option for various driving environments.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2021 Honda Clarity offers a range of advanced technology features designed to enhance both driver and passenger experience. With a sophisticated infotainment system, seamless connectivity options, and comprehensive safety and driver assistance mechanisms, it stands out in its category.

Infotainment System Features

The 2021 Honda Clarity is equipped with a large standard touchscreen that ensures easy access and operation. Users can appreciate the clear and intuitive interface with smartphone mirroring capabilities such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system includes a variety of features without the hassle of excessive physical buttons, though some may miss the traditional volume knob.

A prominent focus on user-friendly interfaces allows drivers to navigate through music, contacts, and apps effortlessly. Voice controls further add to the convenience, making it easier and safer to manage devices without taking hands off the wheel.

Connectivity and Navigation

Connectivity in the 2021 Honda Clarity is robust, featuring Bluetooth integration and multiple USB ports for charging and data transfer. The navigation system is precise and provides real-time traffic updates to ensure smooth and timely travel.

Honda’s infotainment supports streaming services via smartphone apps, keeping passengers entertained throughout the journey. In-car Wi-Fi capability (depending on trim) bridges the gap for those needing constant internet access, enhancing functionality for long drives or commutes.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Clarity doesn’t compromise on safety, offering Honda Sensing as standard. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and collision mitigation braking. These features are designed to aid drivers significantly, reducing the risks associated with human error.

Driver assistance technologies also extend to traffic sign recognition and a multi-angle rearview camera, providing added security and awareness. The integration of these technologies showcases Honda’s commitment to prioritizing passenger safety alongside technological advancement.

Practicality and Utility

The 2021 Honda Clarity offers a balance of cargo space, ride quality, and trunk accessibility, making it a versatile option for various needs.

Cargo Space and Storage

The Clarity provides a generous amount of cargo space for a plug-in hybrid. The trunk space measures around 15.5 cubic feet, which is ample for groceries, luggage, or various daily items. The back seat can also fold down to extend the cargo area, which is beneficial for transporting longer items.

In the cabin, you’ll find multiple storage compartments. These include a sizable glove box, door pockets, and center console storage, ensuring essentials are easily accessible. This focus on storage options makes the Clarity’s interior practical for families and individuals alike.

Trunk Accessibility

Trunk accessibility in the Honda Clarity is straightforward. The trunk lid opens wide, allowing for easy loading and unloading of items. The opening is also relatively low to the ground, making it easier to lift heavy items in and out.

The rear seats, which fold down with a simple lever pull, further improve accessibility. These features ensure that whether you’re packing for a trip or just running errands, the Clarity makes the process hassle-free.

Comparative Analysis

The 2021 Honda Clarity offers significant features compared to its key competitors, focusing on aspects like efficiency, range, and interior quality. Below, specific comparisons are made to provide a clearer picture.

Clarity vs. Competitors

2021 Toyota Prius Prime

The 2021 Toyota Prius Prime was a prominent competitor to the Honda Clarity in the plug-in hybrid market. It offered an electric-only range of around 25 miles, which was shorter than the Clarity’s 47 miles. However, the Prius Prime excelled in overall fuel efficiency, boasting a combined 54 MPG and 133 MPGe, compared to the Clarity’s 42 MPG and 110 MPGe.

The Prius Prime featured a sleek design and a comfortable interior equipped with modern technology like a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and advanced safety features. While it had slightly less interior space than the Clarity, the Prius Prime was known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.

2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid offered a compelling alternative to the Honda Clarity with its practical design and high efficiency. It had an electric-only range of about 29 miles, slightly less than the Clarity’s, but provided a total range exceeding 600 miles, similar to the Clarity’s capability.

The Ioniq was praised for its sleek, aerodynamic design and spacious interior, which, like the Clarity, included a user-friendly infotainment system and a suite of driver assistance features. With a combined fuel efficiency of 52 MPG and 119 MPGe, the Ioniq was slightly more efficient in gasoline mode but had a shorter electric range compared to the Clarity.

2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid

The 2021 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid was another notable competitor to the Honda Clarity, offering a blend of plug-in hybrid efficiency and the practicality of a compact crossover. It provided an electric-only range of approximately 26 miles, shorter than the Clarity’s 47 miles, and a combined fuel economy of 46 MPG, which was also less than the Clarity’s.

The Niro featured a comfortable and tech-savvy interior, with standard features like a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Despite its slightly lower electric range and fuel efficiency, the Niro offered a versatile option for those prioritizing space and crossover styling.

Trim Levels and Options

The 2021 Honda Clarity comes in multiple trim levels, with the base model offering a variety of standard features and the Touring trim providing additional upgrades for a more luxurious experience.

Base Model Features

The base model of the 2021 Honda Clarity is well-equipped, providing a range of features designed to enhance comfort and convenience. It includes standard safety features such as Honda Sensing, which incorporates adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking.

Comfort is also a priority in the base model, with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a proximity key with push-button start. For entertainment, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the base model is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering up to 47 miles of all-electric range. This trim level balances fuel efficiency and performance, making it a favorable option for those looking for an eco-friendly vehicle without sacrificing essential features.

Touring Trim Upgrades

The Touring trim of the 2021 Honda Clarity introduces several enhancements over the base model, aiming to provide a more luxurious driving experience. Key upgrades include leather-trimmed seats, which add comfort and a premium feel to the cabin. The seats are also power-adjustable and have memory settings for the driver’s seat.

For added convenience, the Touring trim includes a navigation system with voice recognition, facilitating easier route planning and destination searches. An 8-inch touchscreen replaces the base model’s 7-inch unit, supporting a more intuitive interface and additional functionalities.

Exterior upgrades on the Touring trim feature 18-inch wheels, giving the Clarity a more sophisticated appearance. Enhanced audio with an 8-speaker sound system ensures a better in-car entertainment experience, making long journeys more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 Honda Clarity excels with its plug-in hybrid model, offering a substantial 48-mile electric range. This allows for efficient short commutes under electric power alone. Once the battery is depleted, it transitions to a gas engine achieving 42 mpg, which is respectable for this category.

Pricing varies significantly depending on the model and options chosen. The base model starts at approximately $34,415, while higher trims can cost upwards of $59,485. This range makes the Clarity accessible to different budget segments.

Despite its strengths, the Clarity’s small fuel tank can be a drawback, limiting total range to 340 miles. Users relying heavily on the gas engine might find themselves at the pump more often than desired. In sum, the 2021 Honda Clarity presents a solid choice for those seeking a mix of electric and gas efficiency, without compromising on comfort or performance.