Back in 2016, Honda debuted the new Clarity, reviving the nameplate as a green car platform that would host a trio of electrified powertrains. The hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell hit the road first, early in the year, followed closely by the battery-driven Clarity Electric, but the humble Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid didn't hit the road until a year later, to much less fanfare than its siblings.
The years haven't been kind to the older Clarity siblings. The Fuel Cell model -- still my personal favorite of the three -- is still very limited in geographic availability thanks to the United States' slow-growing hydrogen infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Clarity Electric entered the EV market with less range than nearly every major player and today, with a paltry 89 miles per charge. That makes it a pretty terrible choice in a field dominated by 200-mile-range models.
The 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid that arrived in the Roadshow garage recently has lived in the shadow of its siblings but emerges as the most practical and the most commonly available model of the three. And in the wake of the Chevrolet Volt's demise, the Clarity has found itself in a very interesting position in the plug-in hybrid landscape that I think makes it worth a second look.
The Good ~ 47 miles of electric range per charge ~ Nearly as spacious as an SUV, but much more efficient
The Bad ~ LaneWatch is no replacement for blind-spot monitoring ~ It's a weird-looking car
The Bottom Line All substance and no style, the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid is a practical and flexible dip into the world of plug-ins for those not quite ready for a full EV.
Honda's upcoming midsize electric SUV will be built using GM's Ultium electric vehicle platform and batteries when it hits the road in 2024.
Midsize SUVs are great for individuals, families and nearly everyone in between. Let's walk you through some of our favorites in this segment.
This butched-up SUV offers enhanced off-road capability, yet for family duty it's still supremely comfortable and versatile.
While not a hardcore off-roader, this SUV still has enough capability to take you pretty far off the beaten path.
The highlights of Honda's planned 30 new EVs by 2030 are the two electric SUVs we're getting in 2024 and the pair of sports cars coming after.
The outside may be questionable, but the inside looks perfectly nice.
It bested the previous-generation Type R Limited Edition around the track by almost one second.