“Great vehicle to drive. Practical range is up to about 300 miles. Going up hills reduces range. Make sure that availability of hydrogen filling stations matches your likely trips.”
2017 Honda Clarity: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2017 is the launch of the all-new Honda Clarity, built on a dedicated five-passenger platform for electrified powertrains. The U.S. rollout began with the Clarity Fuel Cell and expanded to the Clarity Electric later in 2017.
About the 2017 Honda Clarity
First-generation Clarity sedan; first U.S. model year for Fuel Cell and Electric, with additional Clarity variants announced during 2017.
Honda positioned the Clarity as one roomy midsize sedan shape offered with advanced electrified powertrains, giving shoppers a lower-emission choice without giving up back-seat space, everyday comfort, or familiar safety and infotainment features. Rather than asking drivers to accept a tiny or stripped-down eco car, Honda marketed the Clarity as a comfortable five-passenger sedan with modern driver aids and phone integration, built to make zero-emission driving feel more like a normal midsize sedan experience.
Honda positioned the 2017 Clarity as a well-equipped, zero-emission sedan rather than a basic efficiency model. Its standard equipment includes heated front seats, LED exterior lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
What changed, by category
Structural
Honda introduced a dedicated Clarity platform and sedan body designed specifically around electrified powertrains, with seating for five.
Powertrain
The U.S. rollout started with the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell in California, followed by the battery-powered Clarity Electric in selected California and Oregon markets.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a passenger-side blind-spot camera are standard on the launched U.S. models.
Tech
An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on the launched U.S. models.
2017 Honda Clarity specs and features by trim
| Feature | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack w/Electric Motor / Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Hydrogen / Electric |
| Horsepower | 161–174 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 11.8–14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.7 in |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Electric Range | 89 (Electric); 366 (Hydrogen) |
| MPGe Combined | 114 (Electric); 68 (Hydrogen) |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Blindspot Sensors | |
| Lane Departure Warning | |
| Alloy Wheels | |
| LED Headlights | |
| Rear Spoiler | |
| Navigation System | |
| Premium Audio | |
| Smartphone Interface | |
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |
| Heated Front Seats | |
| Leather Seats | |
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |
| Push-Button Engine Start | |
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Honda Clarity an all-new model?
Yes. The 2017 Honda Clarity begins the model's first U.S. generation as a dedicated five-passenger sedan built for electrified powertrains.
Which 2017 Honda Clarity versions reached the U.S.?
The 2017 U.S. rollout included the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell and the battery-powered Clarity Electric. Fuel Cell deliveries began in California in December 2016, while the Electric followed in selected California and Oregon markets later in 2017.
What driver-assistance features does the 2017 Honda Clarity have?
The launched 2017 Clarity models have standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a passenger-side camera that shows the vehicle's blind spot.
Does the 2017 Honda Clarity support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2017 Honda Clarity has a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the launched U.S. models.
How many people does the 2017 Honda Clarity seat?
The 2017 Honda Clarity seats five. Its dedicated electrified platform was designed to provide sedan-style passenger space instead of adapting an existing gasoline-powered model.
2017 Honda Clarity Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Honda Clarity.
4.1
2017 Honda Clarity
(125 reviews)
“It's fantastic! Literally the only downside is trunk space and you should make sure you have local hydrogen stations to ensure it fits your lifestyle.”
“purchase was easy, no add on features. touch screen sucks and it should have a volume knob. great car, we enjoy driving it”
Sources
- global.honda — Newsroom / News / 2016
- csr.honda.com — 12 / 20 / First Customers Take Delivery 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle
- global.honda — Newsroom / News / 2017
- csr.honda.com — 11 / 30 / Honda Clarity Honored 2018 Green Car Year
- automobiles.honda.com — Clarity Electric / Brochure / MY17 Clarity BEV Flyer
- automobiles.honda.com — Clarity Fuel Cell / Brochure / MY18 Clarity FCV Flyer