“Benefits of innovation. Like plug in hybrid capability. What the vehicle is for.”
Honda Clarity: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Honda Clarity is a five-seat alternative-fuel midsize sedan known for smooth, quiet driving, a roomy cabin, and strong standard safety technology. Depending on the year, it was sold as a plug-in hybrid, battery-electric car, or hydrogen fuel-cell car.
The Clarity was Honda’s attempt to make alternative-fuel driving feel practical rather than experimental. Every version paired an electrified driving experience with the space of a regular family sedan. The plug-in hybrid was the broadly useful choice, while the battery-electric and hydrogen versions served shoppers in limited markets. Production ended in 2021 after one generation.
Strengths
- The cabin seats five and gives the Clarity the everyday usefulness of a conventional family sedan.
- The plug-in hybrid combines electric commuting with gasoline backup for longer trips.
- The Fuel Cell version delivers zero tailpipe emissions and quick refueling for drivers with reliable hydrogen access.
- Smooth, quiet power delivery helps every Clarity version feel easy to drive day to day.
- Strong standard safety technology was part of the Clarity’s core appeal throughout its run.
Who it's for
The Clarity best fits someone who wants an electrified daily driver but prefers a roomy sedan to a small city car. The plug-in hybrid suits commuters who can charge regularly yet want gasoline backup for road trips. The Fuel Cell model makes sense only for California drivers with dependable access to hydrogen stations, while the earlier Electric model is better suited to local driving in the limited markets where it was offered.
Honda Clarity lineup
Base and Touring were the trim names in the 2021 lineup, though the Clarity family’s more meaningful distinction was its powertrain. Pick the plug-in hybrid for electric commuting with gasoline backup; in 2021, it was rated for 48 miles of electric driving. The Fuel Cell model suits drivers near hydrogen stations who value quick refueling and zero tailpipe emissions. Earlier years also included the Clarity Electric, a battery-powered version intended mainly for local driving in select markets.
Honda Clarity generations
From 2017 to 2021, the Clarity spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2017.
1st Generation (2017–2021)
The Clarity debuted as a dedicated five-passenger electrified sedan rather than a version of an existing gas-powered car. It launched with hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-electric versions, then expanded for 2018 with a plug-in hybrid.
6 In Stock
2021
The lineup carried over with no meaningful product updates. This was the Clarity’s final U.S. model year.
2020
The pedestrian warning sound was revised to activate when the car was shifted into gear and to sound louder in reverse. A steering-wheel control also changed slightly.
2019
The plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell versions carried over without significant updates.
2018Trim changes
The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid joined the battery-electric and fuel-cell versions, creating a three-powertrain lineup.
2017New generation
The all-new Clarity launched in the U.S. as a dedicated electrified sedan, initially in fuel-cell and battery-electric forms.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Honda Clarity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Clarity a hybrid or an electric car?
It can be either. The Clarity family included a Plug-In Hybrid with gasoline backup, a battery-electric version, and a hydrogen Fuel Cell version. The Plug-In Hybrid joined the U.S. family after the Electric and Fuel Cell models launched.
What kind of car is the Honda Clarity?
The Clarity is a four-door midsize sedan with seating for five. Honda designed it as a dedicated alternative-fuel car, giving it a roomy cabin and everyday sedan comfort rather than the feel of a tiny city car.
Is the Honda Clarity still being made?
No. The Clarity had one U.S. generation covering 2017 through 2021. Production ended in August 2021, and there was no 2022 Clarity lineup.
How many generations of the Honda Clarity are there?
There is one modern U.S. Clarity generation, spanning 2017 through 2021. The same sedan platform supported battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell versions during that run.
Is the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid practical for commuting and long trips?
Yes. Its roughly 47-mile electric driving range can cover many commutes, while the gasoline engine provides backup after the battery’s charge is used. It also has a roomy five-seat cabin suited to normal daily use.
Who is the Clarity Fuel Cell meant for?
It mainly suits California drivers who live near reliable hydrogen stations. It produces no tailpipe emissions, has a stated 360-mile driving range, and can be refueled in about three to five minutes.
Does the Honda Clarity have driver-assistance features?
Yes. The Clarity’s standard safety suite includes driver-assistance technology across the main versions. This was part of Honda’s effort to make its alternative-fuel sedan feel easy to use every day.
Honda Clarity Reviews
What owners are saying about the Honda Clarity.
4.2
Honda Clarity
(1,331 reviews)
“The Clarity is a great daily commuter. It saves money because of its low running costs and all the available rebates. It's not the best in any one category/feature, but it is one of the most versatile sedans on the market today. If you can get over the quirky exterior styling and somewhat tepid acceleration, this is one of the most well-balanced sedans you can buy today.”
“I love this car: Fun to drive, nice design inside & out, accelerates very well, very quiet (can hardly hear gas engine, road noise reduced significantly), EV range very good (have to use gas very little).”
“It's a great vehicle - fun to drive, great to the environment, and a solid deal.”
“Be aware of miles per KW charged. It's not as good as it sounds and to break even depending on your electricity rate could be up to $3 in gas.”
“Car makes a distastefully loud noise below 24 MPH to warn pedestrians. Significantly louder than a newer car with its gasoline engine running. People comment on my loud noisy car. I wouldn't buy it again.”
Sources
- automobiles.honda.com — Wave 1 / Electric / MY21 Hybrid Electrified Brochure Wave1 Model Site
- automobiles.honda.com — Wave 2 / Electric / MY20HybridElectricBrochure v2
- csr.honda.com — 11 / 30 / Honda Clarity Honored 2018 Green Car Year
- automobiles.honda.com — Clarity Plug In Hybrid / Brochure / 2018 Clarity Plug In Hybrid Brochure
- global.honda — Newsroom / News / 2016
- csr.honda.com — 12 / 20 / First Customers Take Delivery 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle
- global.honda — Newsroom / News / 2017
- automobiles.honda.com — Clarity Electric / Brochure / MY17 Clarity BEV Flyer
- automobiles.honda.com — Clarity Fuel Cell / Brochure / MY18 Clarity FCV Flyer