2017 Honda Clarity Review

Name: 2017 Honda Clarity Review
Brand: Honda
Price: 20130 USD

Price Estimate: $20,130 - $26,029

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Honda Clarity model years

Honda Clarity for Sale

Honda Clarity types

Sedan
Electric

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Jonathan Elfalan

Pros

Refueling takes 3-5 minutes, much quicker than charging a battery EV
Its range of 366 miles is better than any battery EV and other fuel cells
Nicely appointed interior
seats up to five people
Honda gives you a $15,000 fuel allowance over three years

Cons

Currently only available to California residents
Hydrogen station infrastructure is still new
Hydrogen storage tank limits trunk space with no pass-through
Touchscreen infotainment system can be cumbersome to use

What’s new

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is all-new for 2017.

Vehicle overview

The 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell is one of Honda's most advanced and environmentally minded vehicles to date. It's essentially a front-wheel-drive electric vehicle that generates its own power by combining oxygen from the ambient air and compressed hydrogen from its onboard hydrogen storage tanks. Within the fuel cell, electrons are exchanged and electricity is generated. The only byproduct of the process is water.

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Using this technology, the Clarity can be fully refueled in just three to five minutes and boasts a range of 366 miles between fills. Both are significant advantages over the more established battery electric vehicles currently on the market. There are a couple caveats, though. The first is that hydrogen refueling infrastructure is new and limited to only certain parts of California. The second is that hydrogen used for transportation is largely produced from carbon-based fuels. A battery-powered EV charged purely from solar panels would still have the advantage from a reduced greenhouse gas standpoint.

The Clarity falls somewhere between a Honda Accord and Honda Civic in size, but has a more eccentric exterior styling and a slightly more styled and upscale interior. All Clarity fuel cell models come loaded with the latest active driving aids, touchscreen infotainment system and a $15,000 fuel stipend for the three-year lease period. Unlike Toyota's Mirai fuel cell car, which you can buy outright, the Clarity Fuel Cell is available for lease only. However, with all the benefits to leasing, we wouldn't recommend buying a fuel cell car at this point in time anyway.

Honda will be expanding the Clarity vehicle line with plug-in hybrid and battery electric models in the near future, both of which will be available for purchase.

What's it like to live with?

Want to know what it is like to own a Honda Clarity Fuel Cell EV? Check out our impressions from our long-term test of a 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell. How close is it to an EV or gas car? How much did we like the interior? Was the trunk sufficient for everyday use? How easy is it to actually fuel up? Learn this and more from our time with the Clarity.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

The new 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell helps broaden the appeal of zero tailpipe emission cars with its hydrogen fuel cell design. It also boasts a feature-laden cabin, room for five and an EPA-certified range of 366 miles. However, the Clarity is only available to California residents.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our Full test of the 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.0
Comfort	3.5
Interior	4.0
Utility	3.0
Technology	3.0

Driving

3.0

The Clarity isn't an exciting car to drive, but it is innocuous and accessible in everyday driving. Acceleration and handling are adequate but nothing more.

Acceleration

3.0

Acceleration is quick enough for around-town driving, but that's about it. At higher speeds, there's not a whole lot more on tap. In our testing, the Clarity accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. We noticed appreciably slower times in additional back-to-back acceleration runs.

Braking

2.0

The brakes operate normally during casual driving but begin to feel unnaturally springy and disconnected under moderate to heavy braking. There isn't much regenerative braking effect when lifting off the accelerator. It needed 129 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is a middling result.

Steering

3.0

Its steering is direct and has tangible buildup of effort around center but is pretty numb overall. Quick inputs are met with a fairly muted reaction. Still, the Clarity is clearly better than its rival, the Toyota Mirai, when it comes to the tactility of its helm.

Handling

2.5

The Clarity feels heavy but not ponderous. There's reasonable composure when cornering at modest speeds. Handling is deliberate rather than spry. Its ultimate grip is respectable, but this isn't a car that will have you seeking canyon roads.

Drivability

5.0

As it functions as an electric vehicle, this car is docile and very easy to live with. It accelerates smoothly from a stop without delay, and there aren't any gear changes to interrupt the power flow. Its cruise control, however, struggles to keep your set speed when going downhill.

Comfort

3.5

Its electric propulsion is quiet. Operation of the fuel cell powertrain is more audible than a battery EV, but it's endearing rather than annoying. Its seats are soft, and the ride quality is acceptable.

Seat comfort

3.5

The front seats have very soft padding and perforated center sections but don't offer much in terms of lateral support. The backseat is reasonably comfortable, though the bottom cushion is somewhat short, so long-legged passengers may find them uncomfortable.

Ride comfort

2.5

The Clarity has a soft ride quality, bordering on floaty. It's comfortable most of the time but the suspension struggles to control the mass of the car when driving on bumpy roads. Its ride motions are exaggerated and require more of the available suspension travel.

Noise & vibration

4.5

Wind noise is barely heard, making for civilized freeway travel. A bevy of unusual powertrain whirs come and go but are muted, making them more of a curiosity. Road noise is the most prominent thing you hear, with a variety of sounds making their way to the cabin.

Climate control

3.5

The climate control interface consists of buttons and knobs with redundant controls through a touchscreen interface. The auto function works well, and the heated front seats have three levels. The backseat vents are located on back of the center console.

Interior

4.0

This is a car that can transport four people comfortably (and five in a pinch). Its sizable cabin provides ample room for occupants and is easy to access. Visibility is excellent for the most part, though the standard rearview will help when reversing.

Ease of use

3.0

Most of the control buttons are easy to reach and are clearly labeled. The push-button gear selector isn't as quick to use as a traditional one, though its location in the Clarity is better than in other Honda vehicle applications. The touchscreen is not the quickest-responding either.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

There's little trouble to be had when stepping into the Clarity, and the roof does not appreciably impede front or rear entry. The backseat is even easier to access. All four entry points have a grab handle.

Driving position

3.5

For those who like to feel ensconced in the driver's seat, the seating position will feel a bit high, even at the lowest setting. The steering wheel is sized right and feels good in your hands, though some drivers might wish the column telescoped out more.

Roominess

4.0

There's ample headroom up front. In the back, only adults taller than 6 feet will find their heads brushing up against the headliner. There's a lot of shoulder room and decent legroom in back.

Visibility

3.5

Forward visibility is great thanks to a low beltline and cowl. Sizable corner windows and slim roof pillars also help out, as does the LaneWatch right-side camera system. Rearward visibility suffers a bit due to a high tail, but a unique second back window that peers through the trunk helps.

Quality

3.5

The cabin design of simulated open-pore wood and suede accents suggests inspiration by high-end home theater systems. The muted tones look a little dour, though. But overall the interior quality is one step better than that of the Mirai.

Utility

3.0

Its cargo area is superior to the Mirai's but falls short of a conventional car's in size and versatility. The Clarity also follows the typical Honda approach to cabin space, providing a variety of storage locations for small items. Car seat LATCH points aren't too difficult to work with.

Small-item storage

4.0

With a good-size console bin, two big cupholders, door pockets, a glovebox plus storage area under floating console, there's room for nearly any item you'd typically use on a day-to-day basis. In back, there are small door pockets, smartphone pouches and a flip-down armrest with two cupholders.

Cargo space

2.5

Despite appearances, the Clarity has a trunk, not a hatch. The cargo area has a nice wide opening but is not very deep at all. Inside is a shelf with a soft floor. The rear seats do not fold because there's a big hydrogen tank in the way.

Child safety seat accommodation

3.0

LATCH points on outboard rear seats have obvious and easily accessed top anchors. The lower ones are tucked between the seat cushions. These are soft and easily manipulated to reach the lower anchors.

Technology

3.0

Smartphone integration and voice controls work well and are a convenient way to not have to use the touchscreen interface, which is a letdown. It's straight out of the Honda parts bin. Owners of this (much pricier) car deserve better than the system that's in Honda's entry-level sedan.

Audio & navigation

2.0

While the 8-inch touchscreen is sizable, its interface needs work. Basic functions are hard to use when moving. Graphics are a bit old-school and the screen flow could be quicker. Menu structure is reasonably straightforward, but touch targets are small and volume slider is irritating.

Smartphone integration

3.0

Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, a USB port that supports iPod and an auxiliary jack are standard. Supports Apple Carplay/Android Auto, but transitioning between their controls and those of the Honda-controlled systems could be smoother. Bluetooth pairing is easy for audio and phone.

Driver aids

4.0

The Clarity is flush with driver aids, most of which prove useful in keeping you out of trouble. They include a multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, adaptive cruise control (comes to a full stop), forward collision warning/mitigation, lane keeping assist and Honda LaneWatch.

Voice control

4.0

The voice controls respond well to basic natural language and can control phone, nav and audio. For a more sophisticated system you can press and hold the voice button to bypass these and get to Siri or Google voice commands via your paired smartphone.

Compare 2017 Honda Clarity trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Honda Clarity models

The 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a single-trim model generously equipped for the technology-minded individual. Honda typically bundles options within trims, but due to the Clarity's low production volume and unique market position as an advanced hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, it makes sense for Honda to minimize the number of variations. All Clarity Fuel Cell models are powered by an electric motor (174 hp, 221 lb-ft) that drives the front wheels through a single reduction gear, and hold enough compressed hydrogen in their tanks for 366 miles of emission-free motoring (68 miles per gallon equivalent combined).

The Clarity Fuel Cell isn't lightweight by conventional vehicle standards, largely due to all the necessary fuel cell components, which include a lithium battery pack. But Honda was able to shave some pounds using aluminum for the hood, trunk, fenders and doors. Front and rear "air curtain" features direct airflow around the aerodynamic 18-inch wheels, and energy-efficient LED headlights, taillights and turn signals all help to reduce the amount of electricity the Clarity uses to roll down the road.

Energy-preserving measures aside, the Clarity has many other standard features that focus on everyday comfort and convenience, which is arguably just as critical for any machine designed for daily use. This includes automatic wipers, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control with a Plasmacluster ion air quality management, an eight-way power driver seat, driver-seat memory settings, a four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 12-speaker premium audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a navigation system with hydrogen refueling station and traffic info, satellite radio, HD radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, and HondaLink telematics (remote app control).

Because the Clarity operates so silently, Honda fits it with what's called an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System that plays spacey tunes to alert pedestrians to know when it's approaching. Other safety-related features include a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping departure and intervention, a head-up display, and Honda LaneWatch, which turns on a side-view camera when making a lane change to the right.

There are sprinkling of add-on options such as exterior body moldings and illuminated door sills, but the most notable item has to be the rear parking sensors that alert you to objects behind if you don't want to rely solely on the cameras.

2017 Honda Clarity EV Insights

Trim:

Clarity Electric

Estimated Range Based on Age

76 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 76 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

CHAdeMO

Plug Type

4 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

Hybrid Parts Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Exceeded original 8 year warranty.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$100

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
To learn more, visit https://treehouse.pro/edmundsdiscount/

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Cost to Drive

$52/mo

Clarity

$153/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

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Honda Clarity Owner Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

5(50%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(50%)

See all 2 reviews Write a vehicle review

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