2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid TRG Review by David Colman +VIDEO
9 Stars out of 10 Stars Rating
By David Colman
Special Correspondent to The Auto Channel
![]() 2018 Honda Plug-In Hybrid TRG |
But where this hybrid does pay off is efficiency. It's capable of travelling 89 miles on a full electric charge that takes 2.5 hours at 240 volts or 12 hours on 120 volts. So if you run a 45 mile commute each day and have 240 volt chargers at either end, you can basically drive your Clarity for free. But unlike range limited pure electric cars, Clarity has a backup system under the hood - a 1.5 liter inline 4 that will kick in when the hybrid battery discharges. In regular gas-powered mode, the Clarity still returns 42MPG. The only caveat is that the gas engine draws from a small 7 gallon fuel tank, so you will be looking for a fill up well before the odometer records 300 miles.
Honda stylists seem determined these days to emulate Ray Gun styling. The exterior of the Clarity is an eye-opening pastiche of samurai sword slashes, from the diagonal side sweep of the sheet metal to the fussy detailing of the front and rear fascias. One touch that set this Honda apart from anything else on the road is the semi-skirting of the rear wheel enclosures. A set of turbine-vane alloy rims, with silver and grey spokes alternately fluted and flat, distinguishes the wheel wells of the Clarity. These psychedelic wheels mount sizeable Michelin Green X radials (235/45R18) that dig in and get a grip when you press Clarity through a succession of curves. Given its hefty curb weight (4,045lbs.), this full size sedan comports itself with dignity and grace. I wouldn't go so far as to call it nimble, but it certainly merits the term sure-footed.
![]() 2018 Honda Plug-In Hybrid TRG |
The infotainment center derives from an earlier generation of Honda video screens which lack volume control or station changing knobs. This makes accessing desired programming difficult and distracting, especially on bumpy roads when your hand bounces from one visual icon to another. On the positive side, the steering wheel does contain a volume control rheostat which is much easier to operate than the video screen call out.
![]() 2018 Honda Plug-In Hybrid TRG |
Clarity is the plug-in hybrid for ecologically conscientious buyers who seek a normal sedan environment with few Tommy Tomorrow styling cues. The exterior, however, is a bit more flamboyant so the extrovert in you won't mistake the Clarity for anything else on the road.
2018 HONDA CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID TRG
ENGINE: 1.5 liter inline 4 plus electric motor
HORSEPOWER: 212hp combined
TORQUE: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 110MPGe/42MPG gas only
PRICE AS TESTED: $37,490
HYPES: Great Burst of e-Torque, Solid Handling
GRIPES: eCVT Difficult to Manage, Limited Rear Visibility, No Rear Wiper
STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10