13/13 Gate✓ IQ Certified10/10?

Best Honda Clarity Model Years (Ranked)

📖 2,589 words🗓️ Published Jun 22, 2026 · Updated Jun 21, 2026

The Honda Clarity is one of the more unusual nameplates Honda has ever sold, a single badge that covered three completely different electrified drivetrains. The name first appeared on the 2008 FCX Clarity, an experimental hydrogen fuel-cell sedan offered only by lease in California. Honda revived it in 2017 as a family of three: the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, the Clarity Fuel Cell (hydrogen), and the Clarity Electric (a battery EV). Because each variant has different fueling needs, infrastructure limits, and used-market realities, picking the right Clarity model year matters more than with a conventional car. This ranking covers every Clarity worth knowing, with the plug-in hybrid emerging as the only version most buyers should actually pursue on the used market.

Direct Answer

The best overall Honda Clarity is the 2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, which pairs a refined 1.5L Atkinson-cycle gas engine with a 17 kWh battery for roughly 47 miles of electric range plus normal gas-station convenience, no special infrastructure required. It is the only Clarity you can fuel anywhere in the country. For shoppers chasing value, the best value is the 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, the launch year, which now trades at deep used discounts while delivering nearly identical range and equipment. Avoid the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Electric unless you live near California hydrogen stations or accept the Electric's short range, because both were lease-only and depend on infrastructure that barely exists outside a few metro areas.

*Note: Prices vary significantly based on condition and market; these are representative of the model's typical market positioning.*

flowchart TD A[2018 Honda Clarity] --> B[2019 Honda Clarity] B --> C[2020 Honda Clarity] C --> D[2021 Honda Clarity] D --> E[2022 Honda Clarity] E --> F[2023 Honda Clarity] F --> G[2024 Honda Clarity]

1. 2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 🏆 BEST OVERALL

2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

The final years of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are the version to buy. The drivetrain combines a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with a strong electric motor and a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering an EPA-rated 47 miles of all-electric range before switching seamlessly to hybrid operation for a total range near 340 miles. Unlike the fuel-cell and electric variants, it refuels at any gas station, so there is no infrastructure anxiety.

By 2020-2021 the car was a mature, well-sorted product with a roomy, quiet cabin, Honda Sensing safety tech, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard. Reliability has been strong, and used prices are reasonable for a near-luxury electrified sedan.

2. 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 💎 BEST VALUE

2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

The 2018 launch model of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the smart-money pick. It introduced the same 1.5L gas engine, electric motor, and 17 kWh battery that carried through the entire run, so it offers the identical 47 miles of electric range and the same fundamental driving experience as the later cars. The differences year to year were minimal.

What changed dramatically is the price. As the oldest and highest-volume Clarity PHEV, the 2018 trades at steep used discounts, often thousands below a comparable 2020-2021 example. The best value is a 2018 Touring trim, which adds leather, navigation, and power seats. Verify battery health and that all recall work is complete, and it is a lot of electrified sedan for the money.

3. 2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

The 2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid sits comfortably between the bargain launch car and the most-refined final models. Mechanically it is unchanged: the 1.5L Atkinson engine, electric motor, and 17 kWh battery combine for the same 47 miles of EV range and over 300 miles total. Honda made only minor trim and color adjustments.

For most buyers this is the sweet spot, a one-year-newer car than the 2018 at modest extra cost, with a fuller remaining warranty and the same proven drivetrain. The Touring trim again brings the nicest equipment. As with every Clarity PHEV, the appeal is normal gas-station fueling combined with daily electric commuting, making it one of the more practical used plug-ins available.

4. 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell

2017 Clarity Fuel Cell

The 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell launched the modern Clarity family and is a genuinely impressive piece of engineering. It uses a hydrogen fuel-cell stack to generate electricity on board, producing only water vapor, with an EPA range near 366 miles and refueling times of roughly five minutes, far faster than charging a battery EV.

The catch is infrastructure. Hydrogen stations exist almost exclusively in California, and the car was lease-only with bundled fuel credits. Outside those metro areas it is effectively unusable. As a used purchase it makes sense only for a buyer living near a working hydrogen station who understands the limited and uncertain fueling network. It is a fascinating car, but a niche one.

5. 2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell

2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell

The 2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell continued the hydrogen sedan with the same fuel-cell stack and roughly 360-mile range, plus minor refinements. It remains a smooth, quiet, refined car to drive, with quick refueling and zero tailpipe emissions beyond water.

The same hard limitation applies: it depends entirely on California's small hydrogen network, and it was offered only through lease with fuel credits. As original leases ended, a few entered the used market at very low prices, but those credits do not transfer, and hydrogen fuel is expensive and scarce. Consider one only if you live near a reliable station and accept the ongoing fueling cost and risk. For nearly everyone else, the plug-in hybrid is the rational Clarity.

6. 2017-2019 Clarity Electric

2017-2019 Clarity Electric

The Clarity Electric was Honda's battery-only version, sold by lease in California and Oregon. It used a 25.5 kWh battery good for an EPA-rated 89 miles of range, modest even when new and well behind rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf of the same era.

The short range was its undoing. It supported DC fast charging, but the limited capacity made it suitable mainly as a city commuter. Because it was lease-only and low-volume, very few reached the open used market. As a purchase it makes sense only for a local buyer who wants an inexpensive, quiet EV for short trips and can accept the 89-mile range. The plug-in hybrid is more flexible for almost any use case.

7. 2008-2010 FCX Clarity (First Generation)

2008-2010 FCX Clarity (First Generation)

The original FCX Clarity, launched for the 2008 model year, was Honda's pioneering hydrogen fuel-cell sedan and one of the first such cars offered to retail customers. It used an early fuel-cell stack and lithium-ion battery, with a range around 240 miles on hydrogen and the same zero-emission, water-only output.

It was lease-only in Southern California in tiny numbers, making it more a technology showcase than a real consumer product. Today the FCX Clarity is essentially a collector curiosity, with virtually no fueling support and no practical ownership path. It earns its place in this ranking for historical importance, as the car that established the Clarity name, rather than as anything a normal buyer should seek out.

8. 2011-2014 FCX Clarity (Late First Generation)

2011-2014 FCX Clarity (Late First Generation)

The later FCX Clarity years carried the hydrogen sedan to the end of its first-generation life before the 2017 relaunch. The fuel-cell drivetrain and roughly 240-mile range were largely unchanged, and the car continued only as a limited California lease program.

These late FCX models share all the original's limitations: minuscule production, lease-only availability, and total dependence on a hydrogen network that was experimental at the time. They are interesting as part of Honda's long fuel-cell development story, but they offer no realistic used-ownership case. Like the early FCX cars, a 2011-2014 example is best understood as a piece of automotive history rather than a daily driver, and pricing reflects that novelty status.

9. Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring Trim (Any Year)

Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring Trim (Any Year)

Across every model year, the Touring trim of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the configuration worth targeting. It adds leather-trimmed seats, navigation, an eight-way power driver's seat, and additional convenience features over the base car, while keeping the identical 1.5L Atkinson engine, electric motor, and 17 kWh battery with 47 miles of EV range.

Because Honda kept the lineup simple, the Touring upgrade is the main meaningful equipment decision a Clarity PHEV shopper faces. The price difference used is usually small, and the added comfort makes the cabin feel near-luxury. For a buyer who plans to keep the car for years of commuting, spending a little more for a clean Touring example is the most sensible way to buy a Clarity.

10. Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Base Trim (Any Year)

Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Base Trim (Any Year)

The base Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the most affordable way into the lineup and still a fundamentally good car. It carries the same drivetrain and 47-mile electric range as the Touring, along with standard Honda Sensing safety technology, adaptive cruise control, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The omissions are mainly comfort items: cloth instead of leather and no built-in navigation.

For a value-focused buyer who relies on a phone for navigation, the base trim delivers the entire electrified-driving benefit at the lowest price. It is the cheapest path to a usable 47-mile EV commute with gas-station backup. Verify battery condition and recall completion, and a clean base Clarity PHEV is a quietly excellent used buy.

What to Watch For When Buying

The single most important step is to understand which Clarity variant you are looking at, because they are not interchangeable. The drivetrains and fueling needs differ completely.

Confirm the variant. Only the Plug-In Hybrid refuels at any gas station. The Fuel Cell needs hydrogen (almost only in California) and the Electric has just 89 miles of range.
Check lease history. The Fuel Cell and Electric were lease-only, often with fuel credits that do not transfer to a new owner.
Verify battery health on the PHEV and Electric. Confirm the 17 kWh pack still delivers near its rated 47 miles of electric range.
Run the VIN through NHTSA for recalls and confirm all work was completed.
Inspect for normal wear on higher-mileage cars, including tires, brakes, and 12V battery condition.
Check hydrogen station access before considering any Fuel Cell model.

How to Choose

Match the Clarity to how you can actually fuel it. For almost every buyer, the Plug-In Hybrid is the only sensible choice, because it refuels anywhere and offers a genuine 47-mile electric commute with gas-station backup. Within the PHEV family, pick a 2020-2021 for the most refinement and a fuller warranty, or a 2018 for the deepest value. Choose the Touring trim if you want leather and navigation, or the base trim to save money. Consider a Fuel Cell only if you live beside a working hydrogen station and accept the cost and risk, and a Clarity Electric only as a cheap local commuter where its short range is acceptable.

FAQ

Is the Honda Clarity a reliable used car? Yes, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is generally reliable, with owners reporting few major drivetrain issues. The electric motor and battery have proven durable, though some early 2018 models had minor infotainment glitches. Overall, it holds up well compared to other plug-in hybrids from the same era.

How long does the battery last on a Clarity Plug-In Hybrid? The 17 kWh lithium-ion battery is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime, with Honda offering an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on it. Real-world degradation varies, but many owners see only a 5-10% range loss after 5-6 years. Cold weather can temporarily reduce electric range by 10-20%.

Can I still buy a new Honda Clarity? No, Honda discontinued the Clarity lineup after the 2021 model year. New old stock may exist at some dealers, but it’s very rare. Your best bet is the used market, where 2018-2021 models are available.

What’s the difference between the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and the Clarity Electric? The Plug-In Hybrid has a gas engine and 47 miles of electric range, while the Clarity Electric is a pure EV with only about 89 miles of range and no gas backup. The Electric model is rare and impractical for most due to limited range and charging infrastructure, making the Plug-In Hybrid the far better choice.

Which Clarity model year should I avoid? Avoid the 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell and the 2017-2019 Clarity Electric, as both require specialized fueling or charging that’s hard to find. The 2018 Plug-In Hybrid is fine, but some early units had minor software issues that were fixed under warranty.

How much does a used Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid cost? Prices vary widely by year, mileage, and condition, but expect to pay roughly $15,000 to $25,000 for a 2018-2021 model. Higher-mileage 2018 examples can dip below $15,000, while low-mileage 2021s may approach $25,000 or more.

Bottom Line

The Honda Clarity is really three cars under one name, and that makes variant choice the whole game. The 2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the best overall pick, refueling anywhere while delivering a real 47-mile electric commute, and the 2018 Plug-In Hybrid is the best value at deep used discounts. The Fuel Cell and Electric versions make sense only for a narrow group of California buyers with the right infrastructure. For everyone else, choose a clean Plug-In Hybrid, verify its battery and recalls, and enjoy a quiet, efficient, near-luxury sedan.

graph TD A[Shopping for a Honda Clarity?] --> B{Can you fuel it?} B -->|Gas anywhere| C[Plug-In Hybrid] B -->|Near CA hydrogen| D[Fuel Cell] B -->|Short city trips| E[Electric, 89 mi] C --> F{Budget level?} F -->|Higher| G[2020-2021 PHEV] F -->|Lower| H[2018 PHEV best value] C --> I{Want leather + nav?} I -->|Yes| J[Touring trim] I -->|No| K[Base trim]

Related on PULSE

[Best Honda CRX Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0691)
[Best Honda del Sol Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0689)
[Best Honda CR-Z Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0496)
[Best Honda Crosstour Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0503)
[Best Honda S2000 Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0462)
[Best Honda Prelude Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0493)

Sources

Honda official Clarity model history and specifications, honda.com
EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Honda Clarity by variant and model year, fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA recall database for the Honda Clarity, nhtsa.gov
Edmunds Honda Clarity reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
Kelley Blue Book Honda Clarity used values by model year, kbb.com
Wikipedia Honda Clarity variants and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org

People also search for: best honda clarity model years (ranked) · top honda clarity model years (ranked) · top rated honda clarity model years (ranked) · top ranked honda clarity model years (ranked) · highest rated honda clarity model years (ranked) · honda clarity model years (ranked) reviews

Download:

![Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid](https://di-honda-enrollment.s3.amazonaws.com/2021/model-pages/Clarity-Plug-In-Hybrid/trims/Touring.jpg)

# Best Honda Clarity Model Years (Ranked)

The **Honda Clarity** is one of the more unusual nameplates Honda has ever sold, a single badge that covered three completely different electrified drivetrains. The name first appeared on the **2008 FCX Clarity**, an experimental hydrogen fuel-cell sedan offered only by lease in California. Honda revived it in 2017 as a family of three: the **Clarity Plug-In Hybrid**, the **Clarity Fuel Cell** (hydrogen), and the **Clarity Electric** (a battery EV). Because each variant has different fueling needs, infrastructure limits, and used-market realities, picking the right Clarity model year matters more than with a conventional car. This ranking covers every Clarity worth knowing, with the **plug-in hybrid** emerging as the only version most buyers should actually pursue on the used market.

## Direct Answer

The **best overall Honda Clarity is the 2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid**, which pairs a refined **1.5L Atkinson-cycle gas engine** with a **17 kWh battery** for roughly **47 miles of electric range** plus normal gas-station convenience, no special infrastructure required. It is the only Clarity you can fuel anywhere in the country. For shoppers chasing value, the **best value is the 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid**, the launch year, which now trades at deep used discounts while delivering nearly identical range and equipment. Avoid the **Clarity Fuel Cell** and **Clarity Electric** unless you live near California hydrogen stations or accept the Electric's short range, because both were lease-only and depend on infrastructure that barely exists outside a few metro areas.

*Note: Prices vary significantly based on condition and market; these are representative of the model's typical market positioning.*

```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[2018 Honda Clarity] --> B[2019 Honda Clarity]
B --> C[2020 Honda Clarity]
C --> D[2021 Honda Clarity]
D --> E[2022 Honda Clarity]
E --> F[2023 Honda Clarity]
F --> G[2024 Honda Clarity]
```

## 1. 2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 🏆 BEST OVERALL

![2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid](https://platform.cstatic-images.com/in/v2/stock_photos/77515c7f-002a-4644-ab3e-12dea1ad4039/a3e5e53b-133d-4106-9d65-8e1fb50bc925.png)

@@PRODUCT name="2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid" img="https://di-honda-enrollment.s3.amazonaws.com/2020-clarity-plug-in-hybrid/model-image-2020-clarity-plug-in-hybrid-front.png" site="https://www.spitzerhondacleveland.com/2020-honda-clarity-plug-in-hybrid/"

The final years of the **Clarity Plug-In Hybrid** are the version to buy. The drivetrain combines a **1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder** with a strong electric motor and a **17 kWh lithium-ion battery**, delivering an EPA-rated **47 miles of all-electric range** before switching seamlessly to hybrid operation for a total range near **340 miles**. Unlike the fuel-cell and electric variants, it refuels at any gas station, so there is no infrastructure anxiety.

By 2020-2021 the car was a mature, well-sorted product with a **roomy, quiet cabin**, Honda Sensing safety tech, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard. **Reliability has been strong**, and used prices are reasonable for a near-luxury electrified sedan.

## 2. 2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 💎 BEST VALUE

![2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid](https://i.pcmag.com/imagery/reviews/07qOsVuhjzb9tsev27JDZ6w-5.fit_scale.size_1028x578.v1569475839.jpg)

@@PRODUCT name="2018 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid" img="https://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2018/01/23/13/40/2018_honda_clarity_plug-in_hybrid_touring_fwd-pic-2007093281888541645-1600x1200.jpeg" site="https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/2018-Honda-Clarity-Plug-In-Hybrid-Overview-c26825"

The **2018 launch model** of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the smart-money pick. It introduced the **same 1.5L gas engine, electric motor, and 17 kWh battery** that carried through the entire run, so it offers the identical **47 miles of electric range** and the same fundamental driving experience as the later cars. The differences year to year were minimal.

What changed dramatically is the price. As the oldest and highest-volume Clarity PHEV, the **2018 trades at steep used discounts**, often thousands below a comparable 2020-2021 example. **The best value is a 2018 Touring trim**, which adds leather, navigation, and power seats. Verify battery health and that all recall work is complete, and it is a lot of electrified sedan for the money.

## 3. 2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid

![2019 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid](https://www.vicariousmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2019-Honda-Clarity-exterior-2-750x400.jpg)%2C%20realistic%20magazine%20style%2C%20warm%20light%2C%20no%20text%2C%20no%20watermark?width=1200&height=675&nologo=true&model=flux&seed=99645)

@@PRODUCT name="2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid" img="https://platform.cstatic-images.com/in/v2/stock_photos/a61e1950-b67c-404d-bf3f-4c54f0c0862b/82ff8e9b-f705-4575-b72c-c727d17d5e0c.png" site="https://www.cars.com/research/honda-clarity_plug_in_hybrid-2019/"

The **2019 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid** sits comfortably between the bargain launch car and the most-refined final models. Mechanically it is unchanged: the **1.5L Atkinson engine**, electric motor, and **17 kWh battery** combine for the same **47 miles of EV range** and over **300 miles total**. Honda made only minor trim and color adjustments.

For most buyers this is the sweet spot, **a one-year-newer car than the 2018 at modest extra cost**, with a fuller remaining warranty and the same proven drivetrain. The **Touring trim** again brings the nicest equipment. As with every Clarity PHEV, the appeal is normal gas-station fueling combined with daily electric commuting, making it one of the more practical used plug-ins available.

## 4. 2017 Clarity Fuel Cell
@@PRODUCT name="2017 Clarity Fuel Cell" img="https://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017-honda-clarity-fuel-cell-first-drive-0.jpg" site="https://www.slashgear.com/2017-honda-clarity-fuel-cell-gallery-19479038/"

The **2017 Clarity Fuel Cell** launched the modern Clarity family and is a genuinely impressive piece of engineering. It uses a **hydrogen fuel-cell stack** to generate electricity on board, producing only water vapor, with an EPA range near **366 miles** and refueling times of roughly five minutes, far faster than charging a battery EV.

The catch is infrastructure. Hydrogen stations exist almost exclusively in **California**, and the car was **lease-only** with bundled fuel credits. Outside those metro areas it is effectively unusable. As a used purchase it makes sense only for a buyer living near a working hydrogen station who understands the limited and uncertain fueling network. It is a fascinating car, but a niche one.

## 5. 2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell
@@PRODUCT name="2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell" img="https://s3.amazonaws.com/di-honda-enrollment/2019-clarity-fuel-cell/model-image-2019-clarity-fuel-cell-front.png" site="https://www.budclaryhondaofmoseslake.com/2019-honda-clarity-fuel-cell/"

The **2018-2019 Clarity Fuel Cell** continued the hydrogen sedan with the same **fuel-cell stack** and roughly **360-mile range**, plus minor refinements. It remains a smooth, quiet, refined car to drive, with quick refueling and zero tailpipe emissions beyond water.

The same hard limitation applies: it depends entirely on **California's small hydrogen network**, and it was offered only through **lease with fuel credits**. As original leases ended, a few entered the used market at very low prices, but those credits do not transfer, and hydrogen fuel is expensive and scarce. Consider one only if you live near a reliable station and accept the ongoing fueling cost and risk. For nearly everyone else, the plug-in hybrid is the rational Clarity.

## 6. 2017-2019 Clarity Electric
@@PRODUCT name="2017-2019 Clarity Electric" img="https://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/honda/clarity/2017/oem/2017_honda_clarity_sedan_electric_fq_oem_1_815.jpg" site="https://www.edmunds.com/honda/clarity/2017/review/"

The **Clarity Electric** was Honda's battery-only version, sold by **lease in California and Oregon**. It used a **25.5 kWh battery** good for an EPA-rated **89 miles** of range, modest even when new and well behind rivals like the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf of the same era.

The short range was its undoing. It supported DC fast charging, but the limited capacity made it suitable mainly as a city commuter. Because it was **lease-only and low-volume**, very few reached the open used market. As a purchase it makes sense only for a local buyer who wants an inexpensive, quiet EV for short trips and can accept the **89-mile range**. The plug-in hybrid is more flexible for almost any use case.

## 7. 2008-2010 FCX Clarity (First Generation)
@@PRODUCT name="2008-2010 FCX Clarity (First Generation)" img="https://www.hondainfocenter.com/-/media/Honda-Sales-Tool-Media-Folder/HondaModelHistoryPage/2008-FCX-Clarity.ashx" site="https://www.hondainfocenter.com/Honda-Model-History-Section/EarthlyAwareness/"

The original **FCX Clarity**, launched for the **2008 model year**, was Honda's pioneering hydrogen fuel-cell sedan and one of the first such cars offered to retail customers. It used an early **fuel-cell stack** and lithium-ion battery, with a range around **240 miles** on hydrogen and the same zero-emission, water-only output.

It was **lease-only in Southern California** in tiny numbers, making it more a technology showcase than a real consumer product. Today the FCX Clarity is essentially a collector curiosity, with virtually no fueling support and no practical ownership path. It earns its place in this ranking for historical importance, as the car that established the Clarity name, rather than as anything a normal buyer should seek out.

## 8. 2011-2014 FCX Clarity (Late First Generation)
@@PRODUCT name="2011-2014 FCX Clarity (Late First Generation)" img="https://hondanews.eu/image/cars/low/14441/13_13/9?v=2" site="https://hondanews.eu/es/es/cars/media/pressreleases/1166/fcx-clarity"

The **later FCX Clarity** years carried the hydrogen sedan to the end of its first-generation life before the 2017 relaunch. The **fuel-cell drivetrain** and roughly **240-mile range** were largely unchanged, and the car continued only as a **limited California lease** program.

These late FCX models share all the original's limitations: minuscule production, lease-only availability, and total dependence on a hydrogen network that was experimental at the time. They are interesting as part of Honda's long fuel-cell development story, but they offer no realistic used-ownership case. Like the early FCX cars, a 2011-2014 example is best understood as a piece of automotive history rather than a daily driver, and pricing reflects that novelty status.

## 9. Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring Trim (Any Year)
@@PRODUCT name="Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Touring Trim (Any Year)" img="https://thecharge.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/27.1-2020-Honda-Clarity-Plug-In-Hybrid-scaled.jpg" site="https://thecharge.ca/vehicle-reviews/used-evs-2018-2021-honda-clarity-phev/"

Across every model year, the **Touring trim** of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the configuration worth targeting. It adds **leather-trimmed seats, navigation, an eight-way power driver's seat, and additional convenience features** over the base car, while keeping the identical **1.5L Atkinson engine**, electric motor, and **17 kWh battery** with **47 miles of EV range**.

Because Honda kept the lineup simple, the Touring upgrade is the main meaningful equipment decision a Clarity PHEV shopper faces. The price difference used is usually small, and **the added comfort makes the cabin feel near-luxury**. For a buyer who plans to keep the car for years of commuting, spending a little more for a clean Touring example is the most sensible way to buy a Clarity.

## 10. Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Base Trim (Any Year)
@@PRODUCT name="Clarity Plug-In Hybrid Base Trim (Any Year)" img="https://static0.carbuzzimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gallery-images/original/425000/0/425010.jpg" site="https://carbuzz.com/cars/honda/clarity-plug-in-hybrid/2018/"

The **base Clarity Plug-In Hybrid** is the most affordable way into the lineup and still a fundamentally good car. It carries the same **drivetrain and 47-mile electric range** as the Touring, along with standard **Honda Sensing safety technology, adaptive cruise control, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto**. The omissions are mainly comfort items: cloth instead of leather and no built-in navigation.

For a value-focused buyer who relies on a phone for navigation, the **base trim delivers the entire electrified-driving benefit at the lowest price**. It is the cheapest path to a usable 47-mile EV commute with gas-station backup. Verify battery condition and recall completion, and a clean base Clarity PHEV is a quietly excellent used buy.

```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Shopping for a Honda Clarity?] --> B{Can you fuel it?}
    B -->|Gas anywhere| C[Plug-In Hybrid]
    B -->|Near CA hydrogen| D[Fuel Cell]
    B -->|Short city trips| E[Electric, 89 mi]
    C --> F{Budget level?}
    F -->|Higher| G[2020-2021 PHEV]
    F -->|Lower| H[2018 PHEV best value]
    C --> I{Want leather + nav?}
    I -->|Yes| J[Touring trim]
    I -->|No| K[Base trim]
```

## What to Watch For When Buying

The single most important step is to **understand which Clarity variant you are looking at**, because they are not interchangeable. The drivetrains and fueling needs differ completely.

- **Confirm the variant.** Only the **Plug-In Hybrid** refuels at any gas station. The **Fuel Cell** needs hydrogen (almost only in California) and the **Electric** has just **89 miles** of range.
- **Check lease history.** The Fuel Cell and Electric were **lease-only**, often with fuel credits that do not transfer to a new owner.
- **Verify battery health** on the PHEV and Electric. Confirm the **17 kWh** pack still delivers near its rated **47 miles** of electric range.
- **Run the VIN through NHTSA** for recalls and confirm all work was completed.
- **Inspect for normal wear** on higher-mileage cars, including tires, brakes, and 12V battery condition.
- **Check hydrogen station access** before considering any Fuel Cell model.

## How to Choose

Match the Clarity to how you can actually fuel it. For **almost every buyer, the Plug-In Hybrid is the only sensible choice**, because it refuels anywhere and offers a genuine **47-mile electric commute** with gas-station backup. Within the PHEV family, pick a **2020-2021** for the most refinement and a fuller warranty, or a **2018** for the deepest value. Choose the **Touring trim** if you want leather and navigation, or the **base trim** to save money. Consider a **Fuel Cell** only if you live beside a working hydrogen station and accept the cost and risk, and a **Clarity Electric** only as a cheap local commuter where its short range is acceptable.

## FAQ

**Is the Honda Clarity a reliable used car?**  
Yes, the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is generally reliable, with owners reporting few major drivetrain issues. The electric motor and battery have proven durable, though some early 2018 models had minor infotainment glitches. Overall, it holds up well compared to other plug-in hybrids from the same era.

**How long does the battery last on a Clarity Plug-In Hybrid?**  
The 17 kWh lithium-ion battery is designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime, with Honda offering an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on it. Real-world degradation varies, but many owners see only a 5-10% range loss after 5-6 years. Cold weather can temporarily reduce electric range by 10-20%.

**Can I still buy a new Honda Clarity?**  
No, Honda discontinued the Clarity lineup after the 2021 model year. New old stock may exist at some dealers, but it’s very rare. Your best bet is the used market, where 2018-2021 models are available.

**What’s the difference between the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and the Clarity Electric?**  
The Plug-In Hybrid has a gas engine and 47 miles of electric range, while the Clarity Electric is a pure EV with only about 89 miles of range and no gas backup. The Electric model is rare and impractical for most due to limited range and charging infrastructure, making the Plug-In Hybrid the far better choice.

**Which Clarity model year should I avoid?**  
Avoid the 2017-2018 Clarity Fuel Cell and the 2017-2019 Clarity Electric, as both require specialized fueling or charging that’s hard to find. The 2018 Plug-In Hybrid is fine, but some early units had minor software issues that were fixed under warranty.

**How much does a used Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid cost?**  
Prices vary widely by year, mileage, and condition, but expect to pay roughly $15,000 to $25,000 for a 2018-2021 model. Higher-mileage 2018 examples can dip below $15,000, while low-mileage 2021s may approach $25,000 or more.

## Bottom Line

The Honda Clarity is really three cars under one name, and that makes variant choice the whole game. The **2020-2021 Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is the best overall pick**, refueling anywhere while delivering a real **47-mile electric commute**, and the **2018 Plug-In Hybrid is the best value** at deep used discounts. The **Fuel Cell** and **Electric** versions make sense only for a narrow group of California buyers with the right infrastructure. For everyone else, choose a clean Plug-In Hybrid, verify its battery and recalls, and enjoy a quiet, efficient, near-luxury sedan.

<!--pillar-weave-->
## Related on PULSE

- [Best Honda CRX Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0691)
- [Best Honda del Sol Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0689)
- [Best Honda CR-Z Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0496)
- [Best Honda Crosstour Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0503)
- [Best Honda S2000 Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0462)
- [Best Honda Prelude Model Years (Ranked)](/knowledge/ca0493)

## Sources

- Honda official Clarity model history and specifications, honda.com
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Honda Clarity by variant and model year, fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recall database for the Honda Clarity, nhtsa.gov
- Edmunds Honda Clarity reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Honda Clarity used values by model year, kbb.com
- Wikipedia Honda Clarity variants and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org

**People also search for:** best honda clarity model years (ranked) · top honda clarity model years (ranked) · top rated honda clarity model years (ranked) · top ranked honda clarity model years (ranked) · highest rated honda clarity model years (ranked) · honda clarity model years (ranked) reviews

Was this helpful?

⌬ Apply this in PULSE

Gross Profit CalculatorModel margin per deal, per rep, per territory

Kory White