The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) is a midsize sedan offering a smooth blend of electric and gasoline power, with a focus on efficiency and comfort. Below is a detailed review covering all requested specifications.
General Overview
Price: Starting at $34,290 (base trim) to $37,490 (Touring trim).
Available Colors:
Lunar Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Platinum White Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, and Crimson Pearl.
Dimensions and Weight
Specification
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Length
192.7 inches
Width
73.9 inches
Height
58.2 inches
Wheelbase
108.3 inches
Ground Clearance
5.3 inches
Trunk Space
15.5 cubic feet
Curb Weight
~4,052 lbs
Performance and Engine Specifications
Specification
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Engine Type
1.5L Atkinson-cycle Inline-4 with Hybrid
Battery
17.0 kWh lithium-ion
Combined Horsepower
212 hp
SAE Net Horsepower RPM
6,000 RPM
SAE Net Torque RPM
4,000 RPM
Transmission
Electronic Continuously Variable (eCVT)
Electric-Only Range
~47 miles
Total Range (Gas + EV)
~340 miles
Fuel Economy (MPG)
44 city / 40 highway (Gas)
MPGe
110 MPGe
Towing and Weight Capacity
Towing Capacity: Not rated for towing.
Payload Capacity: ~1,020 lbs.
Tires and Wheels
Specification
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Tire Size
235/45 R18
Wheel Material
Alloy
Safety and Entertainment
Feature
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Safety Features
Honda Sensing Suite (Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Departure Mitigation).
Entertainment
8-inch Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 8-speaker sound system.
Airbags
Dual-stage front, side curtain, and knee airbags.
Brakes
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Solid Disc.
Interior and Seating
Feature
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Seating Capacity
5
Interior Materials
Eco-friendly leather and premium fabric options.
Extras
Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Battery and Charging
Specification
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Battery Size
17.0 kWh Lithium-Ion
Charging Time
2.5 hours (240V Level 2)
Electric Range
~47 miles
Maintenance and Insurance
Specification
2018 Honda Clarity PHEV
Annual Maintenance Cost
~$500/year
Insurance Costs (Avg.)
~$1,200/year
Known Defects
Common Complaints:
Reduced trunk space due to battery placement.
Slow EV-only acceleration.
Some owners report infotainment system lag.
Limited all-electric range compared to newer PHEVs.
Superstructure and Build
Superstructure: Lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel for better rigidity and fuel efficiency.
Key Features
Advanced Driver Assistance: Honda Sensing Suite comes standard.
Comfortable Ride: Tuned suspension for smooth city and highway driving.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Excellent fuel efficiency
Limited towing capacity
Spacious and quiet cabin
Small trunk compared to competitors
Generous standard features
Relatively high curb weight
Good EV range for its class (47 miles)
Slower EV performance compared to rivals
Which Segment Does It Fit?
Luxury Sedan (Midsize): While not a luxury SUV, it offers premium features and is aimed at environmentally conscious buyers looking for comfort and efficiency in a hybrid midsize sedan.
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid stands out for its eco-friendly design, smooth ride, and impressive efficiency, making it a strong option in its segment.
