Actual Owner Comparison | Tesla Model 3 SR+ vs Honda Clarity Base

[@steinervision7643]

10 out of 10 for my 2021 Clarity!! 40,000 carefree miles so far!! Will get a new model 3 for my next car in the distant future 🇱🇷😎

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you’ve had a good experience

[@rickscott5290]

I would expect the quality of the Clarity to be much better, especially since it is made in Japan. Teslas are known for having fit and finish issues, which is unacceptable considering how much they cost. The cheapest Model 3 is now 45 grand before tax and fees; "full self driving capability" is another 12 grand. It's also a smaller, less comfortable car than the Clarity. Who cares if it does 0-60 in 2 seconds, you rarely get a chance to do that anyway with traffic. Fully electric cars aren't even practical for many people living in apartments or condos who do not have access to a charger.

[@Aslash304]

I graciously thank you for your comment. After my reply became several paragraphs in length, I have decided to address these concerns in an upcoming video.

[@tristonemedia3996]

I agree, you lost me when you said the quality of a Honda. We have a volt, clarity and fusion energi and hands down the clarity is top quality. It's rear suspension is like no other. My buddy has a model 3 and he's already having issues.

[@SavingGreen]

Really entertaining comparison! I totally agree that the Clarity is an “enthusiast’s” plug-in. It’s wonky, it’s quirky, but it’s been rock solid and a great option for those eager to really understand that maximizing the car’s potential is worth the payoff. I made a few videos about the economics and carbon footprint of EV ands plug ins if your interested, as well as the EV efficiency of the Clarity. We also test drove the Tesla, and the regen breaking was a bit too harsh for my wife, but she doesn’t even realize the Clarity isn’t a normal car. That’s why we love it!

[@billlong2062]

My Clarity gives me peace of mind that a total EV never will. I just filled it up with gas after 3 weeks and it was $7.42. Most of the time it is in EV but without the weight and cost of the Tesla. Recent news reports say many with the weight of the full EV are replacing tires in less than 20,000 miles. There goes the gas savings.

[@Aslash304]

What will you get when it’s time to replace the Clarity?

[@cameliomack9932]

Love my 2021 Clarity. Its a great car, period. I disagree with one thing you said in your comparison. I love being able to pull into a gas station when going to visit my in-laws, without having to pull into a charge station instead. This is a big, big plus for me. Also, the engine noise on my 2021, even when charging the engine is minimal on the highway (the only time I do it). That said, the Tesla is in a class by itself, but I don't like the down time on a trip. Especially during the winter, when the temperatures drop and now you have to veer off tor a charge station and have to sit there for an hour or more, and try to keep warm (if the stores are closed). Not for me (yet). Oh, I do get the impression that Honda made some improvements in the Clarity for 2021, under the hood. The acceleration in sport mode is no Tesla, but is pleasingly aggressive. Most likely a software change from earlier models...

[@Aslash304]

I’m so glad that Honda made the Clarity. I would have never gone electric without it. The gas station is very fast in the Clarity since you only have to pump 5 to 6 gallons and go. Just FYI, 1-3% to 80% is 40 minutes, even at the slowest Tesla Supercharger. Article here: www.caranddriver.com/news/a32132062/tesla-250-kw-vs-150-kw-supercharger-tested/ Thanks for the comment. Such a great time to own an Plug in car. Cheers!

[@matthewvandenbosch5671]

40 minutes is a lifetime on a 4 hour 300 mile trip. Plus, the 3’s expense of a level two charger ain’t worth it.

[@ronblack9092]

Good comparison! I have an '18 Clarity with 40,000 miles. I bought and after rebate in Jan '19 for $22,000. Now I can sell it for around $28,000. Tempting. For me the real difference between the two, road tripping. The 3 no doubt is more comfortable than the Honda but you will get there quicker in the Clarity. Why? Refueling. It takes less than 5 minutes to refuel the 7 gallon gas tank in the Honda and you will go 300 miles. The Model three will take 10 times that much time to go the same distance. Then if you live, like I do, in the northwest where the deer and the antelope play there are many more gas stations than charging destinations. Sometimes you would have to go miles off your course to charge. Conclusion. For me and where I live it makes more sense to keep the Clarity. I would love a Model 3 but it's not quite there yet. PS I am an early adopter. We are on our second Leaf and have had one since 2013.

[@Aslash304]

Great feedback, thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@tomwebber9377]

My Clarity is a 2018 with 77k and it's as solid as the day I drove it home from the dealership. My ex's Model 3 is a 2021 and has been nothing but a problem. My Clarity is polarizing because they don't understand the nature of its existence. The fact that you state, clearly, the useless side vents underscores the fact that you don't understand the design of the car. The side vents create an air curtain that works in concert with the half closed rear 'skirt' so move air past the wheels and further reduce wind drag and turbulence which, in turn, increases mileage. If 0-60 is the sole criteria for 'fun', then I agree. 7.7 seconds to 60 isn't fast, but for a 4100 true 5-passenger sedan that can also get 50+ MPG hauling a full load of passengers and their luggage is something that I can live with. As far as trade-in value, I'm regularly getting $18-21k/offers from dealers. I paid $24.5k after incentives. You do the math. My Clarity is a solid 8 out of 10 and I'll keep it until the wheels fall of and the battery just gives up entirely.

[@Aslash304]

It’s a great car.

[@macrobaked9182]

❤💯

[@Noworries555justdreams]

Just bought 2021 Clarity with 5969 miles! Go me!

[@Aslash304]

Congrats! I know you’ll love it, Cheers!

[@markwilliamson4006]

Based in part on your earlier videos, I came very close to buying a Clarity this summer, but like you I was really turned off by the fact that Honda was discontinuing the car. This current video makes me happier that I didn't go for the Clarity (my wife hates the way they look anyway!).

[@Aslash304]

I still think the Clarity is a great option for long commute (20-50 miles) drivers, and I do believe the looks can be a love/hate deal. Thank you for watching! Cheers!

[@CarlosRodriguez-hb3vq]

That’s why I was recently able to pick up a low mileage Clarity for $25k. It was so unpopular that Honda stopped making it, but it was also misunderstood. Their loss is my gain.

[@jayko23]

Thank you for making the video. I currently have the Honda Clarity and the only thing I like about it is that it saves me a lot of gas but for everything else, it's not really the vehicle for me. Carvana offfered me 25k for my 2019 clarity with 27,000 miles (Same color as yours). Thanks to you , I will continue moving forward with upgrading to the 2022 Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range. Getting the same white color as you. I honestly hate the angry bees 🐝 on the clarity.

[@amg5619]

Coool… I just got a Clarity from an salvage auction with minimal damage. It’s crazy to me how little information there is on this car. The hybrid system beside the bigger liquid cooled battery is basically the same as the other new hybrid Hondas so that’s a good thing. I’ve noticed with the clarity forum it seems like a lot of people reading one line and taking it to other confusing/conflicting proportions not sure if your experience is any different. I really like this car (as well as someone else ik who had one) and think Honda could have implemented this technology in their other vehicles but the main problem seems that the general public doesn’t understand much about an electric or an hybrid car. But that’s for my area in PA… Best wishes & Happy New Year.

[@Aslash304]

You’ve got it right, not a lot of understanding, and not likely to be much because of the cancellation of the car. I had a great run with mine. I hope you enjoy it! Lots more videos about it on this channel. Keep me posted as to how it goes

[@alexhaynes1171]

How much did you end up spending? If you don't mind me asking

[@jayko23]

Thank you for making the video. I currently have the Honda Clarity and the only thing I like about it is that it saves me a lot of gas but for everything else, it's not really the vehicle for me. Carvana offfered me 25k for my 2019 clarity with 27,000 miles. Thanks to you , I will continue moving forward with upgrading to the Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range. Getting the same color as you.

[@Aslash304]

@@alexhaynes1171 if you google “2018 Honda Clarity Base MSRP” it will tell you.

[@Aslash304]

@@jayko23 25k is a great deal. I wish you a seamless journey. Keep me posted. You’ll love the white.

[@jimmyjohn8479]

Got my Clairty in April of 2020 below sticker at 27k. Minus $7500 credit, $1k from state and 1k from edison. Total $17.5k. ZERO regrets. I learned how to get the most out of it. saved thousands on gas. Minimal maintainance. You don't get this car for premium comfort, features or performance, that's for sure lol picking up a rav4 prime. Just Not ready for a full ev. Love being able to drop into a gas station and be out in less than 5 mins.

[@Aslash304]

The clarity is great gas savings. And the tax credits made it even better. Thanks for sharing your feedback, Cheers!

[@JoeB3]

Love the review

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for watching!

[@Telvincomehn]

My Clarity is extremely bigger than the Civic, It is comparable to the Accord. I rented the Tesla for the weekend, and we should clarify that you don't get anything close to the miles specified. In Florida heat, you will find Tesla owner having the windows down due to mileage anxiety. That's a fact. You pay more to charge your Tesla than I would to fill up my tank + charge. I have seen Tesla miles dropped by 5 in a mile due to driving habits and AC. Let's talk about how cramped the Tesla model 3 backseat is. Try fitting your baby booster seat, not comfortable at all. Tesla is louder than the Clarity on road noise. If you're looking for a fun car that gives you attention, Tesla is your car. For everything else, the Clarity wins in my boat. I have the Audi Etron Prestige and Clarity. The Clarity does it all for the many miles I drive every day, I personally wouldn't replace that for a Model 3.

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for your feedback, Cheers!

[@cochisenahuh7939]

Prefer my clarity. The tesla drives like a toy car.

[@SolarNole.]

As an EV owner in Orlando, Florida since 2016 most people only charge at free chargers and pay nothing. The AC thing is not true. The cold ❄️ is. The department of energy picked Orlando as a test city for EVs for a reason. EVs have maybe 20 moving parts vs over 200 for a Phev. My leaf has 130,000 miles and got 110 MPG. Never had any maintenance done except for new tires. Non EV drivers do not even realize that they could easily rent a car for road trips with the money saved on gas and maintenance. Long road trips are terrible for any type of car and you are actually better off renting than putting that much battery or engine stress on a vehicle you need daily

[@sillygoose4176]

Spot on. Well as far as the clarity, I bought a 2019 clarity touring new. Everything you said was right and i must say u have a way with words haha. I don't like the seat and i dont think it's a good looking car. Sticker price was 37,000. I got 5K off from Honda. I got 2K off from Costco. So car was around 30k and 33k out the door. My monthly payment is around $450. But, I got 9k back. I got $7,500 extra back when I did my taxes. California sent me a $1,500 check immediately after buying the car since it's electric. I used all that money to pay off credit card debt. So I'm credit card debt free and i got a loaded new car that I seldom buy gas for. Huge savings. Maybe I missed the price of your Tesla, or maybe you didn't mention it. But the sticker price of each car has to be taken into consideration. Also the tax incentives that the clarity delivered. I know thats a thing of the past but it's worth mentioning. I enjoy your videos, everything you said is correct. Yes there is a learning curve with the clarity especially when going on a long trip with hills and mountains. Enjoy that beautiful Tesla, I see them all the time here in CA and they are beautiful cars

[@Aslash304]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! The Tesla was $39,990. Enjoy your Clarity. A very frugal purchase, indeed! Cheers!

[@user-oo3uj5ku9r]

Oh mate! This is so accurate! My experience true and true from a 2011 Volt and then went to a 2014 Model S 85 with first Gen autopilot. You hit the nail on the head about the “angry bees” and managing your charge level in the plug in hybrid. The Tesla is just stomp and go :).

[@Aslash304]

So much easier to stomp and go. I’m glad I bought my plug in hybrid, but no more gas for me, just pure EV. Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@smithtechsea]

Currently own a 2010 insight. Looking at clarity now. :)

[@Aslash304]

They are great commuter cars. Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@tomwebber9377]

Don't hesitate. If you can find one, buy one. You won't regret it. Mine was almost totalled last year by a rear-ending but it just missed the mark. I was on the hunt and had put down a deposit just in case when it was the only one in the metro area. They are hard to come by and you will love it.

[@johnd9605]

I loved my '18 Clarity, but I live on a dirt road, and I hated the idea of tearing it up. Ultimately, I traded for a CR-V hybrid. On the Clarity, I have to admit also the dealer experience. They just ... didn't know the car. Oil changes, they'd put 5 quarts of oil in there. Well, Capacity in that little 1.5L ICE is 3.5 qts - and that INCLUDES the oil filter. And, back in the days when you could see them in dealer lots, and might want to test drive one, the HV battery was always dead - well, discharged fully enough that only hybrid mode was available.

[@Aslash304]

I agree with all this. I changed the oil myself when I had the clarity for the same reason, and when I test drove mine, the battery was dead, and the charger was still in its original packaging in the trunk. Thanks for your comment, Happy New Year!

[@redbaron2448]

EV Battery comparison prices, Honda Clarity $5,000 Tesla $20,000 That will make you think when it's time to buy, also since alot of videos popping up on KZbin about Tesla battery going out sooner than Tesla's says, Good luck there

[@Aslash304]

Since I now believe you will comment on every one of my videos about the fact that “Tesla battery going out sooner than Tesla says,” I will have to make a video on it. Thank you for your comment. You can look forward to a full in depth investigation.

[@redbaron2448]

@@Aslash304 Great can't wait to see it, Happy New year

[@antoniofauxuci174]

true

[@cristiansperanta4802]

Great review bro - nicely done....

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for watching, Cheers!

[@justdigit]

Where is the volume knob in the Model 3 dashboard?

[@Aslash304]

It doesn’t have one. It has a volume wheel on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, there is nothing at all on the dashboard.

[@paulmarc-aurele5508]

I had a 2012 Volt which is similar in concept to a Clarity. I sold it for 1 specific reason that being cold weather comfort. It wasn’t bad enough that electric range dropped by 40% in sub freezing temperatures but you also couldn’t get the cabin warm. My question is about the Clarity and how comfortable the cabin is in sub freezing conditions. Thanks

[@Aslash304]

The Clarity has resistive heating, so will suffer the same issues. I appreciate you sharing your experience, Cheers!

[@tomwebber9377]

I have heat in under 1 minute in the Clarity in the winter time here in the PNW. The seat heaters are bun burners on high and the cabin heat fires off nicely and keeps up. When I lived in Palm Springs, CA the AC was even sufficient at 120 degrees. HVAC is a level above what I've experienced in other Honda products.

[@wallygoots]

Final exam analogy made the video! Very well crafted video. Deciding between a Clarity or Accord Hybrid. In Montana cold and distances, Tesla is not practical.

[@Aslash304]

The Clarity will save you a lot on gas, but the Accord Hybrid is a more regular Type of car. Good luck with your choice, Cheers!

[@mnhsty]

Well, now looking at 2018 model year, there’s about a $5,000 differential, so the Clarity looks like a no-brainer between these two even with the wider disparity in tech than when new.

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for the feedback, Cheers!

[@kevingest5452]

The vents on the clarity are functional

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@oups4391]

I have to disagree with the clarity score. Depends where you been before owning one. Had a grand caravan 1990.. Malibu 1998...Tribute 2008. 2days agos i bough a clarity hybrid plugin Touring 2018...and i just love it. Exept for 2 things...ugly back wheels and the car is too long...hard after 2 days to Handle it. Your M3...out of warranty ...how much it is to fix the front suspension? 12k? Tesla repairs is just too expensive. How are your roads? Fill with pot holes?

[@Aslash304]

Great points. My Teslas are still under warranty, and I agree that some repairs are too expensive. $12 would replace the entire suspension on all 4 corners more than twice. I loved my Clarity, but Honda had no use for it.

[@tomwebber9377]

I like the back end and overall styling of my 2018. You know you're not looking at just another mid-size people mover like an Accord or Camry. I feel proud when I see another Clarity on the road because it just doesn't happen all that often.

[@johnwinter9722]

Well done as are your other videos. Have not driven a Tesla as yet. Ridden in a couple. Leased a Leaf for three years, which worked out o.k. Just o.k. Now have a used Clarity Touring and nine-year-old boy that loves Teslas. Maybe he will have the Clarity one day when dad moves up to an F-150 Lightning and his mom finally gets her RAV4-Prime or such? Ha. I appreciate the comparison and will certainly drive a Tesla one day, and maybe own one. To the Clarity: Great car!! Your reviews are spot on. Fun to drive, and I enjoy the complexity, but I can see that others do not. Regarding the sport setting, is there any other? Mine seem stuck on it, and it is noticeable in terms of response, unlike the sport setting on my wife's Highlander Hybrid. I really enjoy reducing our carbon footprint and saving money. $70+ to fill my Escalade every five or six days adds up fast.

[@Aslash304]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the Clarity! Might be best car for under 25k out there! Love my Teslas. No regrets at all. F-150 Lightning looks excellent. Thanks so much for watching, Cheers!

[@frankieseymour3324]

There's quite a few things i disagree with but great job nonetheless

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for your feedback, Cheers!

[@Antiorganizer]

Has like 150 grand worth of cars in his garage... Not exactly normal regular people kind of thing. Perhaps a used Clarity is all that the vast majority can afford.

[@Aslash304]

Right now you can get a base model 3 for less than a base Honda clarity was in 2018 after the tax credit. Thanks for your feedback, Cheers!

[@Antiorganizer]

@@Aslash304 Model 3 is way out of range for many people. The only hope many have for driving anything electrified at all, are used cars like the Volt, Bolt, Leaf, Ioniq, etc.

[@mnhsty]

@@Antiorganizer On the other hand, the Model 3 is about 2/3 the cost of the average of new cars sold. A lot of people could afford it, but think they can’t.

[@derek78w]

The CRV PHEV is coming to Europe. Once they come state side, I hope you once again become a Honda ambassador.

[@Aslash304]

No plans for US model

[@ecdriver6595]

Well done.

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for your feedback, Cheers!

[@jillrolen9303]

L ❤Honda gal all the way…but been thinking about that T word!

[@Aslash304]

My wife said she won’t ever switch back. She’s hooked! Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@kbhadania]

“Apple CarPlay will not be usable because lightning port is going away” Seriously dude do you know what are you talking about?

[@Aslash304]

Nope. I do not. Definitely wrong. Thank you for your engagement, Cheers!

[@kbhadania]

@@Aslash304 No problem. Thank You !!

[@jas340]

Mercedes ranks near the bottom when it comes to quality.

[@Aslash304]

Not going to argue with that.

[@Vera-xu3xw]

Tesla exhilaration a 4? Wtf it beat a HellCat Great video really enjoy all but ONE fact lol

[@Aslash304]

Tesla Model 3 Performance is 3.1 seconds to 60mph, which is a 9/10. The Long Range Model 3 is 4.2 seconds to 60 for a 7/10. The Standard Range Plus is 5.8 to 60 for a 4/10. Thank you for your comment

[@vickvega571]

This dude said the vents are fake? Lol 😂 didnt do his homework. All these scores are wrong. This is a great and fun car . Over 200hp , torqueee huge trunk and storage under ground . Seats fold down. Battery is there to get you great MPG from 55-100mpg . Handling is awesome foe the size of the car. I have a WRX and i would say the clarity is right there .

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for your feedback, Cheers!

[@kbhadania]

Also, he said that appple CarPlay will not be usable in the future because lightning port is going away… the biggest lie in the video

[@Damssaul]

I have a specific question about the clarity. I have a 2018 clarity, this week it start acting up. When I put it on HV mode the engine start running very loud and when you start driving it sound like it stock on first gear. Have you ever came across this issue before? Thank you

[@Aslash304]

This is a valid question but not really enough information to help. Where are you when you turn on HV mode? Highway? Somewhere else? Are you sure it’s not HV charge? Does it still run? How much EV range do you have left? What’s the temperature? These are all things that would change how the clarity runs. There is a Honda Clarity forum on Facebook that is responsive as well if your problem persists. Thanks for your question.

[@Damssaul]

@@Aslash304 I was in my driveway, with full EV charge. It still run fine but with a lot of noise. It does that on all the mode now expect EV mode. At first I thought it was acceleration but it accelerated fine. I took it to the Honda dealer near me they don’t seem to know anything about the car. One thing I realize if I was driving on EV and switch to HV it will run fine for couple minutes before the noise start.

[@Aslash304]

@@Damssaul I would fully discharge the battery (0.0 range EV) and skip switching it to HV mode, then charge it up when you finish. There are other things you can do, but I would ask the Honda Clarity forum before trying anything else. I don’t want to recommend you do something if it won’t help.

[@Damssaul]

@@Aslash304 thank you so much

[@justdigit]

Where is the fake vent that you are talking about?

[@Aslash304]

From the 2016 model year forward, Honda cars had pieces of plastic in the front and rear bumpers that were made to look like vents, but were just pieces of plastic. The Clarity sports these in the corners of the rear bumper. Thanks for your question.

[@burtiwata1101]

Your review of the Clarity is the most accurate and entertaining I’ve witnessed to date. Honda is officially schizophrenic in their EV past, present and future. As you, I will never trust Honda again. I love my 2019 Clarity but everything you say is so true. The truth hurts but it was truly entertaining. The $7500 federal tax credit softened the lows. Honda is a billon dollar corporation but can’t figure out how to produce quiet windshield rubber blades that lost longer than 3-months. There’s no 1-dealer in SoCal that was trained to sell the car but yet Honda was too cheap to create a specific support center for those who took a chance on them. Our reward was cancellation. On to Tesla3. Absolutely fantastic review.

[@Aslash304]

Thanks Burt! Hope you have a great experience with your cars going forward. Keep me posted as to how it turns out, cheers!

[@scottpoerschke8807]

Clarity - Features 6 - Its a plug-in hybrid! Nothing special?

[@Aslash304]

A plug in hybrid is a very unique car, but it’s a breed of automobile that car manufacturers lose money on because of its hyper-complex power train. Otherwise, The Clarity has almost identical features to a Honda Civic EX. I think I would rate a Civic EX 5/10, so it did get a point for the hybrid power train. Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@scottpoerschke8807]

@@Aslash304Should at least get two points, one for hybrid, and one for plugin.

[@EdA-bz3bu]

Clarity owners are hypocrites. 4000lb car powered by a civic motor 🤦🏻‍♂️.

[@Aslash304]

The Honda Clarity’s engine is small, a 1.5L Atkinson Cycle 4 cylinder that generates electricity. The Honda Clarity’s power at the wheels comes from a 181hp electric motor. While technically Underpowered compared to many Internal Combustion competitors, the Clarity’s 221 lb-ft of torque is available from a stop, with a 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds. And while this is slow, it is 0.7 seconds faster than a Honda Civic Sport. Thanks for your comment, Cheers!

[@mnhsty]

I think you don’t know what that word means.

[@tomwebber9377]

Silly Rabbit! Clarity is for grown-ups. Read @Aslash304 and think about learning something about a topic prior to spouting off. My 4000 lb Clarity will eat your Mazda 6 for lunch off the line in sport mode. Kick in the 1.5L and the 17KW powerplants simultaneously, 231 ft/lb torque at launch, and you'll be looking at the back end of my Clarity for a good long time.