Honda Clarity review and test drive after 10 months of ownership - ACTUAL OWNER

[@JMK2JCK]

Bought my Honda Clarity Touring Plug-in Hybrid two years ago, Still loving it. Great car with a cool look. We do mostly local driving within battery range, so here it is almost April and we haven't put any gas in the seven gallon tank since last year. Smooth and quiet. There's a lots of reasons it won top awards.

[@BradOnCars]

Great to see another long-term owner! I've had mine for 18 months and 22 000 miles/35 000km! Best of luck!

[@davidsmiottawa]

That's a real review - not just a guy who borrowed a car from a dealer for a couple hours!

[@bryan316]

Well if he started Reviewing cars, he would have to barrow it from the dealership. Im sure the same goes for you. You wouldnt buy a car for a youtube video just so it can depreciate as soon as you drive it off the lot and when the video is posted and it's time to sell it, you get less than what you paid for. Your comment is pointless.

[@greenbox2149]

Very nice video. The '999' range estimate is actually a glitch in the software and there's actually a technical bulletin that solves this issue. Once applied, it should read around 370 miles for HV range on a full tank so make sure you bring this to the attention of your service department the next time you take the car.

[@Punisher187u]

I just bought a used one with 35k miles on it, same color and specs. There is a learning curve on how to drive these types of vehicles. 😁 Thanks for the review.

[@kevinchen8380]

The outrageously high HV range is not a reflection of your driving habits, but rather a known issue and there is a software update to correct it. The issue is documented in Service Bulletion SB 18-069.

[@davidgambel1732]

Great video format - tell me what you're gonna tell me, tell me, then tell me what you told me. No BS, all the information about what the video is about is right up front, and I immediately know if the video is for me. Thanks!

[@DarylIverson]

Thanks for this. Answered many of my questions very well. (the music was annoying though)

[@EnriqueHipolito]

yes. the music is too loud. pretty distracting.

[@myoneblackfriend3151]

Your 7240 miles is just shy of 3 months of driving to me. Thank you for making a great video. I appreciate it. I fill up 9 times/month at least in my 2008 Prius.

[@patricklim909]

50k miles, 4yrs, new tires now, about $100/yr for maintenance cost. Still 48mile full charge.

[@Aslash304]

That’s wonderful news! Thanks for sharing, Cheers!

[@johnnanavati3350]

I really appreciate how well thought out and detailed your information was.

[@DelosJohnson]

Thank you for this. I'm hoping to pick up a used Clarity, today. Hearing of your experience with the car makes me more optimistic. We did a test drive in a new Clarity a few weeks ago; I loved the car and really didn't notice any truly odd noises. I hate giving up the tax credit, but buying the depreciated car "kind of" makes up for it.

[@ht2355]

Don't buy it used, it may be cheaper to buy it new. Depending on where you live, you can get up to $8000 off MSRP plus $7500 tax credit next year. There's also state incentives as well. Check out this thread for more info: www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/price-paid.686/page-48

[@kimberthomas49]

Great review! Control the ambient noise using the toggle button with the auto image and sound wave. Pushing this button turns off the sound for a silent drive. It defaults to On each time you power up the Clarity.

[@extendedp1]

Music is too loud, especially in the beginning

[@enthusia492]

$150... on 10 months of driving. ...I spend that much in two week with my Nissan SUV. Needless to say, I'm test driving one of these this weekend. I'm done with my 70mi commute on 15MPG.

[@richardzheng231]

Holy crap, 15MPG really hurts that wallet. I get around 30 and that still stings

[@DkpProductions]

I drive 40k a year so yaaaa.

[@jakeimhotep4866]

Nice video, thanks. You might like to try the Honda Link app. It notifies you when the car is finished charging and allows you to start the climate control from your phone as well as setting a schedule for the climate control. I never need to get into a cold or hot car!

[@mikebillany397]

Please turn the music down.

[@elmhurst86]

Wow! I spent $5200 on gas last year. I have a 2012 Honda Civic with just a little over 300k on the odometer. I've been thinking about switching to the new Honda Insight but after watching this...

[@abart2013]

The odd noise at the end is for pedestrian safety and was required for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles moving less than 18.6 mph. Originally it was required to be done by Sept 2018 and it was pushed back to Sept 2020.

[@aerynsunn7500]

Thank you so much. I was thinking about getting this car and now I’m 💯 sure I will. Great detailed vid. Much appreciated

[@Aslash304]

Thank you for the info! I will look into getting an update of the software

[@mzhou05]

The background music should be turned off!!!!

[@Aslash304]

The temperature plays a role in the range at full charge. The warmer it is, the longer the range will be. This is explained at the end of the video. Thanks for your comment!

[@Aslash304]

@@NoWayOut1111 If you charge it in a temperature controlled garage, it will suffer much less. But yes, range is less in cold weather.

[@henryhonda8408]

NoWayOut I have a 2019 Insight and I'm in Northern Ontario. I figure last winter I was averaging about 55 mpg (Imperial gallon) in the city. In the summer time I average around 70 mpg in the city. I'm always in ECO mode.

[@davidplante5558]

18:28 You can't get a sunroof, no way, no how. I own a Clarity, and I own a Stihl Chain Saw. I think I could have a sunroof if I wanted. Also, my wife rolled it on its side, so theoretically, the drivers window acted as a sunroof! :) BTW, it was a good video.

[@map0824]

Really thorough. I have a 2017 Accord Hybrid and I used to love it but the gas engine runs all the time on the highway so I get worse MPG than the standard Accord. Honda won't do anything and the Dealer just says that nothing is wrong.

[@YamadaDesigns]

The buttons instead of a gear shifter is so strange to me, but my Toyota Avalon is getting harder to shift gears so maybe this prevents that issue

[@donniefhosein]

Freaking awesome review!

[@BJonez-qc1tb]

Best review ever, ive watched 3 times! Thank u. Only ques is do you live in CA? So i can compare electeic rates, climate and gasoline costs.

[@kenhayward3257]

He has Pennsylvania plates. Cal Edison uses TOU rates so if you’re charging at night or at a low use time it’s cheaper

[@heydontbeadouche]

This is the best video, i love it. Im looking at buying one used.

[@jasonautry24]

Went out on a test drive the other day and noticed how loud the engine was. And it seemed to rev super high at low speeds. Has this been your experience, or was because maybe the car sat on the dealership too long without starting?

[@CHollman82]

The engine doesn't drive the wheels it only charges the battery, how high it "revs" has nothing to do with how you're driving.

[@DeltafangEX]

@@CHollman82 Correct. The engine itself only has one "gear" that's optimized for highway speeds. On my first day driving home with it, it was quite loud at around 100 mph, but that's to be expected considering the lack of proper "gearing". I do a lot of local driving and my job is only 20mi or so away by highway. As long as you don't floor it, it has a tendency to cling to the EV mode until you hit 50-60 mph or so.

[@3lizabethA]

Thank you for this video!!!!

[@thesoundsmith]

Thanks for thios, we are about to probably get one of these - or a Niro, or possibly an electric-only, but one's enough. We have a Soul EV, this will help make the decision which to expand into. Good job, the info is invaluable.

[@romansroad2007]

Try living in San Diego and buying Gas. Lot more. $$$. I just got the Honda Insight Touring 2020 great smooth car but has some pipe in engine noise I was told. I get about. 500 miles on a 10 gallon tank so about 50 mpg I believe. Very cool 😎

[@SpecialXperienZ]

Dude from 6:44 to 8:29... What is that song? I love it! Also, awesome video and Good music 👌

[@MiguelAngel-rg4xg]

i love the background music... xp

[@johnsteinsky9575]

Great video. Lots of good information. One question that I have is about the use of the HV mode for long distance driving. My preference would be to drive the vehicle ONLY on electric power - even on long trips. (Obviously, I would refill the gas tank to allow the gas motor to re-charge the battery). Is this practical?

[@Aslash304]

There are two gasoline modes: HV and HV Charge. When you run out of Electric Range, you can switch to HV Charge mode. This will use gasoline for the current demand for range, and also charge the battery back to just over 50%. You can switch back to electricity once you have the desired range you need. For long trips I recommend HV charge mode, it has proven to be more efficient for me. I also think that the gasoline mode you would get the most efficiency out of would vary based on region, road conditions, and temperature, as well as climate control use. Thanks for your comment!

[@NoTeaBaggers]

14:27 The Honda Link is a must - set it up. No more payments for LoJack as the Honda Link can find your car in addition to a few other nifty features.

[@derekintrovert5619]

Thank you for the information ☺

[@avecrux333]

Absolutely agree about turning off the background music. Really wanted to watch this but had to leave.- the music was WAY too distracting from what he was explaining. Hope you can upload it again without the music and I'll watch it till the end.

[@marcellomunir3932]

There is a update to the software that fixes the driving range numbers. It should be avg around 400 miles range with full battery and gas. This car is an awesome car!

[@Aslash304]

Monir-Marcel Munir yes, I have performed the update. Thank you for your help! And for watching!

[@tedbacon3614]

I’ve had my Clarity touring PHEV since Aug 2018. I love it but there are a few things Honda fell just a bit short on features. It should have a spare tire. I know it saves trunk space but wait till you have to buy a new tire because the gel that you filled into a flat ruins the tire for repair. They you freak out at the cost to replace the canister. When you have a flat the system doesn’t tell you what tire is low. Just low tire. There should be a moonroof option. There should be a park assist sensor option. It has heated seats, but should also have cooled seats. Who else has suggestions that should be options on the top line model?

[@DkpProductions]

The reason there is no spare tire, no fancy things. Is for MPGS

[@henryhonda8408]

My new Insight Touring hybrid doesn't have a spare tire. None of the Toyota Prius models have a spare tire either so it's not just a Honda thing. My touring model did come with a standard moonroof which I really love. I have heated seats but I would much rather have cooled seats and a heated steering wheel.

[@jamesmedina2062]

You get a ton for the money already. It needs spare tire tho

[@henryhonda8408]

It would be nice

[@joshuatimes5882]

I love the info But at the ending of the video, it's very dark But The HP mode and EV mode He just gives instruction It would be nice if he show again how to do it.

[@Aslash304]

Press the HV button for about 1 second and release for HV mode. Press the HV button for about 3 seconds for HV charge mode. I hope this answered your question. Cheers!

[@MegawattKS]

Very professionally done video with tons of good info. Thanks ! (Do you have the standard or touring model? I like the seats fine in mine, but its the touring with leather. May depend on what one is used to also I guess.)

[@ht2355]

I think he has the base since the steering wheel isn't leather.

[@mauricewashington226]

I believe he has the base (you can tell if the car doesn’t have the “Touring” badge, which he doesn’t.).

[@zenornot9949]

Thank you

[@Aslash304]

Thanks for watching, Cheers!

[@DesignsbyCADPRO]

Did charger come with or was that Xtra

[@Aslash304]

It’s included at the dealership with the purchase of a new one. Whether or not a used one will come with it is anybody’s guess. Thanks for your comment! Cheers!

[@MikeStoddart]

No heated steering wheel, no rear air vents, no rear USB ports? I assume the body panel that covers the wheel is for aerodynamics?

[@Aslash304]

Correct, no heated Steering wheel. Incorrect on the rear air vents. There are two. On all trims. No rear USB ports. Yes, body panel is for Aero. Thanks for your comment.

[@mauricewashington226]

Aslash304 - I have a two port PD USB C and USB A charger used in a lighter port in the rear next to the rear vents.

[@Aslash304]

Maurice Washington sweet, what year?

[@mauricewashington226]

Aslash304 - 2018 Honda Clarity plug in hybrid Touring Edition, lease. 😀

[@createdeccentricities6620]

Another reviewer complained that the regen selection went back to, in effect, the neutral setting every time he came to a stop.

[@Aslash304]

R. E. Stone this is true

[@mauricewashington226]

R.E. Stone - The regen works as follows (from my experience): “D”/normal mode will keep the regen settings, any other mode will not keep the regen settings.

[@francescahallstrom3199]

Did you get an extended warranty? If not, any concerns about the electronics parts? Thx.

[@Aslash304]

Lifetime Honda Owner. This powertrain has been around for several years in different iterations, including earlier models of the Clarity and the Acura NSX. So, in short, no. Honda is also really good about recalls if they find a potential problem. They are free fixes at the dealership.

[@handmadebynepal]

Great review, but you dont need music.

[@frankcruz1751]

You messed up by having your music loud my friend. What do you mean that you can have the Clarity lease only?

[@mauricewashington226]

You can have the Clarity lease only if you choose the Hydrogen version of the Clarity.

[@FL402]

999 miles? Whats the capacity of your tank? I have a 2019 clarity. It takes only 6-7 gallons only and 220HV range

[@Aslash304]

Francis Lago this video was made before a software update fixed the range issue. I’m glad they fixed it on the 2019 models

[@pokerchannel6991]

Hi: can you do a video on Accessory mode? I want to be able to sit at a level 2 and sit in my car, listen to the radio, charge my car, have the heater on full blast. How do I get in and out of accessory mode? I want to charge the car while having the dash board powered. And after charge, how do I get out of accessory mode? Can you go to a level 2 and show us the accessory mode while charging and then getting out of accessory mode? I have trouble on both counts: I can't get in easily; then, I can't get out of it w/o turning the whole car off and back on. It isn't as simple as braking while pressing. That doesn't work smoothly or consistently. thx.

[@jasonomnia9295]

I don't own this car, but I do have a 2016 civic, but I'm pretty sure it works the same as this car. Anyways to go into accessory mode, you (and with the keyfob on you) hit that power button (AKA the Engine Stop/Start button) once without stomping on the breaks, push the power button one more time to into On mode which would turn on every electrical component without starting the engine, press it a third time to shut everything off.

[@mauricewashington226]

From experience, as far as I know, you can listen to the radio/use Carplay and turn on air, but the AC compressor will not engage while the car is charging. It will only work once the car is on, not charging, and preferably in motion. The heat/AC might turn on if the gas engine is engaged (when the car is not charging).

[@yippie6862]

Why does your battery say full but the range is only 35.8 miles? I thought the Clarity was supposed to get 47 miles per full charge? Did the computer already take into account past driving averages? Thanks.

[@voltecrules624]

Yes it does average. My Clarity averages about 60 miles per charge in California in stop and go freeway commutes.

[@jonwagner1]

The music is a total distraction. I quit watching at 4:01 and I REALLY was interested.

[@ls600hlFirs]

So how far you can go per 1 charge?

[@Aslash304]

ls600hlFirs between 30 and 60 miles, depending on the temperature outside

[@mauricewashington226]

Aslash304 - I’ve never seen range anywhere near 60 miles. In my personal experience, the most I’ve seen for EV range in my Clarity was about 49 miles. Good video, and thanks for sharing! 🙏🏾

[@DylanVBWRX]

Do you set a charge timer or does it automatically stop using electricity once it is fully charged?

[@Aslash304]

It automatically stops.

[@DylanVBWRX]

@@Aslash304 That's awesome thank you for getting back with me. Do you know the maximum speed that you can use the electric engine? If there is a limit. My commute is mostly at 70 mph 40 mi round trip this would be the perfect vehicle.

[@Aslash304]

Pickle Dill the car will do it’s max speed on electric alone. It is a wonderful experience on the interstate at highway speeds because it’s so quiet.

[@DylanVBWRX]

@@Aslash304 that is awesome to hear thanks for getting back with me! My lease is up next year and I've seen these are sub 20k pre-owned with hardly any miles, so I'm going to pick up a pre-owned one.

[@MC-ny7iw]

Hi, how is ur experience on ur 2 years ownership ? How is the reliability ?

[@Aslash304]

Perfect. Cost of ownership lowest of any vehicle I’ve owned. Video coming. Biggest piece of advice: drive the car at least once a week. Thanks for your comment. Video update coming soon. Subscribe to check it out

[@MC-ny7iw]

Aslash304 looking forward the video to understand the part about driving it at least once a week. Thanks

[@adnanjusic4890]

How is it to drive? Is it fast?

[@lllmmm3572]

Why do you say that it's best to use the HV mode (and use gasoline) on the Interstate? Unless I'm missing something, that is entirely dependent on the cost of the electricity you use to charge your vehicle vs. the gasoline you're buying. My electricity cost is low, but gas prices are high here. For me, intentionally using gas only makes sense if I want to get rid of old gas that has been sitting in the tank too long.

[@Aslash304]

If you have a trip on the interstate that has city driving at the end of it, it is more efficient to save the electricity for the city driving. Electric range goes away very fast at high speeds. I agree that budgeting your use of either based on your individual needs is best. Thanks for your comment

[@lllmmm3572]

@@Aslash304 Oh, okay, that makes sense. At 47 miles, I will almost never use gas, but that is good advice for when I know I will!

[@AR-rs2dy]

Good video but you didn't really go into how it is to drive. I wish we cld get these in the UK.

[@Aslash304]

If you have driven a honda accord, the driving dynamics are very similar.

[@cobblestone977]

How do the owners of the plug in Hybrid feel about the 4 cyclinder engine?

[@Aslash304]

It charges the battery. Works great. Not used very often. Can be loud when really pushing the car. Only used about 20% of the time.

[@cobblestone977]

@@Aslash304 Thank you for your response. We are thinking of using the electric and gas for long drives. How fast is "pushing"?

[@Aslash304]

James Carenza 80+

[@cobblestone977]

@@Aslash304 thank you

[@mauricewashington226]

Personally I don’t mind the droning sound. I keep it in Sport mode for go-fast tendencies, anyways!

[@haveaseatplease]

Why are you speaking while there is music playing?

[@вечная_мерзлота]

Will honda sensing stop the car for a pedestrian whether going forward or in reverse?

[@Aslash304]

That depends on which vehicle and which trim level, and how you have it set in car.

[@LOVER88100]

Would you recommend for 2019 model ?

[@Aslash304]

Absolutely. Garage is big help. But any way you slice it, great value.

[@LOVER88100]

Thanks

[@colinbarnes6143]

Music is too loud.

[@BEman03]

The Clarity does not have more room than the Accord. The Accord has 4.2 inches more rear legroom than the Clarity per the specs on Honda's site.

[@visualmobiletechnologies4127]

let me ask you something if my daily round trip commute is 160 miles does it make sense for me to get the clarity if I can only charge at home and not at work

[@krenarspahiu4261]

You can probably charge it at work. Just find a charging port. I knew a guy (who had a tesla. Not important). He told me that he charged his car (for free) at his job every day he went into work. :)

[@mauricewashington226]

I would not purchase the only Electric Clarity since the range is so low, I would purchase the plugin hybrid Clarity and not worry about the EV range, since the car will revert to the gas engine once the battery is fully depleted after its 35-48 mile EV range (varies based on various reasons).

[@luism8612]

Is this the base model?

[@Aslash304]

Yes

[@Aslash304]

All the music was produced in house. Thanks to those who enjoyed it.

[@adrianreyes2318]

if you drive very few miles between charges, does that mean that the gas engine will never be used, meaning you'll have $0 gas bill???

[@Aslash304]

The car uses all it's electric before it uses gasoline. Unless you ask it to use Gasoline instead. For example, on the freeway, it's better to use the gasoline, and save the electricity for stop and go traffic.

[@henryhonda8408]

If you only have short trips between charges then YES you could indefinitely run with no gas bill. But I suggest you use the gas engine once in a blue moon to give it a little work out.

[@carylynluv]

I drive around 1200 miles (mostly EV) between fill ups at the gas station. My engine will turn on randomly to use up the “old” gasoline. It’s a great feature that was also standard on the Chevy Volt.

[@YamadaDesigns]

Only 45MPG? I though PHEVs could get really high MPG on hybrid mode

[@Aslash304]

Adam Kelly 45 mpg for a 4024 pound car is significantly more than a gasoline engine, and that is real time output, not cumulative trip mileage.

[@JohnDoe-ut3sz]

you are missing california rebate $1500 and southern edison rebate $1000

[@huongma5933]

K Smith How do you rebate it ? Plus if college student ( within 2 yrs) you can rebate for $500 .

[@JohnDoe-ut3sz]

@@huongma5933 google ev rebate for California state and southern edison.

[@josemendez9471]

How do you get the tax credit? I just bought my car like 4 days ago I live in Los Angeles

[@Aslash304]

Jose Mendez, must be bought new, you fill out the form when you file your taxes.

[@brianmiller6340]

Kinda pisses me off that Honda made these "dealer order only" in everywhere but CA. Flyover people don't want to save gas on a second car, I guess.

[@Aslash304]

Brian Miller Honda marked many of them down because they didn’t sell right away. It is unfortunate. Honda is not ready to sell EVs in the US, in my opinion. They will regret this later. Thanks for your comment.

[@JD-kf2ki]

Must it charge?

[@Aslash304]

No, doesn’t have to be charged

[@joshuatimes5882]

I love the info But the video is too dark Need a brighter video

[@scoutdandan]

It is a fuel cell car. Isn't it?

[@Aslash304]

Lee Charles they make a fuel cell version. Lease Only, Southern California only. This is a Plug-in Hybrid, Electric/Gasoline. Thanks for your comment

[@loading...7583]

I ended up buying a toyota prius instead. You can't beat the reliability they have. Otherwise i would have bought this car. Honda has had a lot of problems with their Hybrids that they pulled out their insight a few years.

[@ninaquezada5412]

did this guy record this at a Van Halen concert...JEEEZZZ Turn it down!!!1

[@handmadebynepal]

Its a cheap tesla without the massive price tag and rang problems

[@tadasgabalis9558]

today i did 110 km with my one:)

[@pokerchannel6991]

I came across by bing search the figures of Prius Plug in vs Honda Clarity Plugin: carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/toyota/toyota-prius/toyota-prius-plug-in/ and clarity site: carsalesbase.com/us-car-sales-data/honda/honda-clarity/ The numbers are very comparable. This should be heartening for honda enthusiasts. The clarity is a larger vehicle and is said to drive well, and is more practical due to size and trunk space. Also, pricing should be very similar due to clarity have $7500 fed and $1500 California rebate

[@w.scottparkeriii8508]

Almost left due the music!

[@mstachura76]

Erin music dude. Stopped 2:00

[@melriv9273]

Great video! BUT ANNOYING BACKGROUND MUSIC!!!!!!! SO LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pokerchannel6991]

thank you so much. this car is better than that garbage tesla junk shit that is poor quality. thank you so much.

[@TurfSurf]

The music is so distracting.

[@davidplante5558]

Fast forward to 15:45 to get the stats. zzzzzzz

[@whatsupduckk]

Remove the music dude. Please! for god sake! Its like number 1 rule of video editing. The music should not overpower the speaker.

[@tomwebber5094]

Stopped watching at about 2 min due to background music being more important to the producer than the information. I'll do my own video, sans the music, and put it up. 993 miles in HV is an interesting issue. You must not drive the car out of EV mode very often. I have 28k miles on my 2018 and it's usually between 275-290 in the HV and can range between 38 - 53 miles depending on conditions for the EV cycle. I average about 44 MPG overall with my 2018 Clarity.

[@Aslash304]

There was a software update that fixed the range.

[@ykasko]

Your music is louder than you Wasn’t able to listen to the end

[@Aslash304]

Many folks have shared the same feedback. I’ll try to do better next time.

[@vrvray4109]

shut off the dam music

[@Druezer]

I stopped listening because of the music.

[@brianbyers2682]

cant hear you over the crappy music. watched for 2mins and moved on.

[@TheHomeExpert5]

Looks like a new Pontiac Aztek four-door sedan. Hideous in every way. You have got a lot of courage to admit that this is your car. It's like introducing you're really ugly wife.