2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

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2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Review: Turns Water into Whine

by Aiden Eksteen

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell shows why hydrogen fuel cell technology, although not brand new, is deserving of more recognition in the USA. Toyota paved the way for hydrogenized vehicles with the Mirai, and Honda followed suit with the Clarity Fuel Cell, offering better fuel consumption and an impressive 360-mile range on nothing but the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere. The Clarity's 103 kW, 33-liter Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) converts hydrogen into water and electricity to power a single electric motor with outputs of 174 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

While the Clarity Fuel Cell's most direct rivals - at least in terms of its fuel source - are limited to the all-new Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo, the abundance of plug-in hybrids and newly developed electric cars flooding the market are posing a serious threat to hydrogen propulsion, and with sales of the Clarity limited to only a few hydrogen-friendly states, its days could be numbered before the technology truly gets off the ground.

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Changes: ๐Ÿš™Whatโ€™s the difference vs 2020 Clarity Fuel Cell?

Honda has not made any changes to the Clarity Fuel Cell this year after the model received some upgrades for the 2020 model year. Some of those included heated side mirrors, new colors, and better performance when starting the vehicle in especially cold weather.

Pros and Cons

  • Eco-friendly hydrogen powertrain
  • Exceptional economy and 360-mile range
  • Conveniently quick refueling times
  • Soft and smooth ride quality
  • Loaded with driver-assist and safety features
  • Available to purchase only on a lease basis
  • Only available in the state of California
  • Hydrogen refueling network is limited
  • Powertrain loses its touch at higher speeds
  • Easily discombobulated by road imperfections

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Trim Engine Transmission Drivetrain Price (MSRP)
Fuel Cell
Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Single Speed Automatic
Front-Wheel Drive
$58,490

Clarity Fuel Cell Exterior

The Clarity Fuel Cell's appearance is rather inconspicuous for a vehicle with such a clear eco-friendly ethos, and one with the super-advanced technology that makes it so. It shares the typical Honda-like sedan profile with the now-discontinued Clarity Electric and Plug-in Hybrid - a slightly sporty aesthetic embodied by its angular front grille and sleek contoured hood, rearward swooping contours, and a sloping coupe-like roofline, all rounded off by its integrated decklid spoiler. Standard exterior equipment includes sharp LED headlights, L-shaped LED daytime running lights, and 18-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels.

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Front View Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Rear View Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Front View 1 Honda
See All 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Exterior Photos

Dimensions

Though not an alternative fuel vehicle, the comparable Honda Accord with its conventional engine also slots into the midsize sedan class. In comparison to the Honda Accord, the Clarity Fuel Cell has bigger dimensions and a heavier weight because of its specialized technology. At 192.7 inches in overall length, the Clarity is 0.5 inches longer than the Accord, although its 108.3-inch wheelbase is 3.1 inches shorter. With an overall height of 58.2 inches and a width of 73.9 inches, the Clarity is both taller and wider than the Accord as well. The Clarity's fuel cell powertrain and other special components result in a hefty curb weight of 4,134 pounds, making it over 1,000 lbs heavier than the base Accord.

  • Length 192.7 in
  • Wheelbase 108.3 in
  • Height 58.2 in
  • Max Width 73.9 in
  • Front Width 62.2 in
  • Rear Width 62.5 in
  • Curb Weight 4,134.0 lbs

Exterior Colors

  • Platinum White Pearl, *PRICE TO FOLLOW*
  • Crystal Black Pearl
  • Crimson Pearl, *PRICE TO FOLLOW*

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Performance

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Front View Driving Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Rear View Driving Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Engine Bay Honda

Engine and Transmission

Beneath the unorthodox skin of the 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is a visionary piece of advanced technology. A 103 kW 33-liter Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell is used that intelligently converts hydrogen into nothing but clean water and electricity. This is then fed to a single AC electric motor with outputs of 174 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque; those specs are nothing sensational. A single-speed direct-drive transmission forwards outputs to the Clarity's front wheels. While the FWD Clarity's performance is availed with peppy and instantaneous electrified torque off the line and throughout the low-speed range, the powertrain's motivation slowly starts to taper off past the 60 mph mark. Highway performance becomes very humdrum, although merging and commencing highway overtaking maneuvers are still passable. However, it's the low-end city usability we like so much, combining the benefits of an electric powertrain with the cleanliness of hydrogen. No towing capacity has been provided for the Clarity Fuel Cell, just like many regular EVs.

  • Engine
    Hydrogen Fuel Cell
  • Transmission
    Single Speed Automatic
  • Drivetrain
    FWD

Handling and Driving Impressions

With the front-wheel-drive Clarity Fuel Cell's considerable heft, don't expect it to exhibit any level of performance and spirited handling capability; it's not a vehicle that's going to get you anywhere with a massive smile on your face. The 114-pound fuel cell and electric motor are mounted to the front axle, creating a sense of heaviness over the front end, particularly when cornering. Adding to this is the Clarity's soft suspension, which tends to do a fairly subpar job of filtering out major imperfections when cornering.

The upside to the Clarity's weight is that it ensures the FCV always feels planted, lacking the floatiness of other eco-conscious hybrids and even the Clarity PHEV. Its steering is precise and responsive and nicely weighted for comfortable driving, though completely devoid of feedback. The brakes are consistently linear and easy to modulate and deliver suitable stopping power when called upon. The Clarity's throttle responses can be sharpened by engaging the Sport drive mode, which subsequently increases the effectiveness of its regenerative braking levels, but at the end of the day, this isn't a sporty car and should be driven with a heavy helping of restraint.

Clarity Fuel Cell Gas Mileage

The core appeal of the new Honda Clarity Fuel Cell is its eco-friendly ethos and relative efficiency compared with the gas mileage of conventionally-powered vehicles, which it's able to deliver along with the benefit of conveniently quick refueling times. This is in contrast to a regular EV, which can take hours to charge and often lacks a truly usable range. The EPA equates the Clarity Fuel Cell's mileage at 68/67/68 MPGe city/highway/combined, which is pretty good, with the Hyundai Nexo offering only 65/58/61 MPGe on those same cycles. However, the new Toyota Mirai XLE puts in a brilliant showing with figures of 76/71/74 MPGe. Along with the fuel cell, the Clarity also gets a 1.7kW lithium-ion battery, which together with its fuel tank capacity of 5.46 kg (12 lbs) avails the Clarity Fuel Cell with an impressive 360-mile range. However, the Toyota Mirai has an even better range of up to 402 miles.

  • Fuel Tank Capacity
    8.7 Gallons
  • Fuel Economy
    City/Hwy: 68/67 mpg
* 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan

Clarity Fuel Cell Interior

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Dashboard Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Driver Seat Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Front Seats Honda
See All 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Interior Photos

Seating and Interior Space

Five average-sized adults will comfortably fit into the spacious interior of the Clarity Fuel Cell, with plenty of head- and legroom offered, and a general sensation of space throughout, thanks to a floating center console. The rearward sloping roofline only cuts into the rear headroom a little, affecting ingress and egress, but posing little threat once seated. The front and rear seats offer all-day comfort and just the right amount of support, and the front seats feature eight-way power adjustability, heating functionality, and memory settings. The cabin design is modern and the layout very intuitive and ergonomic, the overall build quality is excellent, and premium quality materials abound.

  • Seating capacity
    5-seater
  • Front Leg Room 42.2 in
  • Front Head Room 39.1 in
  • Rear Leg Room 36.2 in
  • Rear Head Room 37.1 in

Clarity Fuel Cell Trunk and Cargo Space

Cargo hauling practicality is usually a compromise in alternative-fuel vehicles, and the Clarity Fuel Cell is no exception to this. Trunk capacity is limited to only 11.8 cubic feet, a significant decrease from the 15.5 cubic feet in the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid - this is the result of one of the hydrogen tanks being located behind the rear seats. That should be about enough cargo space to store a half-a-dozen vegan-friendly cheese wheels to deliver to the organic food market on the weekends. Unfortunately, the rear seats don't fold down at all, so if you want to get the full dozen cheese wheels there, consider the Hyundai Nexo with its massive 29.6-cubic-foot trunk.

Plenty of storage is available within the cabin though, including large front-door pockets, smaller but still functional rear-door pockets, a large center armrest cubby, two front cupholders, two seatback map pockets, and two rear-seat cupholders.

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Luggage Space Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Luggage Space 1 Honda
2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Luggage Space 2 Honda
  • Trunk Volume
    11.8 ft³

Clarity Fuel Cell Infotainment and Features

Features

There is only one Honda Clarity Fuel Cell sedan model to choose from but it has been generously specified. On approach, the Smart Keyless Entry System provides access, leading to the driver's cockpit where there's a head-up display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tilt-and-telescoping column, push-button start, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with two-position memory, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The front passenger's seat features four-way power-adjustability and both front seats feature heating. There's also dual-zone automatic climate control and a HomeLink remote system. In terms of driver-assists and safety, Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system comes standard along with a multi-angle rearview camera, and Honda Sensing includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with a low-speed follow function.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Clarity Fuel Cell could do with some improvement; the standard-fit eight-inch touchscreen is nice and displays quality visuals, but what's most flawed about the system is the infuriatingly small touch zones and the lack of a volume control knob, making it really difficult to manipulate - especially when on the go. The premium 12-speaker sound system is a highlight though; it's rated at 540 watts and includes a bass-pumping subwoofer. Standard functionality includes AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio connectivity, Pandora compatibility, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and audio streaming, and full smartphone integration via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Honda's satellite-linked navigation system is also standard, while for device connectivity, there are two USB ports, a single auxiliary input jack, and a 12-volt power outlet in the front and rear of the cabin.

Clarity Fuel Cell Problems and Reliability

The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell's last recall affected the 2019 model. This issue was for rear seat belt assemblies that may not lock correctly, obviously posing a greater injury risk in the event of an accident. J.D. Power hasn't given any Clarity Fuel Cell a quality and reliability rating, although Honda offers peace of mind by covering the Clarity Fuel Cell for the full duration of the 36-month lease period, while the lease also includes hydrogen fuel to the value of $15,000 as well as roadside assistance.

Warranty

  • Basic:
    3 Years \ 36,000 Miles
  • Drivetrain:
    5 Years \ 60,000 Miles
  • Corrosion:
    5 Years \ Unlimited Miles
  • Hybrid/Electric Components:
    8 Years \ 100,000 Miles
  • Roadside Assistance:
    3 Years \ 36,000 Miles

Clarity Fuel Cell Safety

There is no completed Clarity Fuel Cell crashworthiness review from the NHTSA or the IIHS. It should, however, be relatively safe considering the comprehensive consignment of driver-assist and safety features it's outfitted with as standard. These include Honda Sensing - incorporating automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning - LaneWatch, and a multi-angle rearview camera.

Verdict: ๐ŸIs the New Honda Clarity Fuel Cell a good car?

Competition is really tough for the Clarity Fuel Cell, considering that there are hardly any other hydrogen-powered vehicles available in the US for 2021. However, the all-new Toyota Mirai has arrived with better MPGe numbers and a superior range. There's no doubt that the Clarity Fuel Cell has a lot going for it though: its powertrain is sprightly, highly efficient, and ideal for routine urban commuting, its cabin is commodious, packed with creature comforts, and geared with all the driver-assist tech - and it can be refueled quickly too.

Unfortunately, there are many more areas where the Clarity Fuel Cell falls short, including in its infotainment system, which is infuriatingly difficult to use while driving, its limited trunk capacity, the fact that it's only available in the state of California, and the limited hydrogen fueling network. Besides the new Toyota, there's also the Hyundai Nexo to worry about; its SUV packaging makes it more practical and more appealing, and in truth, it's the better fuel cell vehicle.

๐Ÿš˜What's the Price of the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell?

There is no cash price for the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell as it can only be leased. At present, it's also only available at select dealerships within the state of California. Once an initial deposit of $2,878 is paid, a monthly installment of $379 is then required for a duration of 36 months. That ends up equating to a rather pricey fee, but Honda sweetens the deal with up to three years or $15,000 worth of complimentary hydrogen fuel. Moreover, as an emissions-free vehicle, the Clarity Fuel Cell is eligible for California's clean vehicle rebate of up to $4,500 and the state's HOV lane rights. The new Toyota Mirai is one of the Honda's biggest rivals for sale; the Mirai begins at a cost of $49,500 in the US.

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Models

See All 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Trims and Specs

๐Ÿš—What Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Sedan Model Should I Buy?

There's only the single trim variant of the Clarity Fuel Cell which, as a standalone model, comes packed with just about every feature the Clarity offers. Owners of the visionary eco-friendly sedan will have plenty to enjoy, from a standard-fit head-up display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and power-adjustable heated front seats to an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, 12-speaker sound system, and inclusive Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Honda didn't skimp out on driver-assist tech and safety either, with the full complement of Honda Sensing and LaneWatch tech all coming standard along with a multi-angle rearview camera with integrated grid lines. We recommend optioning in the available rear parking sensors from the options cache, however, just to round out the Clarity's already comprehensive driver-assist consignment. Without a convoluted range of trim levels, leasing a Clarity Fuel Cell becomes easy once you've decided that this is the sort of car you want.

Check out other Honda Clarity Styles

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Comparisons

Hyundai Nexo Hyundai
Toyota Mirai Toyota
CompetitorHorsepowerMPGPrice (MSRP)
Honda Clarity Fuel Cell174 hp68/67 mpg$58,490
Hyundai Nexo 161 hp65/58 mpg$59,435
Toyota Mirai 182 hp76/71 mpg$49,500

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vs Hyundai Nexo

While the Clarity Fuel Cell takes a severe hit to its practicality because of its hydrogen tank in the trunk, the Hyundai Nexo strikes less of a compromise as a high-riding crossover SUV with thoughtful packaging. There's 29.6 cubes of cargo room in the Nexo's trunk, dwarfing the Clarity Fuel Cell's meager 11.8 cubes. In terms of performance, the Nexo delivers the same sedate driving experience as the Clarity. The Hyundai's powertrain is a little weaker and not as fuel-efficient as the Clarity's, with estimates of 65/58/61 MPGe, but with its 41.4-gallon hydrogen tank capacity, offers a slightly greater range of 380 miles. The cabin of the Nexo is host to a far more contemporary layout comprising a large 12.3-inch touchscreen with full smartphone integration. The NHTSA and IIHS agencies have actually evaluated the Nexo for its crashworthiness and the latter agency has determined it to be one of the safest cars on the road as a 2021 Top Safety Pick +, while the Clarity hasn't ever been evaluated. Ultimately, the Nexo is a better proposition all-round, but it comes at a price.

See Hyundai Nexo Review

2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell vs Toyota Mirai

An all-new Toyota Mirai arrived for 2021 and, as the only other hydrogen-powered sedan in the US, it is the most direct competitor to the Clarity Fuel Cell. The Mirai immediately impresses with its Lexus-like styling, premium cabin, and range of over 400 miles. This is around 40 miles more than the Honda and is complemented by the Mirai's superior MPGe ratings. As with the Honda, Toyota offers $15,000 of hydrogen fuel. And, while the Honda can be leased more cheaply, the Mirai is available as an outright purchase. Neither vehicle is especially powerful or fast but this isn't what they're designed for. As the new Mirai is desirable as a stylish and interesting vehicle and not just as an efficient hydrogen car, it's the one we'd choose in this comparison.

See Toyota Mirai Review

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell Popular Comparisons

The most popular competitors of 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell:

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