2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Starts at $34,290

Now that it has introduced the Clarity Fuel Cell and Clarity Electric, Honda will roll out the third model in the series next month. The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid goes on sale nationwide on December 1, and it’s expected to be the volume leader of the triad.

Prices start at $34,290. That makes it more expensive than the base 2018 Chevrolet Volt, which starts at $34,095, and the 2017 Toyota Prius Prime, which starts at $27,995. Of course, these prices don’t take into account an available federal tax credit. The Clarity and the Volt qualify for a $7,500 credit, while the current Prius Prime can get you $4,500.

The Clarity plug-in comes pretty well equipped. Notable features include heated front seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights, SMS texting capability, Sirius XM, HD radio, and Pandora. Buyers also get the automaker’s suite of safety technologies known as Honda Sensing.

Touring models start at $37,490 and have more features. These include navigation, leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment and two-position memory, front passenger’s seat with four-way power adjustment, and Ultrasuede interior accents.

Regardless of which trim you choose, the Clarity packs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine pairs with an electric motor and 17-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Total system output is 212 hp.

The midsize plug-in boasts an impressive all-electric range. Drivers can travel 47 miles on electricity alone with a fully charged battery, according to EPA estimates. The car’s overall range is rated at 340 miles.

In terms of fuel economy, the Clarity has a rating of 110 combined MPGe. In gas-only mode, it can achieve 44/40/42 mpg city/highway combined.

Unlike the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid, the Clarity Electric and Clarity Fuel Cell are lease only. These two models are also limited to select markets.

Source: Honda

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