With hybrids and other electrified vehicles becoming increasingly more popular, automakers have found ways to make them stand out less, which is actually a good thing.
Not too long ago, driving a hybrid meant standing out in traffic. The Prius has always been shaped like an elongated MPV, and at one point, alternatives such as the first-generation Honda Insight didn’t exactly look awesome either.
We can say much of the same about the 2018 Honda Clarity too. It’s styling may be modern, but the overall shape remains a bit awkward, as if it’s trying to decide whether it’s a hatchback, a saloon or an MPV.
Once you move past the styling, the 2018 Clarity does look pretty interesting on paper. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 17 kWh battery back and an electric motor, combining for a total output of 158 kW (212 HP / 215 PS). It also features a combined fuel economy rating of 110 MPGe and a petrol-only rating of 44/40/42 mpg (city/highway/combined).
The best part is of course the fact that you can travel for up to 47 miles (75 km) on electricity alone, then recharge the car completely in about two and a half hours.
In the real world, the Clarity PHEV feels “perfectly normal,” according to Kelley Blue Book. It’s also practical, comfortable, safe, and it has an interesting-looking interior.
There are however quite a few solid alternatives to choose from, such as the Chevrolet Volt, the Toyota Prius Prime or the equivalent version of Hyundai’s Ioniq.