The forthcoming 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid successfully pair the 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC powertrain with two electric motors, creating a powerful hybrid equation. The new Clarity PHEV increases driving range up to 340 miles, and improve fuel economy as well. The driving range is one of the main advantages of this model. For example, the 47 miles electric-only rating no other similar vehicle can achieve.
Right, we all know that the Tesla Model 3 goes over 300 miles. But, the Elon’s car is approximately $15K above the Clarity’s price range. On top of that, this mid-size luxury sedan offers one of the best and most comfortable cabins in the whole segment.
Exterior Design
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with a clean and attractive front end design. The redesigned body shape will provide better aerodynamics and vehicle efficiency. Also, an exclusive LED headlight offers outstanding visibility and a strong light signature. Thanks to the longer wheelbase and broader stance, HondaPlug-In is specially designed for a comfortable and smooth ride. Besides, the decklid spoiler sleek aerodynamics shape provides a lovely look.
On top of that, the rear LED taillights adds proper illumination that can be visible from afar. As a result, the overall safety of the road is improved. Furthermore, the laser-wield roof adds to the overall elegant design of the vehicle. Plus, it enhances body strength and rigidity at the same time the silhouette of the streamlined Body Side Molding looks very elegant and protecting from doors hit as well. 2020 Clarity comes with five-spoke 18-inch wheels, and Chrome Door Trim that will establish some recognizable styling.
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Interior
The cabin of 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid comes with leather-trimmer details and plant-derived biomaterials. This PHEV can accommodate up to five adult passengers, thanks to intelligent engineering. In the same manner, the premium features like smartphone pocket, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and available leather-trimmed seats will increase the comfort level even further. Moreover, the two-position memory allows two different drivers to adjust the position of the chairs as they seem fit. The seats include the 8-way power-adjustment system, with pinpoint precision.
On top of that, HondaLink climate pre-conditioning is available as well, and the heated/ventilated front seat setup. The cabin of arriving hybrid is very driver-centric. The digital Driver Information Interface, for example, will provide all necessary info about the vehicle. Likewise, the new Shift-By-Wire function offers an even more spacious console. The drivers may choose to go from Park to Drive at the push of a button.
Besides, the controls are installed on the steering wheel, to make the driving even more relaxed. Of course, Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance suite are available as part of the standard equipment. The cargo space offers 15.5 cubic feet. That is an outstanding amount, taking into account that this vehicle is a hybrid, after all. For example, Accord provides 16.7 cubic feet.
Colors
The upcoming 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offers six exterior color options and only one for the interior. So, the customers can choose between Solar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. The Crimson Pear and Moonlit Forest Pearl are available only for the Clarity Touring Plug-In Hybrid.
As for the cabin, the only color option is Beige Leather. This color palette will help Clarity to get a more distinctive visual identity. Each of these colors is very vibrant and striking so that the plug-in will be noticed.
Specs
Under the hood of 2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid will be a combination of two electric motors and VTEC 1.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain. This hybrid setup can produce a total output of 212 hp. Also, the driving range is extended to 340 miles. Electric-only range is 47 miles. Most of the competitors will offer a far shorter range than PHEV Clarity. Only the Tesla Model 3 Long Range travels above 300 miles between chargings. However, the Tesla costs around $15,000 more than Honda’s plug-in model.
The high-voltage battery lasts longer and comes with an 8-year warranty. The charging time will take around 2.5 hours with a 240-volt charger, and approximately 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. 2020 Clarity PHEV comes with four driving modes: Normal, ECON, Sport, and new HV. The HV mode makes the most of charging and regenerates up to 50% of the electric-only range. The estimated fuel economy for the gasoline-only unit is 42 mpg combined/110 MPGe equivalent.
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid MSRP and Release Date
2020 Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid will be, unlike most of the class rivals, relatively affordable vehicles. The gap between the base model and the rest of the trims is significantly smaller as well. The entry-level trim will have an MSRP of $33,500.
On the other hand, Clarity Touring PHEV starts at $36,700. Don’t forget the fact that this vehicle is eligible for a federal tax credit. The official release date is still unknown. But we expect to see Clarity Plug-In at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show.