42 MPG combined is a respectable figure, but it doesn’t fully encapsulate the efficiency story of the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid. It’s a plug-in, and that distinction is crucial to understanding who buys this car and why. The Clarity PHEV appeals to commuters who typically drive fewer than 47 miles per day (the car’s all-electric range) and have convenient access to charging. For these drivers, the gasoline engine might rarely kick on, yielding superior fuel economy than that 42 MPG would suggest.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Clarity PHEV at 44 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. This relatively narrow spread is typical of hybrid vehicles, which use electric assistance more effectively in stop-and-go city driving. Regenerative braking, a key component, recovers energy during deceleration, supplementing the electric motor and reducing reliance on the gasoline engine. The higher city MPG also reflects the Clarity’s programming to maximize electric-only operation at lower speeds, further enhancing efficiency.

On the highway, the gasoline engine takes on a greater share of the workload, resulting in a slightly lower, but still impressive, MPG figure. This reflects where the vehicle performs best and why it holds on to its value.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid at $1,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparison, but the actual fuel cost for individual owners could vary dramatically. Drivers charging frequently and undertaking mostly short trips will spend considerably less on gasoline, effectively making the Clarity operate very close to an EV.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a standardized measure, real-world fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits and charging frequency. A driver who is diligent about plugging in after every trip and prioritizing electric driving can easily exceed the EPA’s 42 MPG projection. Someone who rarely charges the car and treats it primarily as a standard hybrid will likely see fuel economy closer to that of a conventional hybrid, but still respectable. Ambient temperature also plays a considerable role; colder temperatures can reduce battery performance and increase reliance on the gasoline engine. However, unlike a full EV, the Clarity mitigates this issue with its gasoline range extender. Potential buyers should carefully evaluate their typical driving patterns and charging opportunities to gauge the true potential of this plug-in hybrid.

How it compares

Compared to other plug-in hybrids of its time, the 2019 Honda Clarity PHEV’s efficiency stands out. For example, the 2019 Toyota Prius Prime achieves a combined 54 MPG when operating as a hybrid, a notable advantage, however, its all-electric range is only 25 miles, limiting its ability to replace gasoline-powered miles. The 2019 Chevrolet Volt, another competitor, offers 53 miles of electric range and 42 MPG combined when operating as a hybrid, making it pretty equivalent to the Clarity in combined MPG, but still slightly better range. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV, achieves just 25 MPG combined, severely limiting its economical advantage. The Clarity’s blend of electric range and gasoline efficiency minimizes environmental impact and fuel expenses, even knowing that the all Honda fuel economy data for later models of the Clarity are similar.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the Clarity’s regenerative braking system. By anticipating stops and gently lifting off the accelerator, you can maximize energy recovery and extend your electric range, this works with all versions of CLARITY MPG across all years.

Precondition the cabin while the Clarity is plugged in, especially during extreme temperatures. This pre-heats or cools the interior using grid electricity, reducing the energy demand on the battery once you start driving and preserving your electric range.

Drive conservatively and avoid aggressive acceleration. Rapid acceleration consumes more energy, especially when relying on the electric motor. Smooth, gradual acceleration will significantly improve your overall fuel economy.

Regularly check your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Maintain the recommended tire pressure specified on the driver’s side doorjamb to optimize efficiency and handling.

Use the Clarity’s drive modes to suit your driving conditions. The “HV” (Hybrid Vehicle) mode prioritizes gasoline engine usage, while “EV” mode maximizes electric-only operation (until the battery is depleted). Select “Econ” mode to optimize efficiency by reducing throttle response and adjusting climate control settings.