Does Honda Clarity use synthetic oil?
Yes—depends on the Clarity variant. The plug-in hybrid Clarity PHEV uses engine oil (synthetic is commonly recommended); the electric Clarity Electric and the hydrogen-powered Clarity Fuel Cell do not require engine oil changes.
The Honda Clarity lineup includes three powertrains: plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell. Each has different maintenance needs, particularly around engine oil. This article explains which variants need oil, what type is recommended, and how often oil changes are typically scheduled, with practical notes for owners and shoppers.
Oil requirements by Clarity powertrain
The following items summarize the oil needs for each Clarity variant to help with maintenance planning.
- Clarity PHEV (plug-in hybrid): This model uses a gasoline engine in conjunction with electric drive. Engine oil changes are required. Honda typically recommends fully synthetic 0W-20 engine oil, with service intervals around 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving; shorter intervals may be advised under severe conditions. Always verify the exact interval in your owner's manual and service history.
- Clarity Electric: Pure battery-electric vehicle with no internal combustion engine. No engine oil is required or changed.
- Clarity Fuel Cell: Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle without a traditional gasoline engine. No engine oil is required; maintenance focuses on the fuel cell system, cooling, and related components.
Note: Oil specifications and service intervals can vary by model year, market, and driving conditions. Always check the owner's manual or consult a Honda dealer for the exact oil grade and service schedule for your car.
Summary
In summary, oil usage on the Honda Clarity is variant-dependent: only the plug-in hybrid Clarity PHEV requires regular engine oil changes, and that oil is typically synthetic 0W-20 with intervals around 10,000 miles/12 months under normal use. The Electric and Fuel Cell versions do not require engine oil changes, though they still follow Honda’s recommended maintenance schedules for fluids and other systems as specified in the owner's manual.
