Is Honda Clarity rear wheel drive?
No—the Honda Clarity is not rear-wheel drive. Across its three variants, the Clarity uses front-wheel drive (FWD), with propulsion delivered to the front axle by either an electric motor or a front-mounted gasoline engine; there is no rear-wheel-drive configuration in the Clarity lineup.
To understand this in more detail, here is how Honda configured the drivetrain for each Clarity variant and what that means for buyers and the model’s current market status.
Drivetrain overview
Honda offered three Clarity variants over its production years, all built on a front-wheel-drive architecture. Here is a concise breakdown of how power reaches the front wheels in each model:
- Clarity Fuel Cell (FCV): A hydrogen fuel-cell stack powers an electric motor at the front axle, driving the front wheels.
- Clarity Electric (BEV): A front-mounted electric motor powers the front wheels from a battery supply.
- Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A gasoline engine works with an electric motor that drives the front wheels; no rear-wheel drive.
In short, all Clarity variants rely on front-wheel drive, regardless of propulsion type.
Rationale behind FWD in the Clarity lineup
Automakers often favor front-wheel drive for efficiency, packaging, and cost reasons, particularly in family-oriented or efficiency-focused models. For the Clarity family, Honda emphasized interior space and predictable handling associated with FWD rather than performance-oriented rear-wheel drive dynamics.
Current status of the Clarity lineup
As of the mid-2020s, Honda has largely discontinued the Clarity lineup in new-car markets. The three variants persisted in limited supply in some regions or used inventories, but there is no new Clarity model year in production. Buyers looking for hydrogen, electric, or plug-in hybrid powertrains should consider other current Honda options or alternatives in the market.
Impact on buyers and usage
For prospective buyers, the central takeaway is that there is no rear-wheel-drive Clarity. If rear-wheel Drive is a priority, they should consider other Honda models or alternatives. If the interest centers on a hydrogen fuel cell, battery-electric, or plug-in hybrid option with front-wheel drive, the Clarity historically served those categories, though new units are now rare.
Summary
The Honda Clarity lineup is not rear-wheel drive. All variants—Fuel Cell, Electric, and Plug-in Hybrid—employ front-wheel-drive layouts, and the model line has been phased out in many markets with no ongoing production of new Clarity units.
Is Honda FWD or RWD?
All Honda cars and two-wheel-drive trucks use front-wheel drive, with transverse-mounted engines.
Is there any Honda that is rear wheel drive?
And here is the GT concept from the side. Very very neat i love the sweeping roof line and it kind of reminds me Honda. Had uh this concept. I don't know if you guys see that it's kind of behind.
Is Honda Clarity all wheel drive?
As for the hydrogen-powered Clarity, that comes with a 174-hp electric motor that draws electricity from a fuel cell. As with the plug-in, the fuel-cell Clarity's electric motor drives the front wheels.
