What are the trim levels for Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid?
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid is offered in two trims: Base and Touring.
The Clarity lineup, which also included a fuel-cell variant and an all-electric version, was phased out by Honda in the early 2020s. Within the U.S. market, the Plug-In Hybrid variant was positioned with two trims to balance value and premium experience. The Touring trim adds more features on top of the Base, giving buyers a choice between an efficient entry point and a better-equipped version.
Trim-level overview
The two trim levels for the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid in the United States are designed to cover a baseline of efficiency and a higher-end experience. The Base trim focuses on core capabilities and value, while the Touring trim adds premium features and technology.
Base trim
Core attributes and capabilities of the Base trim emphasize efficiency and essential comfort, with standard safety and connectivity features.
Before listing the specific features, it is useful to note that the Base trim is the entry point of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offering.
- Plug-in hybrid powertrain with emphasis on efficiency
- Standard safety technology and driver-assistance features
- Core infotainment and connectivity options
- Fundamental comfort amenities for daily driving
In short, the Base trim provides the essential Clarity experience at a lower price point, without the premium upgrades.
Touring trim
The Touring trim adds premium materials, enhanced technology, and additional convenience features for a more refined experience.
Before listing the specific features, it is important to recognize that Touring represents the higher-end configuration in the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid lineup.
- Upgraded interior materials and finishes
- Enhanced infotainment/audio options and potential navigation
- Additional comfort and convenience features (for example, enhanced climate or seating options, depending on year)
- Exterior styling or wheel options that differentiate it from the Base
In summary, the Touring trim is the premium choice within the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid lineup, offering more comfort and technology on top of the core powertrain.
Availability and context
Notes on availability vary by model year and market. The Clarity family, including the Plug-In Hybrid, was discontinued by Honda in the early 2020s as the company adjusted its electrified-vehicle strategy. For buyers seeking Clarity Plug-In Hybrid today, options are typically limited to used-vehicle markets, with trim contents dependent on the year and optional packages originally installed by the dealer.
Summary
The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid offered two trim levels: Base and Touring. The Base trim delivered the essential plug-in hybrid experience focused on value and efficiency, while the Touring trim added premium materials, more advanced technology, and extra conveniences. The Clarity lineup is now largely discontinued, making these trims a matter of used-vehicle availability and year-specific configurations.
Is Honda Clarity eligible for tax credit?
All purchasers of a new Clarity Plug-In Hybrid are eligible for up to a $7,500 tax credit through federal tax credit programs.
What trim levels are the 2018 Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid?
The 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will be available in two models: the base trim and the elite Touring model.
Why did Honda discontinue the Clarity PHEV?
Honda stopped making the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid due to low sales demand, which was influenced by factors like the car's high price point, poor market reception, and Honda's shift in strategy towards a new generation of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Production officially ended in August 2021 as part of Honda's larger plan to transition its portfolio to focus on future BEVs and hybrid models, such as the Insight and CR-V Hybrid.
- Low demand: Sales for all Clarity models had been declining, with only a small number of units sold in the years leading up to the discontinuation.
- Strategic shift: Honda decided to end production to focus resources on its upcoming, next-generation line of electrified vehicles, including those developed in partnership with General Motors.
- Focus on BEVs: The discontinuation was part of a long-term goal to have 100% of its sales be either battery-electric or fuel-cell electric vehicles by 2040.
- Market reception: The Clarity's high price point and polarizing exterior design contributed to its poor market acceptance compared to other electrified options.
What are the Honda trim levels in order?
Honda trim levels generally progress from entry-level to high-end as: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. While the exact trims and their availability vary by model (like the Civic, Accord, or CR-V), this order represents the typical feature progression from basic to more advanced technology and comfort options. Some models also have additional or sport-specific trims like the "Si," "TrailSport," or "Elite," which can sit at the top of their respective lineups.
- LX: The base model, offering essential standard features.
- Sport: Adds sportier design cues and sometimes performance enhancements.
- EX: A mid-level option that builds on the LX with more technology and comfort features, such as a sunroof or improved connectivity.
- EX-L: Includes all the EX features but adds luxury upgrades, especially in the interior, such as leather seats.
- Touring: The highest mainstream trim for many models, adding premium technology and comfort features.
- Other High-End Trims: Certain models have specific top trims, such as the Elite (Pilot, Odyssey) or Sport Touring Hybrid (CR-V, Civic), which represent the most luxurious and technologically advanced options in that lineup.
