DecodedCars2021 Honda Clarity
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- CLARITY
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FCV, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 44 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,063 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Honda Clarity is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 193 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,063 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (44 city / 40 highway), 53% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Clarity — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Clarity →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLARITY | 192.9 in | 74.8 in | 58.3 in | 108.3 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 4,063 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity FCV FCV | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 68 / 67 / 68 | – | – | – | |
| Clarity Plug-in Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 44 / 40 / 42 | +53% | $1,600 | 57 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Honda Clarity.
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Clarity (this car) | 42 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Malibu | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Passat | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Clarity.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Honda Clarity is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Honda Clarity buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 400 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Clarity. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Clarity years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2019 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 45 |
| 2018 Clarity | 42 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 163 |
| 2017 Clarity | 89 mi | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2014 Clarity | – | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →