# Honda Clarity specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2021
- **MPG (combined):** 42
- **Drive:** FWD
- **Years covered:** 2017-2021

## Quick answer

The 2021 Honda Clarity is a midsize car rated at 42 mpg combined. Engines: 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Hydrogen fuel cell.

## Every 2021 Honda Clarity version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | 240V charge | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Clarity FCV | Hydrogen fuel cell | FWD | Single-speed | 68/67 | 68 mpg | -- | -- | -- |
| Clarity Plug-in Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | FWD | CVT | 44/40 | 42 mpg | 2.2 h | $1,600 | 57 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Honda Clarity specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) | MPGe | EV range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2021 | 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Hydrogen fuel cell | CVT, Single-speed | FWD | 42 | -- | -- |
| 2020 | 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Hydrogen fuel cell | CVT, Single-speed | FWD | 42 | -- | -- |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Electric; Hydrogen fuel cell | CVT, Single-speed | FWD | 42 | 114 | 89 mi |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Electric; Hydrogen fuel cell | CVT, Single-speed | FWD | 42 | 114 | 89 mi |
| 2017 | Electric; Hydrogen fuel cell | Single-speed | FWD | -- | 114 | 89 mi |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Clarity changed over the years?

- **2020:** dropped Electric.
- **2018:** added 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2021 Honda Clarity get?

The 2021 Honda Clarity is EPA-rated at 42 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2021 Honda Clarity have?

The 2021 Honda Clarity comes with: 1.5L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid; Hydrogen fuel cell. It uses cvt, single-speed transmissions and is offered with FWD.

### Is there a hybrid Honda Clarity?

Yes. The Honda Clarity has been offered as a plug-in hybrid in some model years; the table above shows which.

### Which Honda Clarity year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2021 Honda Clarity has the highest combined rating, up to 42 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Honda Clarity for a year?

About $1,600 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2021 Honda Clarity?

The most efficient 2021 version, the Clarity FCV, is rated 68 mpg city and 67 mpg highway (68 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2021 Honda Clarity emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 57 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-clarity
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.