A Tesla model 3 has much higher performance, but Clarity has 5 big advantages and some drawbacks:
- It is much cheaper, about half the price of Model 3 once you consider incentives and discounts
- It doesn't need a Level 2 charger at home (another $1000-$2000 in my case)
- It has much better comfort (ride quality and space), Tesla ride is a bit brittle
- It has better build quality
- No matter what every one says, charging an electric car is not as convenient as filling a gas tank. In a road trip it means another 30 minutes. Sometime it doesn't matter, some time it does.
Also Clarity has a more modern exterior design. The design will look better down the road.
I’d disagree with some of your assertions, some of which are quite subjective. Full disclosure, I have a Clarity and a Model S. I think I can look at this somewhat more objectively than some here:
- The base cost of a Model 3 is $35,115. This includes Tesla incentives. I don’t know of any Clarity selling for $17,557...certainly not the Touring edition.
- The Model 3 does not ‘need’ a Level 2 charger, but it comes equipped with one. Just like my Model S, I can plug it into a good ol’ 110v outlet and just like the Clarity, it will charge much more slowly. Charging this way, the Model 3 will add about 50 miles overnight. But why do it that way if the Model 3 already comes with a Level 2 charger onboard? Sure you will need the proper 220v outlet, but that shouldn’t cost $1000-$2000. If an electrician gives you that kind of estimate, run, run very fast. My local utility just paid for my Level 2 JuiceBox we use on the Clarity. It was a $500 rebate. I’ve seen other utilities offering rebates like these too.
- The fact is a Level 2 charger is hugely quicker than a Level 1 and should be seriously considered by any Clarity or electric car/PHEV owner who enjoys running their vehicle on electric. It is multiple times faster than a Level 1 and significantly more convenient. It’s one of the best investments you can make.
- I only test drove a Model 3 once, and although its ride is firmer than the Clarity (many would call it sportier and list it as a plus) it certainly wasn’t uncomfortable. Initial Model 3s were firmer and Tesla altered the suspension to make it somewhat softer. So I would say ‘ride quality’ is in the eyes of the beholder. Many would call the Clarity too soft (I don’t).
- The Model 3 handles better than the Clarity. It’s more nimble and I would argue more fun to drive than the Clarity when you consider its better handling and acceleration. Just as I find my Model S to handle better than our Clarity, the Model 3 is more nimble still and arguably even more fun than my S. Just being objective here.
- Yes, the Clarity is unquestionably roomier than the Model 3, no arguments there.
- Build quality on the Model 3, after initial assembly line issues, is actually quite good now. I’d say which build quality is better is subject to debate. With a gun to my head, perhaps I’d give the edge to the Clarity, but I really don’t think there’s much of a difference right now. Remember, based on the fact that there are tons more Model 3s than Claritys, you’ll hear of more issues. Much of that is just the nature of statistics.
- Yes, charging an electric car takes longer than filling the gas tank. But I’d argue taking a break after 200 miles or so of driving is both safer and more relaxing. The Tesla SC network is impressive in size and convenience. I can drive from NY to Florida with zero concerns about charging. Tesla shoppers know that Tesla still offers periodic incentives for free supercharging.
I just wanted to offer some counterpoints to this post.
