Clarity vs Kia Niro PHEV

[Timothy]

I found the Kia to feel a bit like junk compared to the Clarity Touring.. well maybe not junk but just not as well put together.

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This is how we felt about the Niro (but would not word it quite so strongly). We liked the layout of the Niro. We liked the longer EV range of the the Clarity. But driving them both the Niro felt like an average car while the Clarity felt like a very nice car. Having driven a few thousand miles, we still feel like we are driving a very nice car in the Clarity. And I think the Clarity is prettier as well.

 

[Billis deWillis]

I would like to point out that the PHEV from Kia/Hyundai do not drive or act like a EV...they have a transmission they run their fairly weak electric motor through. The Honda products (Clarity, Accord, and upcoming Insight) all run as an EV using a powerful electric motor directly through a single gear. There is a drastic difference on how they drive so a test drive is certainly needed. I have test drove the Hyundai and can’t get past it...so in my 2015 Accord Hybrid do I remain.

 

[Billis deWillis]

This is how we felt about the Niro (but would not word it quite so strongly). We liked the layout of the Niro. We liked the longer EV range of the the Clarity. But driving them both the Niro felt like an average car while the Clarity felt like a very nice car. Having driven a few thousand miles, we still feel like we are driving a very nice car in the Clarity. And I think the Clarity is prettier as well.

I would agree with how well the Clarity drives albeit a little to floaty Buick style ride...I personally despise the looks...so am waiting patiently for Honda to drop a larger battery in an Accord or the Insight or for someone to come out with a relatively affordable long range EV.