Choosing the right plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can be a complex decision, especially when comparing compelling models like the Toyota Prius Prime and the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. Both vehicles offer impressive fuel efficiency and electric driving capabilities, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This article dives deep into a detailed comparison, drawing insights from a personal experience of owning both a Prius Prime and upgrading to a Clarity, to help you determine which PHEV might be the better fit for you. Let’s explore the nuances of “Prius Prime Vs” and uncover the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Prius Prime Advantages: A Shortlist of Standout Features
Despite ultimately favoring the Clarity, there are several areas where the Prius Prime genuinely shines. Here’s a breakdown of the Prime’s advantages:
Smoother Autopilot and Cruise Control
One of the most noticeable differences is in the smoothness of the adaptive cruise control and autopilot features. The Prius Prime offers a significantly more refined experience. Approaching vehicles ahead, the Prime decelerates gently and gradually, resuming speed just as smoothly. This system mimics the behavior of a cautious and considerate driver, making for a relaxed and comfortable driving experience in varying traffic conditions. In contrast, the Clarity’s system can feel less polished, with more abrupt braking and acceleration, which some drivers might find less comfortable or even slightly jarring.
Superior MPG in Hybrid Mode
The Toyota Prius Prime boasts the highest MPG rating in hybrid mode among its class. For drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency when the electric range is depleted, the Prime offers exceptional gas mileage, making it an economical choice for longer journeys where relying solely on electric power isn’t feasible. This edge in hybrid MPG can translate to significant savings at the pump over time, especially for those with longer commutes or frequent road trips.
Longer Combined Driving Range
When considering both electric and gasoline ranges, the Prius Prime offers a longer combined driving range. Boasting nearly 600 miles on a full charge and tank versus the Clarity’s approximate 375 miles, the Prime alleviates range anxiety for drivers who frequently undertake long distances. This extended combined range provides greater flexibility and peace of mind, particularly for those who may not always have access to charging stations.
Hatchback Practicality
The hatchback design of the Prius Prime offers a subjective but often significant advantage in terms of cargo versatility. While the Clarity boasts a surprisingly spacious trunk, the hatchback of the Prime allows for easier loading and unloading of larger or awkwardly shaped items. Folding down the rear seats in the Prime expands the cargo area considerably, making it possible to transport items that might not fit in a traditional sedan trunk. For those who frequently haul larger items, the hatchback design of the Prius Prime is a definite plus.
Highly Customizable Information Display
The Prius Prime provides a wealth of information display settings that are both comprehensive and highly customizable. Drivers can tailor the various LCD screens to show precisely the data they deem most important, ensuring essential driving information is always readily accessible. While the Clarity’s display is arguably more aesthetically pleasing and conventionally positioned, the Prime’s customization options offer a level of personalization that appeals to tech-savvy drivers who appreciate having granular control over their vehicle’s information output.
Stylish Alloy Wheels Under Hubcaps
A hidden aesthetic advantage of the Prius Prime lies beneath its plastic hubcaps. Removing these reveals a set of stylish alloy rims. This “free” upgrade adds a touch of visual appeal without any additional cost. In contrast, removing the wheel covers on the Clarity reveals less attractive steel wheels, highlighting a subtle design advantage for the Prius Prime.
Larger Center Console Storage
For those who value interior storage space, the Prius Prime offers a larger center console compared to the Clarity. This provides more room for stowing away personal items, gadgets, and other essentials, contributing to a tidier and more organized cabin environment.
The Indispensable Volume Knob
In an era of touch-sensitive controls, the Prius Prime retains the classic and highly functional volume knob. This simple feature offers tactile and immediate volume adjustment, a user-friendly element often missed in vehicles that have transitioned to solely touch-based interfaces. The volume knob provides a level of convenience and ease of use that many drivers appreciate.
Honda Clarity Advantages: Elevating the PHEV Experience
While the Prius Prime has its merits, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid steps up the game in several key areas, offering a more refined and feature-rich PHEV experience.
Extended Battery Range: The Game Changer
The primary motivation for upgrading from the Prius Prime to the Clarity was the significantly longer battery range. This single factor transforms the daily driving experience, allowing for more commutes and errands to be completed solely on electric power. The Clarity’s extended EV range reduces reliance on gasoline, maximizing fuel savings and minimizing environmental impact. For those prioritizing electric driving, the Clarity’s superior range is a decisive advantage.
Comfortable Seating for Five
Unlike the Prius Prime, which accommodates only four passengers, the Honda Clarity comfortably seats five adults. This increased seating capacity makes the Clarity a more practical choice for families or anyone who regularly transports multiple passengers. The ability to seat five without compromising comfort or space is a significant advantage for everyday usability.
Ample Trunk Space and Clever Hidden Storage
Cargo capacity is another area where the Clarity outshines the Prius Prime. The Clarity boasts a generously sized trunk, offering significantly more space than the Prime. Furthermore, the Clarity incorporates a clever hidden storage compartment beneath the trunk floor. This additional space is ideal for stowing away items discreetly or organizing cargo, enhancing the overall practicality and versatility of the vehicle. The Prius Prime, in contrast, sacrifices trunk space to accommodate its battery pack, resulting in a noticeably smaller cargo area.
Superior Audio Upgradeability
For audiophiles, the Honda Clarity presents a far more accommodating platform for audio upgrades. The Clarity features a dedicated space beneath the trunk floor, originally intended for a jack and tools, which instead provides an ideal location for installing aftermarket audio equipment like DSPs and amplifiers. Combined with excellent front tweeter placement, the Clarity becomes a prime candidate for creating a high-fidelity sound system. The Prius Prime, with its limited storage space, poses significant challenges for installing a comprehensive aftermarket audio setup without further compromising practicality.
More Refined and Appealing Styling
While styling preferences are subjective, the Honda Clarity generally presents a more conventional and arguably more appealing aesthetic compared to the Prius Prime. The Clarity avoids the overtly “eco-conscious” styling cues often associated with hybrids, opting for a more sophisticated and streamlined design. With the exception perhaps of the rear wheel covers, which are a nod to aerodynamic efficiency, the Clarity offers a handsome and well-proportioned exterior that appeals to a broader range of tastes. The front end design, in particular, with its striking driving lights, is a standout feature.
Enhanced Climate Control Performance
The Clarity’s climate control system, particularly the air conditioning, is notably more powerful and efficient than that of the Prius Prime. The AC in the Clarity cools the cabin quickly and maintains a consistent temperature, even in hot weather. Anecdotally, heating performance in the Prius Prime was a significant shortcoming, with inadequate warmth even on moderate commutes. The Clarity is expected to offer superior heating performance to match its excellent AC, ensuring comfortable cabin temperatures year-round.
Greater Overall Comfort
The Honda Clarity simply offers a more comfortable driving and passenger experience compared to the Prius Prime. From seat comfort to cabin ergonomics, the Clarity is designed with a focus on occupant well-being. This enhanced comfort level makes longer drives more enjoyable and reduces driver fatigue, contributing to a more pleasant ownership experience.
Quieter and More Refined Cabin
The Clarity provides a quieter ride than the Prius Prime, thanks to improved sound insulation and noise dampening. This results in a more serene and refined cabin environment, enhancing both driver and passenger comfort, especially on longer journeys or in noisy urban settings.
Luxurious Ride Quality
The ride quality of the Honda Clarity approaches that of a true luxury car. It delivers a remarkably smooth and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections effectively and providing a sense of premium refinement. Achieving this level of ride comfort in a Toyota product might require stepping up to the Lexus brand, highlighting the Clarity’s exceptional ride quality within its class.
Conclusion: Clarity Emerges as the Superior PHEV
In a direct “Prius Prime vs” comparison, the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid emerges as the more compelling vehicle for many drivers, particularly those prioritizing electric range, passenger and cargo space, comfort, and overall refinement. While the Prius Prime holds advantages in areas like autopilot smoothness, hybrid MPG, and information customization, the Clarity’s strengths in key areas crucial to daily usability and driving enjoyment make it a significant upgrade. For those seeking a PHEV that balances efficiency with practicality and a touch of luxury, the Honda Clarity stands out as the superior choice.
