Comparing Honda Clarity and Toyota Mirai fuel cell sedans

(February 8, 2017) A new comparison of the 2017 Toyota Mirai and 2017 Honda Clarity FCVs shows that the two vehicles are strikingly similar in terms of power output, performance, and weight. The only major difference between the two vehicles is the EPA estimated driving range, with the Honda offering about 50 miles more range than the Toyota.

"I don't think the similarity of the specs for the Mirai and the Clarity Fuel Cell is coincidental," says Tom Blackman, director of Olathe Toyota Parts Center, which helped to create this comparison.

"The nature of fuel cell technology is that — for now at least — weight and power output are going to be roughly the same from one car to the next, at least if they're priced similarly."

The comparison of the 2017 Toyota Mirai and 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell pits the two cars against each other on the basis of fuel cell stack power output, horsepower, torque, curb weight, driving range, and more. The Honda Clarity Fuel Cell offers more seating capacity (room for three passengers in the rear seat) and more driving range.

"While I appreciate the idea that the two cars are similar in both respects, the Clarity Fuel Cell is clearly the better option," says HondaPartsOnline.net director Angel Vigil, who also helped in the creation of the comparison chart. "The greater range of the Clarity Fuel Cell is significant, as every mile counts in an environment where hydrogen refueling stations are still being built."

The Mirai and Clarity Fuel Cell are currently only offered in specific geographic regions, as hydrogen refueling stations are not available nationwide. Honda and Toyota have joined with other automakers to help increase the number of hydrogen refueling stations across the United States.

"Hydrogen fueled vehicles are still very much in the early stages of development," says Blackman. "I remember the very first Prius hybrid car, and I remember the skepticism towards that technology. If the Mirai and Clarity Fuel Cell are anything like the first generation of gas-electric hybrid cars, than we've got a lot to look forward to."