This week I bring you a first-ever. That being the 2024 Honda Prologue, an all-electric SUV that I frankly had some trepidation about given that it's jointly developed with GM, (because you never know quite how these things will turn out.) But I'm here to tell you, all of my pre-conceived concerns, were well, ill-conceived! The new Prologue is quite frankly outstanding. It's unfortunate, too, being that GM and Honda have since parted ways when it comes to developing smaller EVs.
It doesn't take long to make a great impression. For starters just look at it. It gives off luxury vibes thanks to its clean styling and it's certainly a beauty in Mercury Silver Metallic set against the Elite's statement-making 21-inch wheels, the largest ever offered by Honda. They're fitted with self-sealing tires.
The Prologue's aerodynamic design doesn't just make it look sleek, it also reduces cabin wind noise and it's low hood gives you great visibility. The Prologue is equipped with LED headlights, fog lights and taillights. Unique eAWD badging round out a stylish tail end.
The Honda Prologue is underpinned by GM's electric Ultium platform. So yes, it shares the platform with the Chevrolet Blazer EV which Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds was thoroughly impressed with in his review.
The Prologue is available as either a Forward- or All-Wheel drive model. All share a 85 kWh battery - the difference being the AWD model is dual-motor as opposed to single-motor.
This Elite model's AWD powertrain delivers 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. Both of which feel great. You can remote start the engine using the keyfob which is always convenient.
The Prologue delivers up to 296 miles of range on a full charge. The dual-motor Elite AWD trim doesn't boast quite as much, coming in at 273.
The powertrain also incorporates regenerative braking and always terrific One-Pedal driving. One you try it you'll get hooked, trust me. You access the later via a rather tiny icon on the multimedia screen, which yes I had to look for. You can choose Off, Normal or High. Some EVs offer three One-Pedal modes.
The two-tone interior impresses as well with its leather-trimmed seats, soft-touch dash and minimalistic vibe. Design-wise the interior does not resemble a typical Honda. For instance, you don't see Honda honeycomb trim anywhere. That's because along with the shared platform comes a heavily GM-influenced cabin.
The driver's seat is 10-way power, the passenger's seat 6-way power adjustable. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. A leather-trimmed steering wheel with silver trim features white contrast stitching. The easy-to-use gear shift stalk extends from the steering column. You press a button at the end of it for Park.
A traditional center stack features dual-zone climate controls and two 2 USB-C ports. A very sleek, minimalistic floating center console with a dual phone tray and two cupholders provides storage space underneath. In front of the center console bin, the Prologue debuts Honda's first pocket-style smartphone charger. Open up the bin itself and you'll find 2 more USB-C ports and a 12-volt.
This SUV is roomy in terms of both head and legroom. Slightly reclining 60/40 split second-row seats are on the narrow side but cushiony. Even the middle seat passenger will enjoy a cushiony seat - and bonus, a flat floorboard. There are standard A/C vents in the second row sans digital controls. You do get a drop-down armrest, nice seat back pockets and substantial door handles. Manual sunshades would be a nice addition. I'll also say there's not a lot of window real estate in the 2nd row, but a huge panoramic sunroof makes up for it.
Access to the nicely carpeted cargo area is a simple as a lever that lowers the second row seat down to almost flat. And what do we have here?! A kick sensor liftgate with a light that shows you where to kick! Kudos Honda-or is that GM's idea? I'll take it either way.
One thing the Prologue is missing is a frunk like you find in many EVs.
The Prologue isn't just Honda's first electric SUV - it's also the first Honda SUV to integrate Google Built-In, standard on all trims. It includes apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play. It runs on a standard 11.3-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as well as a backup camera - and in the Elite's case a surround view camera. The Google map looks great and it incorporates speed limit info.
A standard 11-inch digital instrument display has fantastic, large, color graphics. Battery usage info and range left information is well displayed on the left side. To the right of the center display you find radio stations and other info you can scroll through. The driver assistance graphics in the center look amazing.
The Elite trim benefits from a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system which sounds great.
The Prologue charger is one of the more stylish ones I've encountered recently, and easily storable in the cargo area.
As for charging itself, there are two things on my wish list. One is a charging indicator light on the exterior charging port itself. As it is, the only way to tell that it's charging from the outside of the vehicle is by looking for a green light on the dash. Two, in terms of charging info displayed, I could not find the charging speed per kWh which is nice to see.
The Prologue is equipped with DC fast-charging capability. This vehicle is also equipped with a 11.5 kW on-board charger.
The Prologue is such a wonderful ride and drive. Its suspension and overall ride quality is fantastic. While the electric platform is GM's - Honda says its own engineers optimized the multi-link front and rear suspensions to deliver a sporty driving experience. Steering has a bit sportier feel to it in Sport mode - which you enable with an ill-placed, in my opinion, button in an area left of the steering wheel next to the electronic parking brake. The only other drive mode is Normal.
The Prologue is a heavy SUV - weighing in at over 5,000 pounds - and feels it. For this reason acceleration isn't as quick as in some other EVs, but no complaints here because it's still great.
It's also quiet in here something that I daresay cannot always be said for Hondas.
Safety
Prologue comes standard with the Honda Sensing that includes Honda’s first-ever Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist and Rear Pedestrian Alert (the latter only available on the Elite.) Those new features are on top of well-familiar features like Forward Collision Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and so on. Rear seat reminder and seat belt reminder in both rows are standard cross the lineup.
The Elite is also equipped with available front and rear parking sensors (Parking Assist) and it's the only trim with a head up display and surround vision system.
Traffic Sign Recognition is available with an OnStar data package.
You'll pay an MSRP just shy of $60,000 for the top-level trim Elite model, and it's very well-priced in my book. Also keep in mind that most all-new 2024 Honda Prologue models qualify for the U.S. $7,500 EV tax credit. Check on fueleconomy.gov and with your CarPro Honda dealer for specifics.
Verdict
I suspect the Honda Prologue could fly a bit under the radar given all the options out there, and the fact Honda is late to the EV SUV party, but I'd highly recommend a test drive if an all-electric SUV could be in your future. It's enjoyable to drive, comfortable to ride in, and filled with great technology.