2024 Prologue Sets Stage for 100% Honda EVs

The Honda Prologue marks the automaker's first step into the battery-electric-vehicle market, setting the stage for what figures to be a significant shift in its lineup over the next decade.

The Prologue, though, is a bit of a unicorn: It’s the result of a joint venture between Honda and General Motors in which it and the Acura ZDX are built atop GM’s Ultium BEV platform. Given Honda’s prowess when it comes to efficient ICE engines, the venture – which already was shelved once the two vehicles were produced – feels like Honda thought it was slumming a bit at GM’s Warren, MI, Tech Center while it develops its own BEVs. There is no mention of the GM platform in Honda's introduction press release.

But not so fast. Yes, the Prologue shares quite a bit with the Chevy Blazer EV, but offers an engaging driving experience. The electric powertrain delivers instant torque, pushing the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just under 7 seconds, according to Honda. While it may not be the fastest BEV on the market, the acceleration is smooth and responsive, ideal for both city driving and highway cruising for anyone not obsessed with speed. And the CUV wagon-ish utility vehicle that seats five with room in the back for gear and groceries is just the package consumers want these days, whether it comes with battery or internal-combustion power.

Exterior Design

At first glance, the Honda Prologue sports a design that is both modern and subtly familiar. Its sleek lines and aerodynamic shape are complemented by a front fascia that replaces the traditional grille with a clean, minimalistic design that houses the charging port. The LED headlights are sharp and a bit futuristic, adding to the vehicle's appeal. Though it promises to move a lot of kids, groceries and soccer balls, the Prologue’s overall stance is muscular, while retaining a sense of sophistication, signaling that it’s a vehicle built for the future but grounded in Honda’s design philosophy. Making it feel and seem like a Honda stem to stern was a primary goal of the Honda engineers who took up residence at GM, and they by and large succeeded.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the Prologue, you’re greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Honda has focused on simplicity and user-friendliness, with a large central touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. The materials are high-quality, with a mix of soft-touch plastics, leatherette and brushed aluminum accents, giving the interior an uptown feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample adjustment options. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, making the Prologue a practical choice for families whether the backseat occupants are kids or grandparents.

With AWD dual motors bringing the Prologue Elite’s horsepower to 288, the driving experience is neither dull nor truly dynamic. Two-wheel drive models are powered by a front-mounted single motor tuned for confident acceleration and maximized efficiency with 212 hp and 236 lb.-ft (320 Nm) of torque.

The CUV, like GM’s Ultium vehicles, feels a trifle heavy despite the multi-link front and rear suspension. The Prologue Elite trim features standard AWD (available on EX and Touring) that adds an additional motor in the rear.

The curb weight can climb to 5,273 lbs. (2,392 kg), compared with 4,590 lbs. (2,082 kg) for the ICE-powered larger Odyssey minivan and 4,262 lbs. (1,933 kg) for an ICE Passport SUV. The low center of gravity, due to the battery pack’s placement, combined with a well-tuned suspension, results in a ride that is both comfortable and composed despite the added weight. The steering feels precise, with just the right amount of feedback, making the Prologue feel nimble despite its SUV proportions. Whether navigating tight city streets or winding country roads, the Prologue remained stable and predictable on our ride.

Range and Charging

With an estimated range of around 300 miles (483 km) on a full charge, the Prologue is competitive within its segment, which includes the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV, Kia EV6 and perhaps the slightly smaller Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model Y. Real-world range will, of course, depend on driving habits and conditions, but during our test drive, the Prologue consistently delivered close to its promised range.

Charging the Prologue is straightforward, with support for both AC and DC fast charging. On a fast charger, the Prologue can go from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, making long trips manageable. For home charging, a Level 2 charger will fully recharge the battery overnight.

Technology and Features

The Prologue is equipped with the latest tech from Honda. The infotainment system is intuitive, with crisp graphics and quick response times. It includes standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

The digital instrument cluster is customizable, allowing drivers to view essential information such as range, navigation and energy usage. Additionally, Prologue offers over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Honda has been a world-class ICE engine maker for decades following its post-World-War II founding. In the recent Wards100 list of 100 Years of the Most Impactful Engines/Propulsion Systems, jurors awarded the No.1 spot for the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s to Honda.

When it comes to electric propulsion systems, Honda's first genuine battery-electric vehicle was the EV Plus, which was introduced in 1997. The EV Plus was a subcompact, 3-door hatchback with a brushless DC electric motor and a 28.7-kWh, 288V NiMH battery. It was the first BEV from a major automaker to not use lead-acid batteries, but it was also not designed for sales volume and Honda produced only about 340 EV Plus models between 1997 and 1999. After that, Honda discontinued production to focus on its first hybrid-electric vehicle, the Honda Insight. Of course, the odd- looking Insight was overtaken quickly by the Toyota Prius because Honda designers had less success than its engineers in those days.

Honda is working on its own BEVs to be built at its Marysville, OH, plant. When those vehicles come to market, they will be eligible for the federal $7,500 tax credit for BEVs. In the meantime, the Prologue also qualifies and serves as the literal prologue to full-fledged Honda BEVs to come.