Honda Prologue 2024 EV Review: The first long-range electric SUV from Honda integrates GM’s Ultium EV platform with an attractive price, practical features, and intelligent design.
If you have been anticipating a Honda long-range electric vehicle before making the transition to EVs, your wait is… semi-over. Although the 2024 Prologue is Honda’s inaugural fully electric SUV, it retains the powertrain of a Chevrolet. General Motors’ OnStar confirmed that they will build Honda’s Prologue’s cabin technology, similar to the Blazer EV’s, using a 5G data connection.
Cost and accessibility
The most expensive 2024 Honda Prologue model, the Elite AWD, costs $59,295 (destination charge included). The base single-motor EX model costs $48,795 (excluding the charge for this package). Honda Prologue offers a competitive price compared to other vehicles, including Ford Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Kia EV6, and is cheaper than the Chevy Blazer LT.
At present, the Prologue lacks eligibility for the $7,500 federal electric vehicle tax credit; however, this may change should Honda/GM modify their supply chain to conform to the program’s stipulations. Nevertheless, the electric SUV might still qualify for local or state incentives in your region.
I adored the 2024 Honda Prologue Elite Electric SUV that I drove.
Ultium-driven range and performance
GM’s Ultium technology powers two electric vehicle powertrain options, with front axles delivering 212 horsepower and torque, and rear axles providing 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque.
An 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers each Prologue, providing dual-motor AWD with a range of 281 miles and single-motor EX and Touring trim levels with a range of 296 miles per full charge. The weight of the top-of-the-line Elite model, which is exclusive to AWD, is reduced to 273 miles due to its 21-inch wheels, the largest rollers ever fitted to a Honda production vehicle.
With electric SUVs in this class, the largest motor is put forward rather than at the rear axle. The front-biased drive may be more comfortable for customers used to combustion vehicles, which often use FWD platforms. Most cars brake with the front axle, so FWD EVs can regenerative brake more effectively in urban, suburban, and stop-and-go driving conditions, thus increasing their range and efficiency.
The driver can adjust the Prologue’s regen intensity using paddle shifters. The Honda SUV also offers one-pedal driving, a maximum-regeneration mode that allows stopping the SUV without using the friction brakes. However, I was slightly irritated that the touchscreen, instead of the paddles, was used to activate it. As an individual, I prefer to alternate between one-pedal mode in the city and reduced regeneration on the interstate to maximize the range of my electric vehicle. As such, drivers who adhere to a single mode may find this to be less of a criticism.
Lightweight performance
In the Prologue Elite, I averaged 3.5 kilowatt-hours over hilly terrain, similar to our long-term Kia EV6 Wind AWD. I was extremely satisfied with the dual-motor electric power train’s acceleration off the line and during passing and merging maneuvers. The audio system can easily mask wind noise at moderate volumes, which becomes audible at higher speeds due to the absence of road and engine noise. In addition to providing a responsive feel on level roads, the suspension and long wheelbase effectively attenuate highway impact.
Despite slightly increasing the Prologue’s weight in Sport mode, the steering feels a little overpowered, so it’s hard to steer at high speed when navigating tight switchbacks. Honestly, I doubt midsize SUV owners will notice the extra-light steering feel; they might even prefer it.
Rate of charging and options
The Prologue can charge up to 85% DC at a station in 35 minutes but requires an adapter for NACS support. Most EVs produced in the future will have this requirement, but it should not be a deal-breaker.
Honda offers three charging packages for Prologue buyers, focusing on home charging for practical and economical electric vehicle living. Options include 11.5 kW station, $100 EVgo credit, $500 installation incentive. Option three offers a $750 EVgo credit for apartment residents who cannot install home charging equipment.
A 60-kWh Electrify America charging allowance is included in all three charging bundles. While this allowance may seem insignificant, it functions as a complimentary trial of EA’s network.
One of seven OEMs collaborating on the IONNA DC rapid charging network, which will debut later this year, is Honda, which plans to build 30,000 charge points at 1,350 charging stations.
However, the company has not disclosed any incentives or perks for Prologue purchasers.
2024 Honda LPGA Thailand Tournament: Schedule, Prizes, and Viewing Options for Golf Channel Viewers
Google-Inbuilt Technology
The Prologue’s compartment features four 45-watt, high-speed USB type-C ports for charging smartphones, tablets, and laptops, comfortable seats, and arguably the largest cup holders I’ve ever seen. Additionally, the dashboard and center console materials are of superior quality.
Standard equipment consists of an 11.3-inch primary interface, an Android-powered dashboard with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, and the Google Built-In operating system. This necessitates using Google Maps for navigation, incorporating energy efficiency, live range estimates, and charging locations into its route planning. Voice command systems, such as Google Assistant, enable drivers to issue commands like “Hey, Google, set the temperature to 69 degrees” or “Listen to the Hives on Spotify.” The Google Play Store facilitates the discovery and installation of music and audio streaming applications by passengers.
General Motors’ OnStar provides Honda with a 5G data connection, indicating that the Prologue’s cabin technology resembles that of the Blazer EV, with the powertrain located under the chassis. Sufficient software disparities exist to potentially influence consumers in favor of Honda. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available in GM’s EVs, a significant advantage for Apple enthusiasts and those who don’t want to log in to borrowed cars.
Arguments for and against the 2024 Honda Prologue
Despite its dexterous and agile nature, the Prologue feels like anything but a carbon copy of the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Aside from the fundamental technologies and overall design, Honda’s engineering and design teams have made significant changes, adjustments, and imprints on every aspect of the 2024 Honda Prologue. The distinction between back-to-back drives is subtle, but it is present. In terms of long-range electric SUVs, Honda’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay give it a slight advantage over the Blazer.
The Blazer experienced software growth pangs in its early months because it shares GM’s Ultium platform. Prologue’s software was Honda-exclusive and free of the Blazer EV sales halt. As a result, we can anticipate a seamless introduction of the Prologue into dealerships within the next few weeks. It is worth noting that the head-up display of my Prologue Elite failed to function entirely during my test drive. However this was a preproduction vehicle, and bugs are inevitable. Despite no further complications during the test drive, I intend to conduct a more extensive evaluation soon.
