Introducing the All-New Midsize Electric SUV
The newly unveiled 2024 Honda Prologue aims to provide a smooth transition for Honda enthusiasts shifting from gasoline vehicles to their first all-electric model. Central to this transition is Honda’s reputation for reliability, which is expected to carry over to the Prologue despite being a new offering.
Developed in partnership with General Motors, the Prologue is built on the Ultium EV platform, which it shares with several other SUVs, including the Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox EV, and Acura ZDX. This collaboration has allowed the Prologue to benefit from extensive real-world testing, utilizing the same motors, batteries, and suspension as its platform mates. Thus far, none of these models have received recalls, a promising sign for Honda owners. [Editor’s note: Following this report, a recall notice for a small portion of Cadillac Lyriq vehicles was issued due to an ABS software issue, resolved through an over-the-air update.]
However, Honda has differentiated the Prologue with unique exterior styling, improved interior materials and features, advanced software, and tuned suspension settings.
Performance and Range
The 2024 Honda Prologue is offered in five trim levels.
- EX – Single Motor. Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
- 212 horsepower (hp)
- 236 pound-feet (lb.ft.) torque
- 296 All-Electric Range (AER)
- EX – Dual Motor. All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- 288 hp
- 333 lb.-ft. torque
- 281 AER
- Touring – Single Motor. FWD
- 212 hp
- 236 lb.-ft. torque
- 296 AER
- Touring – Dual Motor. AWD
- 288 hp
- 333 lb.-ft. torque
- 281 AER
- Elite – Dual Motor. AWD
- 288 hp
- 333 lb.-ft. torque
- 273 AER
These different power options yield variations in range from 15 to 23 miles. This raises the question: will you sacrifice extra horsepower and torque for increased range? Continue reading for insights that might aid your decision.
Driving Experience
Clean Fleet Report had the opportunity to spend 10 days with the Prologue Elite AWD. We expect only minor differences in handling between the FWD and AWD versions, with the AWD providing enhanced traction in inclement weather. Overall, the Prologue offers a comfortable driving experience, though it is not marketed as a sporty SUV.
The Prologue features two selectable driving modes—Standard and Sport—reflecting Honda’s aim to position it as a dependable, spacious, two-row SUV that can travel close to 300 miles on a single charge.
During our drive in the Elite model with 288 hp, we achieved respectable acceleration, hitting 0-60 mph in the high 5-second range—ideal for merging onto highways or overtaking larger vehicles. We anticipate that even the single-motor versions with 212 hp will perform adequately.
Over the course of 212 miles driving in Southern California, our average efficiency was an impressive 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during predominantly highway travel. In urban settings, the efficiency spiked to 4.0 miles/kWh, highlighting how EVs excel in city driving. Here are the EPA ratings for the Prologue.
Weighing in at 5,273 pounds, the all-wheel-drive Prologue Elite AWD maintains a solid grip on the road, thanks to its low center of gravity and even weight distribution. Achieving a low center of gravity is essential for optimal handling in both sports and everyday vehicles.
Intuitive Driving
Like many EVs, acceleration in the Prologue is smooth and immediate, accompanied by a pleasant whirring sound that alerts pedestrians at low speeds.
The regenerative braking system offers three settings—Normal, High, and Off—for a customized braking experience, supporting One Pedal Driving. We found the most aggressive setting convenient, minimizing the need to use the brake pedal during slowing or coasting, whether navigating city streets or winding mountain roads. A small paddle on the back of the steering wheel allows for additional braking control, complementing the accelerator pedal adjustments.
The Prologue comes equipped with 275/45 Bridgestone Alenza Enliten all-season tires, which provided solid grip; however, the self-sealing run-flat tires on the larger 21-inch wheels introduced some road noise within the cabin. We anticipate quieter performance from the base 255/60 all-season tires on 19-inch wheels.
The electric power steering allows for responsive and precise handling. Solid braking is supported by ABS and ventilated discs at both the front and rear, enhanced by electronic stability control and brake assist. A suggestion for future Prologue models is the inclusion of an automatic parking brake feature that engages when shifting into Park.
Comfortable Interior
Inside, the two-tone gray and brown design features elegant touches of brushed aluminum and piano black finishes. Soft-touch materials adorn the dashboard, doors, and center console, which includes a practical lower storage compartment. Leather upholstery is used for the seats and the multifunction adjustable steering wheel.
Thanks to a flat floor design, passengers benefit from generous leg, shoulder, and headroom. While front-seat comfort is excellent for taller drivers, the sloping roofline could pose headroom challenges for those sitting in the rear.
The driver enjoys a power-adjustable 10-way heated and ventilated seat with memory settings, while the passenger receives a 6-way heated and ventilated seat. These comfortable seats offer ample support for legs and lower back, allowing longer journeys without fatigue. Visibility is generally excellent, though the rear window wiper occasionally obstructs the rearview mirror’s sightline.
Easy access to the second row leads to a spacious 60:40 split rear seat, which offers 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space when up, expanding to 54.5 cubic feet when folded down. Notably, the Prologue lacks a front trunk for additional storage.
The low-profile dashboard features an adjustable 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch horizontal touchscreen display. The 12-speaker Bose audio system provides access to AM/FM HD radio, SiriusXM, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel enhances convenience with controls for adaptive cruise control, radio functions, voice recognition, and more.
Google enthusiasts will appreciate the built-in Google services, including maps, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and app downloads like Spotify. Apple Maps compatibility is also available for those who prefer it over Google Maps.
Bluetooth streaming and wireless phone charging round out the interior technology features. Front passengers benefit from a 12V power outlet and USB-C ports in both front and rear. The HondaLink app connects smartphones to the Prologue, offering features such as remote start, vehicle location, and door lock/unlock.
The Prologue Elite trim we tested features a standard panoramic power moonroof and a hands-free power liftgate. All trim levels include one-touch automatic power windows, illuminated sun visors, dual-zone climate control with air filtration, push-button start/stop, and map lights.
Distinctive Design
The Prologue features a design that is longer and wider, but not as tall as its sibling, the Passport SUV. Its appearance is distinctly different from other Honda SUVs, which aligns with Honda’s strategy to differentiate their gas and electric vehicle lineups through design.
Created at Honda’s Advanced Design Center in Los Angeles, the Prologue showcases what Honda refers to as “neo-rugged” aesthetics—simple and clean. Its LED headlights flow into the fenders and lead to smooth side profiles, a long hood, a streamlined roof, and LED tail lights at the liftgate.
With a low, wide stance and a sleek profile designed for optimal aerodynamics, the Prologue achieves impressive all-electric driving efficiency. Even the stylized lettering spelling out H-O-N-D-A on the liftgate has been updated, alongside the introduction of new “e: series” badging.
The 2024 Honda Prologue is available in eight colors: North Shore Pearl, Pacific Blue Metallic, Raven Black, Scarlet Red Metallic, Snowfall Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Mercury Silver Metallic, which adorns Clean Fleet Report’s Prologue Elite.
Safety Features
The Prologue includes the robust Honda Sensing suite, which delivers a variety of standard and optional safety technologies. This includes multiple airbags (front, side, knee, and side curtain) along with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alerts with braking. Additional features like hill-start assist, surround view monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving add to its safety credentials. The 360º Surround Vision Camera offers multiple viewing angles for better visibility while parking or reversing.
Charging Options
Honda offers new Prologue owners three charging solutions, whether through home installation or a portable unit, alongside credits for public charging through EVgo or Electrify America.
- Home Charging Station (11.5 kW) and $100 Public Charging Credit, plus $500 Installation Incentive
- Portable Charging Kit (7.6 kW) and $300 Public Charging Credit, plus $250 Installation Incentive
- $750 Public Charging Credit
For further information, click here.
The Prologue’s 85 kWh battery can connect to a standard 120V wall outlet, though charging times will be slow. The most effective option for owners would be to install a Level 2 240V home charger, allowing for 34.1 miles of range per hour of charging. The fastest charging is possible via DC Fast Charging, delivering between 62 and 65 miles of range for just 10 minutes of charging, or achieving 20-80% battery capacity in approximately 35 minutes.
Honda also provides resources for Home Electrification, addressing common queries and listing certified local installers.
Warranty Coverage
The Prologue is protected by the following warranties.
- Battery: Eight years/100,000 miles
- Powertrain: Five years/60,000 miles
- Anti-perforation: Five years/Unlimited mileage
- Roadside Assistance: Three years/36,000 miles
- Maintenance Program: One year/12,000 miles
Pricing Overview
The 2024 Honda Prologue is available in five trim levels, with the following starting prices, which include a $1,395 destination and handling fee.
- EX – Single Motor. FWD $48,795
- EX – Dual Motor. AWD $51,795
- Touring – Single Motor. FWD $53,095
- Touring – Dual Motor. AWD $56,095
- Elite – Dual Motor. AWD $59,295
The Honda Prologue is assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, qualifying it for federal and state tax incentives. Additionally, in some states, it may receive a coveted HOV lane sticker.
Conclusion: 2024 Honda Prologue
The 2024 Prologue marks Honda’s entry into the electric vehicle market, having primarily focused on gasoline and hybrid models until now. With a commendable design, performance, and functionality, the Prologue stands out among mid-sized electric SUVs.
Developed in collaboration with General Motors using the shared Ultium EV Platform, the Prologue serves as a strong introduction to Honda’s all-electric offerings. Future models are set to roll out starting in 2026 based on Honda’s global e:Architecture, tailored for American consumers who prioritize comfort, style, performance, and electric efficiency.
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Article and photography by John Faulkner.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
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