Honda has been a significant player in the automotive industry for decades, known for its reliable, efficient, and innovative vehicles. While the company has made strides in the hybrid and fuel-cell sectors with models like Insight and Clarity, its offerings in the fully electric vehicle segment have been limited. The Honda Fit EV and the Clarity Electric were among the few attempts, but they didn’t quite capture the market’s attention due to limited range and availability.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is a game-changer that marks Honda’s earnest entry into the burgeoning all-electric SUV market. Unlike its predecessors, the Prologue is not a retrofit of an existing model but a ground-up electric vehicle. Designed to meet the growing consumer demand for EVs, the Prologue aims to combine Honda’s reputation for quality and reliability with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.

The Prologue is a significant milestone for Honda, showcasing the brand’s commitment to a sustainable future. It is designed to offer a competitive range, advanced tech features, and the comfort and utility that customers expect from a midsize SUV.

2024 Honda Prologue Exterior

The 2024 Honda Prologue is a visual treat that combines modern design elements with classic Honda styling cues. The vehicle was conceived in a Honda design studio in California, and its aesthetics reflect a blend of sophistication and innovation. The Prologue’s sleek lines and aerodynamic shape make it stand out, offering a fresh take on what an all-electric SUV can look like.

Design Aesthetics

One of the standout color options for the Prologue is North Shore Pearl, inspired by the scenic vistas around Lake Tahoe. This color choice adds a touch of luxury and uniqueness to the vehicle, although it’s expected that Honda will offer a variety of other colors to suit different tastes.

In a departure from traditional automotive design, the Prologue does away with a front grille. Instead, it features a smooth, black panel that houses the Honda logo, giving the vehicle a futuristic look. This design choice not only enhances aerodynamics but also signifies the car’s all-electric nature.

Full LED Headlights

The Prologue comes standard with full LED headlights, which include reflector-style LEDs. These headlights offer superior visibility and a modern appearance, aligning with the vehicle’s high-tech persona.

Beyond the headlights, the Prologue also features LED daytime running lights and LED turn signals, adding to its premium look. LED fog lights are another standard feature, providing enhanced visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Honda-GM Partnership

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Prologue’s design is its platform. The vehicle is built on the GM Ultium platform, which also underpins other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox EV. This shared platform is a result of Honda’s strategic partnership with General Motors.

The collaboration with General Motors is a significant move for Honda, as it allows the company to leverage GM’s advancements in electric vehicle technology. This partnership aims to accelerate the development and deployment of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to consumers. It’s a win-win situation: Honda gains from GM’s expertise in EV technology, and GM benefits from Honda’s reputation for reliability and quality engineering.

2024 Honda Prologue Interior and Tech

The interior of the 2024 Honda Prologue is designed with a focus on technology and convenience. One of the standout features is the 11-inch touchscreen display located in the center console. This large, intuitive interface serves as the control hub for various vehicle functions, from navigation and entertainment to climate control.

Adding to its high-tech appeal, the Prologue is the first Honda SUV to feature Google built into the infotainment software. This integration allows for seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other Google services directly from the touchscreen, enhancing the user experience and reducing the need for smartphone connectivity for basic tasks.

Seating and Comfort

When it comes to seating, the Prologue doesn’t skimp on comfort. The seats can be adjusted in 12 different ways, including a four-way lumbar adjustment, ensuring a comfortable driving experience for people of all sizes. The design of the seats is geared towards providing both support and comfort, making long drives much more enjoyable.

For those opting for the Elite trim, the Prologue offers both heated and ventilated seats. While the pre-production model showcased only had the heated seat button visible, it’s expected that the final version will include ventilation controls as well. These features add a layer of luxury and convenience, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Storage and Cargo

The Prologue is not just about technology and comfort, it’s also incredibly practical. The vehicle offers just over 25 cubic feet of total storage space behind the second row. When you fold down the second-row seats, this expands to over 57 cubic feet, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear.

One of the more innovative features of the Prologue is the hidden underfloor storage area. Located beneath the rear cargo floor, this concealed space is perfect for storing valuable items out of sight or keeping emergency supplies. It adds an extra layer of versatility to the vehicle’s storage options.

Powertrain and Performance

The powertrain and performance options for the 2024 Honda Prologue are designed to cater to a wide range of driving needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize efficiency, power, or a balance of both, the Prologue offers compelling options.

Motor Options

Single Motor Front-Wheel Drive

The 2024 Honda Prologue offers a single-motor front-wheel-drive option for those looking for a more traditional driving experience. While specific details about the horsepower and torque for this variant are yet to be released, it’s expected to offer a balanced blend of efficiency and performance, making it a suitable choice for daily commuting and long drives alike.

Dual Motor Specifications

For those seeking more power and better traction, the Prologue also offers a dual-motor system. This setup is expected to deliver around 288 HP and 424 Nm of torque. The dual motor system not only provides all-wheel-drive capabilities but also promises spirited acceleration and enhanced driving dynamics, making it ideal for those who crave a more engaging driving experience.

Battery and Range

The Prologue comes equipped with an 85 kWh pack. Despite its relatively modest size compared to some competitors, Honda has optimized the vehicle’s aerodynamics and efficiency to extract the most range possible from this battery.

For the single-motor front-wheel-drive variant, the Prologue is expected to offer up to 300 miles of range on a full charge. While the range for the dual motor system has not been specified, it’s likely to be slightly lower due to the additional motor and all-wheel-drive system. Nonetheless, both options aim to offer competitive range figures that put the Prologue near the higher end of the electric SUV segment.

Charging

When it comes to charging, the Prologue is designed to make life easier for its owners. The vehicle can accept a maximum of 155 kW on a DC fast charger, allowing for quick and convenient charging when you’re on the go.

One of the standout features is the Prologue’s ability to add approximately 65 miles of range in just 10 minutes when plugged into a Level 3 charger. This rapid charging capability makes the Prologue a practical choice for long journeys, as it minimizes the time spent waiting for the battery to recharge.

Pricing and Availability

The anticipation for the 2024 Honda Prologue is palpable, and prospective buyers won’t have to wait much longer. Honda plans to launch this groundbreaking all-electric SUV in the early part of 2024. While an exact release date has not been confirmed, the timeline suggests that the vehicle could hit showrooms in the first or second quarter of the year.

Honda has indicated that the starting price for the Prologue will be in the upper forty-thousand-dollar range. While specific numbers have not been released, this suggests an estimated starting price of around $46,000 to $48,000. This pricing strategy positions the Prologue competitively within the electric SUV market, especially when considering its range, features, and brand reputation.

One of the significant advantages of opting for the Prologue is the availability of federal tax credits. Because the vehicle will be manufactured in North America at a GM factory, it is expected to qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit. This financial incentive effectively lowers the starting price, making the Prologue an even more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

2024 Honda Prologue vs Tesla Model Y

The electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly crowded, but one name that consistently stands out is Tesla. Tesla Model Y has set a high standard in the all-electric SUV segment. As Honda prepares to launch the 2024 Prologue, one of the key questions is how it will stack up against the formidable Tesla Model Y. Here’s a closer look at how the two vehicles compare in various aspects.

While the Tesla Model Y offers impressive range figures, the Honda Prologue is not far behind. With an expected range of up to 300 miles for its single-motor front-wheel-drive variant, the Prologue aims to offer competitive range capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the Tesla Supercharger network gives the Model Y an edge in terms of convenient and fast charging options, something that Honda will need to address either through partnerships or infrastructure development.

The Prologue’s Google integration is a strong selling point, offering seamless access to various Google services. Tesla’s infotainment system, on the other hand, is a closed ecosystem but offers a range of unique features like Tesla Arcade and Tesla Theater, which could sway tech-savvy buyers.

Honda has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and durable vehicles. For buyers who prioritize these factors, the Prologue could be an attractive option. Tesla, on the other hand, is seen as a pioneer in the electric vehicle space, and its vehicles often include cutting-edge technology that sets industry trends.

Conclusion

The 2024 Honda Prologue marks a significant milestone not just for Honda but for the electric vehicle industry as a whole. As a fully dedicated battery-electric SUV, the Prologue represents Honda’s earnest commitment to a sustainable future. With its competitive range, advanced technology features, and focus on comfort and practicality, the Prologue is poised to be a compelling option in the rapidly expanding electric SUV market.

One of the Prologue’s strongest selling points is its balance of features and pricing. With an estimated starting price in the upper $40,000 range and eligibility for a $7,500 federal tax credit, the Prologue offers a cost-effective entry point into the world of electric SUVs. This makes it a strong contender against established models like the Tesla Model Y, especially for buyers who are new to the electric vehicle ecosystem.

Honda’s reputation for reliability and quality engineering adds another layer of appeal to the Prologue. When you combine this with the vehicle’s innovative features – such as Google integration in the infotainment system, rapid DC fast charging capabilities, and a range of motor options, it’s clear that the Prologue is designed to meet a wide array of consumer needs.