As the automotive industry continues its rapid transition towards electrification, Honda has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of the 2024 Prologue. This all-new, all-electric SUV marks Honda’s first foray into the mass-market electric vehicle segment, and it’s a bold statement of the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Design and Exterior
The 2024 Honda Prologue boasts a sleek and modern design that seamlessly blends Honda’s signature styling cues with the aerodynamic requirements of an electric vehicle. The exterior features a clean and minimalist aesthetic, with a bold front fascia, sharp character lines, and a distinctive LED lighting signature.
At the front, the Prologue sports a prominent grille with an illuminated Honda logo, flanked by slim LED headlights that give the SUV a striking presence on the road. The sculpted hood and muscular fenders contribute to the vehicle’s athletic stance, while the sloping roofline and raked rear windshield lend an aerodynamic profile.
The Prologue’s side profile is characterized by a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which not only enhance its proportions but also contribute to increased interior space. The flush-fitting door handles and sleek side mirrors further enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.
At the rear, the Prologue features a distinctive LED light bar that spans the width of the vehicle, creating a bold and recognizable signature. The tailgate is adorned with the Honda logo, and the rear bumper incorporates a subtle diffuser element, adding to the SUV’s sporty appeal.
Interior and Technology
Step inside the 2024 Honda Prologue, and you’ll be greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin that combines modern design with practical functionality. The interior is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with a focus on clean lines, high-quality materials, and intuitive ergonomics.
The centerpiece of the Prologue’s interior is the large, high-resolution touchscreen display that serves as the primary interface for the infotainment system. This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and other apps.
The Prologue also features a fully digital instrument cluster that provides clear and customizable information to the driver, including range, battery status, and other vital vehicle data.
In terms of comfort and convenience, the Prologue offers a range of premium features. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with ample adjustability to ensure a comfortable seating position for drivers of all sizes. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making the Prologue a practical choice for families or those who frequently transport passengers.
The Prologue’s cabin is designed with an emphasis on quietness and refinement, thanks to extensive sound-deadening materials and an aerodynamic exterior that minimizes wind noise. This creates a serene and relaxing environment for both driver and passengers, further enhancing the overall driving experience.
Performance and Range
The 2024 Honda Prologue is built on General Motors’ Ultium platform, which underpins several other electric vehicles in the GM lineup, including the Chevrolet Blazer EV. This platform provides the Prologue with a robust and efficient electric powertrain.
The Prologue is available in two powertrain configurations: a single-motor front-wheel-drive variant and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant. The front-wheel-drive model produces 212 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive variant delivers an impressive 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque.
While the Prologue may not be a straight-line performance monster, it offers more than enough power and torque for daily driving and occasional spirited acceleration. Honda has tuned the Prologue’s suspension and steering to deliver a comfortable and composed ride, with a focus on refinement and predictability rather than outright sportiness.
In terms of range, the 2024 Honda Prologue is equipped with an 85-kWh battery pack. The front-wheel-drive model boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 296 miles on a single charge, while the all-wheel-drive variant offers a still-impressive range of up to 273 miles. These range figures are competitive within the electric SUV segment and should provide ample driving range for most daily commutes and road trips.
The Prologue supports both Level 2 (240V) and DC fast charging, with the latter capable of adding up to 66 miles of range in just 10 minutes of charging. This makes the Prologue a practical choice for those who need to recharge quickly while on the go.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Honda has a well-deserved reputation for prioritizing safety, and the 2024 Prologue upholds this tradition. The SUV is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that are designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Standard safety features on the Prologue include:
– Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
– Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keeping Assist
– Adaptive Cruise Control
– Rear Parking Sensors
– Blind Spot Monitoring System
Additionally, higher trim levels of the Prologue offer even more advanced safety features, such as a Rear Pedestrian Alert system and a Surround-View Camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
While the Prologue has not yet been subjected to crash testing by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Honda’s commitment to safety and the vehicle’s robust construction should bode well for its performance in these evaluations.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Honda Prologue is positioned as a premium electric SUV, with pricing that reflects its advanced technology and upscale features. The base EX trim level with front-wheel drive starts at $48,795, while the top-of-the-line Elite trim with all-wheel drive carries a starting price of $59,295.
It’s important to note that the Prologue is eligible for federal and state electric vehicle incentives, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of ownership. In the United States, the Prologue qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit, and additional state incentives may be available depending on the buyer’s location.
The 2024 Honda Prologue is scheduled to begin deliveries in March 2024, with initial availability focused on states with high demand for electric vehicles, such as California and states that offer attractive EV incentives.
Conclusion
The 2024 Honda Prologue represents a significant milestone for Honda, marking the company’s entry into the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. While the Prologue may not be a ground-up, dedicated Honda EV platform, it serves as a capable and well-executed stopgap solution, paving the way for Honda’s future electric vehicle lineup.
With its sleek design, spacious and well-appointed interior, competitive range, and advanced safety features, the Prologue offers a compelling package for those seeking an electric SUV from a trusted and reputable brand. While it may not be the most exhilarating or performance-oriented electric vehicle on the market, the Prologue delivers a well-rounded and practical driving experience that should appeal to a wide range of buyers.
As Honda continues to invest in electric vehicle technology and develop dedicated EV platforms, the Prologue serves as a strong foundation upon which the company can build its electric future. For those seeking an electric SUV that combines Honda’s renowned reliability and quality with the latest in electric powertrain technology, the 2024 Prologue is a compelling choice.
