Honda’s First Electric SUV
Honda, one of the pioneers of hybrid technology in America – its Insight actually beat the Toyota Prius to market by a couple of months – is about to launch its first mass-market, full-electric vehicle. Like the prologue of a book or a movie, this midsize SUV is a taste of things to come, a teaser for the brand’s electric future. And, on paper, it has all of the elements needed to be successful, including impressive EPA-estimated range and a starting MSRP of under $50,000 for a well-equipped, high-tech package. Let’s take a look at the various options available if you are considering a 2024 Honda Prologue.
2024 Prologue Starts Under $50,000
The entry point for the Prologue lineup is the Prologue EX, which is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. At a starting MSRP of $47,400 before destination charges, the Prologue EX FWD is very well-equipped, with the full suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistance systems, and:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Google technology built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a wireless hone charger
- 10-way power driver’s seat and heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- SiriusXM satellite radio
In front-wheel drive form, the Prologue EX produces 212 hp for sprightly acceleration. Its standard 85-kWh battery, which is shared with all Prologue models, can be charged at a relatively quick 150 kW on a Level 3 DC fast charger, and its EPA-estimated range is a strong 296 miles.
For an additional $3,000, the Prologue EX AWD offers the security and traction of all-wheel drive as well as improved performance. Thanks to a second electric motor mounted on the front axle, power output rises to 288 hp, while the EPA-estimated range drops slightly to 281 miles. Starting MSRP of the Prologue EX AWD is $50,400.
Prologue Touring and Elite Add Luxury Features
Stepping up to the mid-level Touring model adds several luxury touches to the Prologue, including leather-trimmed seats, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, front and rear parking sensors in addition to the rear-view camera, and more.
Like the Prologue EX, the Touring is available in front- and all-wheel drive models. The Touring FWD has a starting MSRP of $51,700, with the same 212-hp power output and 296-mile EPA-estimated range, while the all-wheel drive version has a starting MSRP of $54,700, 288 hp of power, and 281 miles of EPA-estimated range.
Sitting at the top of the model lineup is the Prologue Elite, which is only available with all-wheel drive. While power output remains the same as the all-wheel drive EX and Touring, EPA-estimated range drops slightly to 273 miles, thanks to the gleaming set of 21-inch alloy wheels that give it a sportier look and more aggressive stance. Inside, the leather interior is augmented with ventilated front seats, upgraded interior trim, and a heads-up display for the driver.
2024 Honda Prologue: Practicality in Design
Thanks to a long 120-inch wheelbase, all Prologue models have exceptional interior space for a midsize SUV. With no need to accommodate a large gasoline engine, the vehicle’s designers were able to maximize the cabin, making ingress and egress easy through large doors, and also providing up to 57.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats folded down. Rear-seat legroom is limousine-like, the cargo area has an under-floor storage compartment, and there are numerous storage bins and cubbies throughout the interior to help keep the Prologue clean and tidy, even when used for family duty. Power outlets are everywhere so driver and passengers can keep their devices charged, and the cupholders and numerous and massive.
On the outside, the Prologue – conceived in California at Honda’s advanced design studio – is a thoroughly modern SUV. While it has rugged and substantial proportions, with a wide stance, it also feels modern and high-tech, with signature LED lights, and Honda’s new lowercase-letter badge, which will be used on all of the brand’s electric vehicles. Excellent aerodynamic efficiency comes from attention to the smallest details, such as the curve of the Prologue’s rear spoiler, the surfaces of its wheels, and the sculpting of the smooth underbody, which you won’t ever see. All told, the aerodynamic refinements reduce vortices from the body and minimize its wake – not only improving range, but also making the Prologue very quiet and refined at speed.
The 2024 Honda Prologue arrives in dealerships this spring and is available to order now from Honda dealerships across the U.S.
