What Is the Honda Prologue?
The 2024 Honda Prologue is an all-new battery-electric mid-sized SUV. It is Honda’s first mass-production EV for sale in North America. The aptly named Prologue signals the start of Honda’s transition into a completely zero-emissions model lineup by 2040, soon to be joined by the Acura ZDX.
The five-passenger Prologue is aimed at growing families, people with outdoor hobbies, and those who would otherwise be interested in an SUV like the mid-sized Honda Passport. The Honda Prologue has the longest wheelbase in its class, a trend amongst the latest crop of EVs but also a by-product of having a large battery under the floor. It’s eight inches longer and about five inches wider than a CR-V and is similar in size to the Passport. The Prologue should cover the bases of what most families might be looking for, both size-wise and in terms of features.
Its style is unmistakably Honda, with a pleasant rounded shape, a familiar face, and a new “Honda” script on the tailgate instead of a Honda badge, which is a first for the company and the start of a new design direction. Expect to see that script on other models in the future.
What Cars Does the Honda Prologue Compete With?
The Prologue is going up against some stiff competition, as it’s entering into a popular segment within the EV market brimming with options. The Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Polestar 2 are all great EVs and have enjoyed a head start on the Prologue. On the other hand, Honda is very good at making cars fun to drive, each with its own personality, which has helped it develop a loyal fan base over the years.
How Much Power and Range Does It Have?
Canada will only get the dual-motor models, which means all Prologues will be all-wheel drive. One permanent-magnet electric motor on each axle produces a combined 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. This puts it on the lower end of the spectrum. It has more power than the Toyota bZ4x, but not as much as the Ioniq 5 and Polestar 2 in all-wheel drive trim.
The Prologue has an 85-kWh battery good for up to 450 km of driving range in ideal conditions. Weather and driving style have a big impact on range, something to bear in mind.
How Fast Does It Charge?
Hooked up to a Level 3 DC fast charger, the Prologue can add over 100 km in 10 minutes. The max charging speed is rated at 155 kW. This is considered mid-pack among its competitors. An 11.5-kW home charger is available as well.
What’s the Interior Like?
The Prologue shares its interior design language with the newest Hondas on sale today, like the CR-V, Civic, and new Pilot. An 11.1-inch driver’s display and an 11.3-inch centre infotainment screen are standard equipment and run on Google built-in, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. This is the first Honda SUV to feature the system, which has only been used on the Accord so far.
From my two minutes sitting in the driver’s seat, I felt instantly familiar with all the controls. The Civic and CR-V have some of the most well-designed and easy-to-use interior layouts and feature large tactile knobs and buttons, which lowers the dependency of having to use the touchscreen for everything. It’s nice to see this in the EV space since most automakers decide to go high-tech and minimal with EV interiors at the expense of ergonomics and ease of use.
The materials feel good, with a typical tight Honda fit and finish. There’s a nice big space on the centre console to rest two smartphones side by side and a drop-in wireless phone charger near the armrest. Rear set legroom is generous for my 6-foot frame and long legs, and Honda’s claim of the Prologue being able to comfortably accommodate five people seems fair. And according to Honda, the Prologue will benefit from fast and secure over-the-air updates.
Is It Safe?
Honda is targeting Top Safety Pick + and NHTSA 5-star ratings, the highest in the industry. Honda’s suite of passive and active safety and driving aids is, of course, standard equipment, including automatic emergency rear cross-traffic braking, which can detect an approaching vehicle from behind and automatically brake to prevent a collision.
Is It Good Off-Road?
While it’s not a rugged, off-road-focused rig, the Prologue has good ground clearance and all-wheel drive, so it should have no issue with light unpaved and gravel roads. It will get most people where they need to go; through a light trail to the cottage, perhaps, but it’s not built to crawl over boulders.
Will It Carry All My Stuff?
The Prologue has less cargo space than a Passport because batteries take up space. There are 714 litres with the 60/40-split rear seats in place, which expands to 1,634 litres with the seats folded down; there's also a small compartment under the cargo floor with another 14 litres of space. It will still easily swallow a week’s worth of luggage for a cottage trip and the dog. Plus, a hands-free power tailgate comes standard on higher trim levels.
Where Can I Find a Charger?
Any public Level 2 or Level 3 DC fast charger can be used, provided it has an SAE combo cable. Honda has also entered a joint venture with six major automakers to develop North America’s leading brand-neutral network of fast chargers. It is expected to begin operation in 2024 and is targeting 30,000 charge points at 1,350 charging stations by 2030. The rollout will start in the U.S. next year, with Canada expected to follow suit shortly after.
When Is the 2024 Honda Prologue Going on Sale in Canada?
Customers can place their orders now and expect deliveries in the first quarter of 2024. Honda was tight-lipped on production numbers and waiting lists, but rest assured that like all new EVs today, it’s prudent to secure an allocation early in order to avoid disappointment.
You may also like
