Honda’s New EV Provides a Prologue of Great Things to Come

Honda’s measured approach to the EV market is now paying dividends with the debut of the new 2024 Honda Prologue. The all-electric Honda Prologue stands out for its range, charging speed, and advanced interior tech, not to mention its long list of standard safety features and advanced driver-assistance systems. Available with either a single motor that provides 212 horsepower or a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup that offers 288 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, the Prologue provides a unique fusion of performance, efficiency, comfort, and utility that makes it hard to ignore when you’re in the market for a new crossover EV.

The Prologue has a unique history when compared to the average Honda model. Built in partnership with General Motors, the midsize crossover rides on the same platform as the Chevy Blazer EV, Cadillac LYRIQ, and Acura ZDX while still retaining all those thoughtful touches that make a Honda a Honda. The partnership not only allows Honda to take advantage of GM’s experience in the EV segment but also has a huge impact on the Prologue’s price. Thanks to the fact that it was produced in the United States and sports an Ultium battery pack, the new SUV is the only Honda model that qualifies for the $7,500 EV tax credit.^[a]

This helpful incentive allows the Prologue to better compete with some of its domestic rivals and should make the new EV a more practical choice for those looking to make the jump to an all-electric vehicle without breaking the bank. There’s a lot to love about the new 2024 Honda Prologue, but we’ve managed to narrow it down to four areas that are sure to win you over when you stop by Ralph Honda in search of your next vehicle. Let’s explore some of the highlights of this exciting new EV and learn how the Prologue is poised to dominate the midsize segment.

Performance stats aside, an EV is always going to be measured first and foremost by its range and charging time. An all-electric vehicle might offer unparalleled efficiency and an environmentally friendly ride, but if you’re constantly stopping to top off the battery, it’s hard to make an argument for the next-gen powertrain. Honda has engineered around this common concern, outfitting the Prologue with an impressive 85 kWh battery pack that gives the SUV an EPA-estimated range of up to 296 miles.^[b] The AWD-equipped EX and Touring trims relinquish some of that range in exchange for providing a sportier ride, but the difference is pretty small.

That’s a marked improvement over competitors like the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, which offers an all-electric range of 279 miles when equipped with the same 85 kWh battery. When the battery starts to run low, drivers can use a public DC fast charger to juice up at a max rate of 150 kW. That sort of connection can add about 65 miles of range in 10 minutes, though the exact rate depends on a number of factors. It can be tough to contextualize just how efficient today’s EVs are, but a little data goes a long way toward justifying the investment. The 2024 Prologue offers an EPA-estimated 107 MPGe in the city and 91 MPGe on the highway, two numbers that prove just how much potential this new generation of all-electric vehicles has to offer.^[c]

Anxiety around charging, range, and battery life is often cited as one of the primary hurdles in the widespread adoption of EVs, but Honda is helping to ease the transition to the all-electric future with a comprehensive charging package that comes standard with every 2024 Prologue. From free charging equipment and funds to cover the installation to a generous credit that’ll give you access to America’s largest public fast charging network, the package provides drivers with everything they need to embrace a new era of EV technology. However, Honda knows that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a driver’s charging needs, which is why it offers three distinct options.

• Option A includes a free Level 2 home charging station, a $500 installation credit, and a $100 credit at public charging stations through the HondaLink app.
• Option B switches out the Level 2 home charging station for a portable charging kit and a $250 home charger installation credit but ups the public charging credit to $300.
• Option C is for you if your home already has a home charging station. This eliminates the charging equipment and installation credit in favor of a $750 public charging credit.

Honda even helps drivers locate reliable local installers in their area through the Honda Home Electrification marketplace. Simply punch in your zip code, and you’ll be provided with a roster of experienced professionals, not to mention one-on-one support from Honda’s team of Energy Advisors who can help to address any questions you might have about the installation process, rebates, incentives and other programs that can help to defray the cost of a new EV.

The Prologue’s electric powertrain isn’t the only bit of advanced technology that makes the SUV such a compelling choice. Honda has graced the interior with a sizable suite of safety, connectivity, and infotainment features that immediately set the new midsize model apart from a value perspective. The centerpiece of the tech-heavy cabin would have to be the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which serves as a convenient command center for the Prologue’s arsenal of cutting-edge features.

Do you want to access some of your favorite smartphone-based apps without having to fumble with your device as you cruise down the highway? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are here to help, allowing drivers to take advantage of turn-by-turn GPS directions, make calls and send texts, stream some tunes, or catch up on the latest best-selling audiobook. The Prologue’s standard dashboard navigation system will come in handy when you’re suffering from spotting smartphone coverage, giving drivers a chance to navigate through unfamiliar territory no matter how far away the nearest cell tower might be. The SUV’s upper trims are packed with plenty of premium features, from an integrated head-up display to a 12-speaker Bose stereo system that provides a high-fidelity listening experience as you go about your daily drive.

The 2024 Prologue is also a standout in terms of safety, integrating a full complement of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that help to ensure a safe, stress-free ride. Every trim comes standard with Honda Sensing, an ADAS package that includes a comprehensive collection of helpful features. These ADAS offerings aren’t that rare in today’s market, but the Prologue is notable for how many features are included with the standard package. From Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to Automatic Emergency Braking with Front Pedestrian Braking and even a clever Traffic Sign Recognition feature that’ll help keep you within the posted speed limit, Honda Sensing might just be one of the industry’s most well-rounded ADAS packages.

The Prologue certainly looks to have been worth the wait, with Honda crafting a versatile vehicle that emphasizes everything there is to love about the brand while integrating the latest EV technology. The midsize SUV offers an energetic, responsive ride, a modern interior, and a host of ingenious features that make the long-awaited Prologue an immediate contender in the hotly contested category. In addition to its impressive efficiency and long list of performance, tech, and safety features, the Prologue also happens to be competitively priced.

With a starting price of $47,400, the 2024 Prologue is an attractive option in the current EV market.^[d] Add in the fact that the SUV is eligible for the lucrative $7,500 federal tax credit, and you could be driving off the lot in a 2024 Prologue for around $40,000. ^[a] Honda’s complimentary charging packages also help ease the transition to the all-electric lifestyle, providing home charging solutions and charging credits that can allow a driver to achieve true energy independence. The Prologue might only represent the start of Honda’s EV journey, but it sure looks like a sign of good things to come.