Advantages

1. Very quiet interior, akin to luxury vehicles
2. Attractive design
3. Excellent ride comfort

Disadvantages

1. Cargo space is less than larger models like the CR-V
2. Rear visibility is subpar
3. Door handle unlock feature can be annoying

As we cruise the highway at 70 mph, something becomes clear — the 2024 Honda Prologue’s standout feature is what it lacks. There’s impressively low wind and tire noise inside this electric SUV, making it hard to believe we’re in a Honda, given the brand’s history of noisier interiors. This vehicle is truly unlike any Honda before.

Built on the same platform as the Chevrolet Blazer EV, our 2024 SUV of the Year, the Prologue offers a fresh exterior design, enhanced driving experience, and updated software. Enthusiasts can await home-made EVs, or dive in now with the Prologue.

The progress Honda has made in the electric vehicle market is evident by comparing the new Prologue to their older Clarity sedan, which had only 89 miles of range before production ended in 2019. However, we have a few ideas to improve the Prologue further.

Does the Prologue feel like a true Honda?

Although it wears a Honda badge, it’s important to note that the Prologue features General Motors’ electric vehicle technology. Honda assures that the Prologue is subject to the same rigorous quality controls as all its vehicles, a promising start. However, the real test will come with the Prologue’s long-term reliability.

Currently, we find the ride quality of this midsize SUV to be surprisingly good, even with the stylish 21-inch wheels that come on the high-end Elite trim. We’ve noted that the Prologue does not focus on sportiness, which is acceptable. Yet, we’d prefer a more responsive steering system for urban driving scenarios.

Performance and Weight Concerns

The single-motor Prologue models generate 212 hp, while our all-wheel-drive (AWD) dual-motor version boasts 288 hp, providing ample power for most drivers. However, it doesn’t offer the same immediate thrill as some rivals like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Prologue accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.0 seconds, which is similar to its dual-motor cousin, the Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD.

We can’t overlook Tesla’s influence. A dual-motor AWD Model Y is slightly smaller and less imposing than the Prologue, yet it feels spacious inside, marking it as a strong competitor. The same can be said for the Ioniq 5, which reaches 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with its AWD version, while a Model Y does so in 4.5 seconds.

In terms of braking, the Prologue performs adequately, stopping from 60 mph in 129 feet, comparable to the Blazer EV’s 131 feet, but not as impressive as the Ioniq 5’s 122 feet or the Model Y’s 118 feet, which is significantly lighter by 800 pounds than the Honda.

The Honda’s weight is a recurring theme in our evaluations. The typically fun-to-drive feel associated with many Hondas seems absent, though the Prologue does feature a smooth one-pedal driving mode that handles stops well. For those looking to test drive, look for the small icon at the top of the infotainment display to access the one-pedal driving settings. Pairing this system with the well-designed suspension results in a notably comfortable ride for commuters.

Range and Charging Speed Tested by MotorTrend

The Prologue excels in daily commuting, but it’s less impressive for long road trips.

When you’re on the move and can’t use home charging, fast public charging becomes essential. During our testing, the Honda achieved 85 miles of range in just 15 minutes, and 128 miles after 30 minutes.

For comparison, a 2022 Ioniq 5 AWD we evaluated added 141 and 200 miles after the same time intervals. The Model Y AWD also showed similar results, giving 118 miles in 15 minutes and 176 miles in 30.

Overall, the Honda’s fast-charging performance is only passable. However, if you have Level 2 home charging access, this won’t be a major issue regularly.

In our MT Road-Trip Range Test, where we measure how far an electric car can go at 70 mph using 95 percent of a fully charged battery, the Honda holds its ground. With a distance of 230 miles, it’s on par with the Model Y (229 miles) and surpasses the Ioniq 5 (216 miles).

On Honda’s website, you’ll find that the Prologue Elite has an EPA rating of 273 miles, covering both city and highway driving. This is slightly lower than the 281-mile rating for other AWD versions with smaller wheels. If you want to maximize the Prologue’s range, go for the single-motor FWD model, which boasts 296 miles. While impressive, remember that these models only generate 212 hp and won’t match the 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds offered by the dual-motor variant we tested.

Inside the Honda: A Mix of Great and Not-So-Great

The interior of the 2024 Prologue features a blend of delightful and questionable choices. We appreciate the plentiful storage options upfront, which can easily fit groceries or snacks. An open tray at the bottom of the center controls is convenient for quick exits from busy parking areas. There’s also a spacious storage spot under the armrests, perfect for sunglasses, along with more space beneath the center console.

The back seat offers decent space, but taller passengers may need to be cautious with their heads when entering models that have a glass roof. Overall, while the Prologue has a compact exterior, it doesn’t feel particularly roomy inside. In fact, the smaller Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 provide more cargo area than the longer Honda. Even the Blazer EV offers slightly increased storage capacity behind the rear seats. Despite the Prologue’s seemingly adequate cargo space, we’d prefer to have more room from a smaller vehicle.

Details That Need Improvement

While we can overlook the Prologue’s absence of actual metal honeycomb trim, which has become a signature element in new Hondas, some other interior elements left us pondering. The location of the parking brake button, which is situated by the driver’s left knee alongside the Sport button, doesn’t seem ideal. Additionally, a milder setting for the lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking features would be preferable.

Unlike other recent Hondas, the 2024 Prologue does not feature capacitive-touch door handles that can automatically detect the key fob in your pocket to unlock the doors. For this model (as well as the Blazer EV), you need to press a button to unlock, which isn’t as convenient. There were moments when we didn’t touch the button firmly enough, making it difficult to unlock the car.

Admiring the Honda’s Aesthetic

Step back for a moment to appreciate the sleek design of this Honda. To truly understand its appeal, it’s worth comparing it to other midsize electric SUVs on the same platform, like the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Acura ZDX, and Cadillac Lyriq — the Honda stands out with its straightforward and attractive looks, avoiding overly complicated details.

The Prologue’s exterior design is so well crafted that it makes a compelling case for consideration, especially given its higher price tag compared to the more compact yet roomy Ioniq 5 and Model Y. With a starting price of $48,795, our fully-equipped dual-motor test model came to around $60,000. However, when you consider that the Prologue offers the stature of a midsize SUV rather than just a smaller entry-level vehicle, its cost begins to feel more justified.

Purchasing a Prologue isn’t about opting for a simple, budget-friendly Honda electric vehicle. However, every Prologue manufactured after February 24 is eligible for the $7,500 point-of-sale tax credit. This vehicle is sophisticated, quiet, and offers a comfortable ride, though it does skimp on a few features that are typical in today’s top Hondas.

Ultimately, whether the Prologue aligns with your expectations of Honda is something to contemplate while enjoying the tranquility of its serene interior.