Initial Impressions: The 2024 Honda Prologue EV marks a significant step forward
Honda’s Prologue emerges as the brand’s inaugural EV aimed at the general consumer market. Thankfully, its debut appears to be more logical now than it would have seemed just a few months earlier.
In a significant move last month, the corporation unveiled a pair of striking Honda electric vehicle prototypes, showcasing what’s to come with their Zero Series lineup slated for a 2026 debut. These concepts represent a bold departure from traditional design, eschewing any nods to the past in favor of a fresh, groundbreaking aesthetic. These innovative designs signal Honda’s focus on revolutionizing the American automotive landscape.
Compared to those models, the Prologue comes across as more traditional, and it doesn’t bear a strong resemblance or vibe to what we typically associate with Honda—be it a current, mainstream model such as the Accord or CR-V, or a vehicle that carries the futuristic styling and unique control features of the previous Clarity Electric or the Honda E, which was aimed at the European market.
Viewed through this perspective, the Prologue’s role is clear. It’s not about outshining competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with a more tech-forward style, surpassing the Kia EV6 GT’s dynamic driving capabilities, or undercutting the Volkswagen ID.4’s price point. It’s not aimed at pulling customers away from those manufacturers. Rather, its purpose is to retain current Honda devotees, preventing them from switching to rival brands, and to gently introduce them to electric vehicles in preparation for the arrival of more prominent electric models.
Dealers might also find comfort in the fact that the Prologue serves as a transitional phase, as it doesn’t entirely revolutionize the car for the electric vehicle age just yet.
Upcoming 2024 Honda Pro
Introduction: The Paradox of the Prologue’s Identity
Regarding the aesthetic aspect, the Prologue indeed embodies Honda’s design language while also diverging from the traditional Honda blueprint. In automotive terms, it’s considered a „top hat,“ a term used to describe a body placed atop a predetermined set of structural points, in this case, defined by GM. It’s essentially a custom body design draped over GM’s Ultium powertrain system, with an underlying vehicle structure that closely resembles the Chevy Blazer EV’s setup.
During a day spent journeying with the Prologue across the diverse landscapes of Northern California, from expansive freeways to the rolling routes of vineyards, and serpentine rural lanes, it became clear that the Prologue avoids any significant blunders. Moreover, its operation, whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, feels familiar and won’t appear outlandish to a variety of people, including your mother, a colleague, or the neighbor who’s newly considering electric vehicles.
2024 Model of Honda Prologue
For individuals who haven’t been keeping up with the latest Cybertruck updates and are curious about Juniper’s debut, the Prologue could be the perfect blend of fresh and familiar. It features traditional door handles that make a solid sound when shut. The vehicle starts at the push of a button and has a shift lever on the steering column. The climate controls are tactile, with buttons and knobs, and the air vents can be manually adjusted. The essential controls are intuitive and easy to get used to. I was able to quickly adjust the seats and mirrors and connect my iPhone to use wireless CarPlay in under a minute.
Introductory capabilities in terms of energy, distance, and performance
The base models of the Prologue are equipped with a single permanent-magnet motor situated at the front, producing 232 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel-drive Prologues, however, feature a pair of motors that generate a combined 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, matching certain variants of the Chevy Blazer EV. However, unlike the Chevy’s rear induction motor, Honda’s Prologue opts for a permanent magnet motor in the back. This could potentially enhance the vehicle’s regenerative braking efficiency, as the onboard display indicated instances of nearly 170 kW during use.
Every version of the Prologue comes equipped with a battery pack that has a gross capacity of 85 kilowatt-hours. According to the EPA’s range assessments, the single-motor models with front-wheel drive can cover 296 miles, while the majority of the dual-motor models with all-wheel drive have a slightly reduced range of 281 miles. The highest-tier Elite AWD model that I had the opportunity to test drive offers a slightly diminished range of 273 miles, primarily attributable to its sizeable 21-inch wheels.
2024 Honda Prologue Redes
During a roughly three-hour journey that spanned approximately 120 miles across varied elevations, with a focus on testing the Prologue’s capabilities, we maintained an average efficiency of 2.9 miles per kilowatt-hour. This indicates that the Prologue can comfortably exceed 200 miles on a single charge, even under such conditions. The weather was clear with temperatures in the 60s.
The introduction model, like many electric vehicles, is quite hefty. The heaviest Elite AWD variant that I tested tips the scales at 5,273 pounds according to the official figures. It’s at its best on highways, where its lengthy steering ratio and solid yet responsive handling make even the most sudden lane switches feel natural. Conversely, when traversing the uneven terrain of rural roads, the vehicle appeared overwhelmed. Despite gentle steering, the combination of its front and rear multi-link suspension system struggled to manage its significant mass. This was not aided by a weight distribution that leans more towards the front, at 54/46 for the AWD – the most balanced in the range – which does little to mitigate a sensation of lurching. Furthermore, the almost total absence of lateral support in the front seats does little to stabilize passengers.
2024 Honda Prologue becomes the
2024 Honda Prologue becomes
2024 Model of the Honda Pro
The 2024 Honda Prologue boasts an impressive amount of space within the cabin, especially when it comes to legroom both in the front and back seats, along with wide door openings and a seat height that facilitates smooth ingress and egress. However, the rear headroom is somewhat compromised, particularly at the sides, due to the casing for the large sunroof encroaching on the space. This problem doesn’t exist in the standard EX models, which lack the sunroof, making them a better option if you need to accommodate taller passengers in the rear.
The storage area is quite spacious, offering 25.2 cubic feet of room when the back seats are in use, along with an additional 5.0 cubic feet in a lower compartment. The loading area is easily accessible due to its low lift height, and the back seats can be easily reclined or returned to position with just one hand.
Upcoming 2024 Honda Pro
Upon observing from a distance, the vehicle’s design lacks any jarring lines or edges. Viewing it from the side reveals a well-balanced silhouette, and from behind, the Prologue boasts a unique appearance. Approaching from the front, it presents a smooth, sedan-esque posture, with its safety sensors discreetly integrated into a flat panel in lieu of a traditional grille.
The Prologue vehicle is equipped with a feature similar to the Blazer EV, which is the ability to drive using a single pedal. This is achieved through its three settings for regenerative braking which are: off, which provides a slight deceleration; normal, offering a standard level of regenerative braking; and high, which delivers an intense regeneration effect that slows the car down quickly enough to be considered a one-pedal driving experience – though drivers will need to intervene for complete stops. Additionally, drivers can switch between these settings using a paddle located behind the steering wheel, and there’s an auto-hold function that prevents the car from moving forward when the brake pedal is released. It should be noted that only the highest trim, the Elite, comes with a Sport mode that modifies throttle response, increases regenerative braking, alters the steering feel, and includes an optional engine noise feature.
2024 Honda Prologue becomes
Certainly, there are a few peculiar features. Notably, the only way to adjust the headlights and the modes for regenerative braking is through selecting an icon located in the upper section of the infotainment display.
The introductory system for entertainment and information in the Prologue could be improved with a more streamlined interface, as currently accessing different settings requires navigating from the main screen to additional menus. However, early feedback suggests the system operates swiftly, lacking the temporary hiccups observed in the Blazer EV by Green Car Reports or the more significant issues reported by some users and media sources. Additionally, it is equipped with compatibility for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2024 Model of the Honda Pro
The introductory section highlights Prologue’s integration with Google for navigation and readiness. Prologue’s system, similar to GM’s, is based on the Android Automotive OS and incorporates essential Google applications like Maps, Assistant, and Play Store directly into the car. It enables journey mapping using Google’s database of charging stations and constantly checks the car’s battery level during travel.
The Prologue differs from the Chevy Blazer EV in that it lacks a manual button to initiate preconditioning; this function is solely triggered when the vehicle is programmed to charge, as stated by Honda to Green Car Reports. Honda also highlighted that their approach to the software diverged from that of GM during a specific phase in the development of the system, ensuring that the issues plaguing the Blazer EV’s interface have no impact on the Prologue.
The introduction to the Prologue reveals charging capabilities that may not be the best for long-distance travel, and Honda suggested we avoid attempting it—mainly because three of the four plugs at the closest Electrify America station were out of order during our visit. The vehicle’s DC fast-charging can reach a maximum of 150 kw, enabling a 20-80% battery boost in roughly 35 minutes. Considering this represents 60% of the total battery life, it translates to around a couple of hours of driving at 70 mph before needing a quick half-hour recharge, unless conditions are less than favorable. However, on a positive note, the Prologue is equipped with an 11.5 kw onboard charger that supports a complete overnight charge at home, given you have the right setup.
2024 Honda Prologue Model
Eligibility for the $7,500 tax credit comes into play with the Prologue. The base model of the Prologue, equipped with a single motor and front-wheel drive, is priced at $48,795; this includes a $1,395 fee for delivery. This model comes with a comprehensive suite of technology features, along with extras like wi-fi, heated seats in the front, a driver’s seat with 10 different power adjustments, and an automatic climate control system that maintains two different zones. The price for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant begins at $51,795, and it presents itself as potentially the most cost-effective option in the series. The Touring versions, which are a step up, are tagged at $53,095 for the front-wheel drive and $56,095 for the all-wheel drive, adding luxuries such as an expansive sunroof, a high-quality Bose sound system, seats that remember your preferred settings, and enhanced interior detailing.
The Elite AWD model I tested, with a price tag of $59,295, comes with upgraded features including 21-inch wheels, perforated leather seats with decorative stitching, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated seats in the front. However, it appears that the Prologue is inching towards the same space as competitors like the Kia EV9, the Cadillac Lyriq, high-performance Chevy Blazer EV variants, or the Acura ZDX, to name a few.
The introduction model should qualify for the complete electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500, and it is anticipated that the majority, if not all, of those versions will also be eligible.
2024 Model of Honda Prologue
Is there a possibility that GM might face challenges in manufacturing a sufficient number of units?
Additionally, there’s a significant concern. Honda is banking on GM to produce 40,000 Prologue units annually, beginning this year, with hopes to increase that number to 70,000 every year. Honda believes there’s a market for these vehicles. Yet, given GM’s difficulties in increasing electric vehicle production despite high demand, Honda’s worries may be justified.
After my initial viewing of the Prologue in September, I concluded that this electric vehicle is precisely what it should be—a mainstream endeavor, unlike the specialized Toyota bZ4X. Having spent additional time with the Prologue and having had the opportunity to drive it, I am certain that Honda’s strategy will effectively attract those interested in electric vehicles, including drivers of the Accord, CR-V, or Passport, and potentially even some who drive the Camry or Highlander.
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