Underneath the iconic H-badge, the 2024 Honda Prologue carries a surprising secret. It’s built upon General Motors’ Ultium platform, actually becoming the most popular EV utilizing this technology, outselling the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV in its debut year. While some may consider it a transitional model, the Prologue has quickly become a sales success for Honda, even surpassing its gasoline-powered sibling, the Honda Passport, in US sales last year.
However, relying on another manufacturer’s engineering raises questions. Can a vehicle built on a borrowed platform truly meet the high standards expected of Honda’s in-house developed vehicles? Could this partnership impact customer perception and potentially tarnish Honda’s reputation? The crucial question is: has General Motors delivered a solid foundation capable of attracting and satisfying loyal Honda customers? Let’s delve into a detailed review to find out.
Honda Prologue 2024: The Basics
Battery Pack: 85 kWh net capacity lithium-ion
Drivetrain: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Power Output: 288 horsepower, 333 lb-ft of torque
EPA-Estimated Range: 273 miles (439 km)
DC Fast Charging Peak: 155 kW
Vehicle Type: Five-door midsize electric crossover SUV
Starting MSRP: $48,850 (including destination charges)
Price as Tested: $59,805 (including destination charges)
The Genesis of the Honda Prologue: Why Does It Exist?
The Honda Prologue’s existence is rooted in Honda’s urgent need to enter the North American EV market. Faced with the rapidly growing demand for electric vehicles, Honda strategically partnered with General Motors, who already possessed a viable EV platform. Effectively, Honda commissioned GM to provide the underlying technology, while Honda focused on design and branding to create the Prologue. This isn’t the first collaboration between Honda and GM; past ventures include Honda engines in Saturn vehicles and rebadged Isuzu SUVs as Honda Passports. However, the Prologue marks a significant milestone as the first Honda vehicle built upon GM’s core mechanical components, making it a particularly intriguing case study in automotive partnerships.
Exterior Design: A Distinct Honda Identity
Approaching the Honda Prologue, the exterior design immediately impresses. Honda’s design team has successfully crafted a visual identity that is distinctly Honda, effectively differentiating it from its GM platform siblings like the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV. The Prologue boasts a clean and refined aesthetic, characterized by a straightforward front fascia, conventional door handles, and subtle body lines. In an era of often-exaggerated vehicle styling, the Prologue’s understated elegance can be seen as a refreshing and sophisticated approach.
Compared to competitors, the Prologue is surprisingly spacious, exceeding the Ford Mustang Mach-E in length and width. The large 21-inch alloy wheels on the top-tier trim complement the vehicle’s proportions, creating a balanced and visually appealing stance.
Driving Experience: Smooth Power Delivery, Questionable Ride
In its dual-motor AWD configuration, the Honda Prologue delivers a respectable 333 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving. One of the hallmark characteristics of EVs – instant torque – is managed effectively in the Prologue. In standard driving modes, the acceleration is smooth and controlled, minimizing the abruptness often associated with EVs, which can be appreciated by passengers. However, selecting Sport mode unleashes the full torque for more spirited driving. The Prologue also excels in cabin quietness, effectively suppressing wind and road noise, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The steering, while not offering extensive feedback, provides a confident on-center feel, making highway driving less tiring.
While the powertrain is commendable, the ride quality of the Prologue is a point of concern. The suspension exhibits a busy nature, transmitting road imperfections and making occupants aware of every minor bump and crack in the pavement. Despite this busy ride, body control over larger undulations like expansion joints is not exceptionally well-managed for a vehicle weighing over 5,200 lbs. Additionally, the steering exhibits a slight reluctance to self-center quickly after low-speed turns, possibly due to the wide 275-section tires. On a positive note, the braking system feels natural, with a well-integrated blend of regenerative and friction braking, resulting in consistent pedal feel. However, the vehicle’s weight should be considered when anticipating stopping distances.
Another aspect impacting the driving experience is outward visibility. The rear window offers a limited view, reminiscent of sporty coupes. The high dashboard and blunt front end can create forward blind spots, particularly for shorter drivers, and the thick A-pillars further restrict visibility. Combined with the sensation of its weight, the Honda Prologue can feel larger and less nimble than its midsize crossover classification might suggest, which could be a drawback for drivers seeking an easy-to-maneuver vehicle.
Interior and Cabin Quality: Style with Compromises
The refined exterior design language carries over to the interior of the Honda Prologue. The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, with a low profile that enhances the sense of spaciousness. The placement of the central air vents is well-considered for both driver and passenger comfort. Honda has also integrated physical controls for climate functions, a welcome departure from the over-reliance on touchscreens seen in some GM EVs, making adjustments more intuitive and less distracting while driving.
However, the interior is not without its shortcomings. The driving position is less than ideal; the wide, flat seats, combined with limited steering column rake adjustment and a somewhat distant dead pedal, can create a sense of reach for the controls. Despite the Prologue’s larger exterior dimensions compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, the interior space doesn’t proportionally reflect this. Rear hip room is only marginally greater than these competitors, and rear legroom is matched by the Ioniq 5, while front legroom is actually less. This raises questions about the efficient utilization of the vehicle’s overall footprint.
The most significant drawback of the interior is the perceived quality of materials. Certain elements, such as the steering column stalks, feel flimsy, and some plastic trim pieces appear to be of a lower grade than typically expected in a Honda vehicle. The center console stands out as particularly underwhelming, with cheap and scratchy plastics. The second row also exhibits a noticeable decline in material quality compared to the front, which is increasingly uncommon in modern vehicles where consistent material quality throughout the cabin is expected. While cost-conscious materials might be acceptable in an entry-level vehicle, the Prologue’s price point does not align with this level of interior finish. Furthermore, the test vehicle exhibited fit-and-finish issues, including exposed adhesive on the headliner and misaligned console panels, along with mechanical noises and electronic glitches, further detracting from the overall impression of quality.
Technology and Features: A Mixed Bag
As a top-trim electric crossover, the Honda Prologue Elite is equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. The inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a significant advantage over many GM EVs, enhancing smartphone integration. However, the test vehicle experienced frequent Apple CarPlay dropouts, indicating potential software or connectivity issues. Some driver interface design choices are also questionable, such as relocating the headlight switch to the infotainment system. The vehicle status screen within the infotainment system offers limited functionality, primarily displaying charging information, energy consumption, and tire pressures, lacking broader vehicle health or diagnostic data.
The digital instrument cluster offers multiple display layouts, but none provide a readily accessible numerical state-of-charge percentage while driving. The battery gauge is marked in large 50% increments, requiring reliance on the guess-o-meter for precise charge level. While a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, and a hands-free power liftgate are present, the 12-speaker Bose audio system is unremarkable, delivering adequate but not exceptional sound quality. Overall, the technology package is comprehensive but lacks polish and user-centric design in certain areas.
Key Takeaways: 2024 Honda Prologue
- GM Platform Underpinnings: The 2024 Honda Prologue is built by General Motors, a crucial factor to consider regarding its engineering and component sourcing.
- Noticeable GM Influence: The GM origins are evident in various aspects of the vehicle, from certain interior materials to some electronic interface choices.
- Inconsistent State-of-Charge Display: The vehicle lacks a clear and readily visible numerical state-of-charge percentage while in operation, a surprising omission in a modern EV.
Fulfillment of Purpose: Stepping Stone or Segment Leader?
The Honda Prologue’s success in fulfilling its intended purpose is dependent on how that purpose is defined. As a means for Honda to meet regulatory requirements and gain a foothold in the EV market ahead of its in-house EV development, the Prologue is undoubtedly achieving its goal. However, in terms of disrupting the electric crossover segment and establishing itself as a class leader, the Prologue falls short. Competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-E present a more refined and compelling overall package. Reports of early ownership issues are also uncharacteristic of Honda’s reputation for reliability. While a somewhat compromised electric crossover might be justifiable at a lower price point, the Prologue is positioned as a premium offering. The tested model’s price significantly exceeds a comparable Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD, while a similarly priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited AWD offers superior charging speeds, more features, a more distinctive design, and a higher-quality interior. At its current price, the Honda Prologue struggles to present a strong value proposition, and its long-term prospects remain uncertain as Honda prepares to launch its own dedicated EVs in the near future.
Final Verdict: A Prologue Worth Considering?
Unless you can secure a highly advantageous lease deal, the 2024 Honda Prologue may be an EV to skip. It serves as a transitional model for Honda, but in a competitive EV market, it faces significant challenges in justifying its price and overall value against more compelling rivals.
