Honda's first fully electric SUV enters the chat
The electric vehicle space is consistently growing larger and larger, with new offerings seemingly coming to market daily. That now includes Honda, who has gotten into the fully electric SUV world in a big way.
The brand’s first fully electric SUV -- the 2024 Prologue -- has arrived at Hendrick Automotive Group Honda dealerships throughout the country … and they are flying off showroom floors, as one might expect. With nearly 300 miles of range in two-wheel drive mode, cutting-edge technology and value-for-money pricing, it is hard not to think it may be a game changer.
“This Prologue is the start of the future,” said Tom Teiro, sales & leasing consultant, Honda of Concord (North Carolina). “We have so many guests inquiring about this vehicle. The first one we (received) sold within an hour of it arriving. The second one was 45 minutes. We had a list of 100+ people who were interested in the vehicle as soon as they announced it. Nationally, (Honda) has had more than 15,000 people inquire about the Honda Prologue.”
Introducing Honda’s Newest EV
The introductory Prologue comes in three different trims: EX, Touring and Elite. All three have dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems available, while the EX and Touring offer a standard, 85-kilowatt single-motor front-wheel drive powertrain for those wanting extended range.
Did you know? The Ultium battery pack used in the Prologue also powers the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both manufacturers collaborated in the production and componentry of their respective SUV offerings.
The single electric motor produces 212 horsepower and has a “best in class” range of 296 miles under full charge. In the available four-wheel option, horsepower bumps to 288 at 333-foot pounds of torque with a travel range of 281 miles on full charge. Each model comes with regenerative braking, re-energizing the battery when stopping.
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Additional standard features on all three include multi-link front and rear suspension, electric power steering and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Front and rear stabilizers, ventilated front disc and solid rear brakes are also standard items, while 19-inch all season wheels also come with the EX and Touring packages.
At the high end, the AWD Elite trim comes standard with dual-motor drivetrain and “Sport” performance drive mode. It also offers Honda’s largest wheel package yet, as its 21-inch alloys make a bold and rugged statement. These highly engineered wheels are also the only ones in the lineup that self-seal when minor mishaps occur.
The other big item the Prologue has is navigation aimed at limiting range anxiety, plotting the distance to charging stations available throughout the U.S. It is the largest network of stations currently available to any automaker, which extends to the Tesla charging network starting in 2025. Additionally, if your choice is a fast-charging station, the Prologue automatically prepares the batteries to charge in that environment.
“Everyone can use this,” Teiro said. “They are also providing different charging station methods to make it more convenient. It’s more comfortable for the customer to find a charging station.”
A Bose premium, 12-speaker sound system is available in both the Touring and Elite trims, as a six-speaker audio system comes standard in the EX. All three also have SiriusXM Satellite radio available with a subscription as well.
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Size Matters
Familiar to long-standing Honda customers, the Prologue sits just above the CR-V from a size perspective, and is similar in alignment dimensionally to the brand’s more traditional gas-powered Passport model. Both the Passport and Prologue are space leaders in their respecting mid-size categories, and comfortable enough to transport five adult passengers with ease.
“The versatility is great and the size is perfect and the drive is comfortable and quiet,” Teiro said. “It is a little bit longer than the CR-V by 7 inches, and about five inches wider. It's three inches longer than the Honda Passport.”
Did You Know? The Honda Prologue is eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit on the purchase of a new EV. That includes purchase or lease.
The 2024 Prologue has just over 57 cubic feet of cargo space available with both rear seats folded, and up to 25.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which are split 60/40 for added versatility. Storage includes a wireless dual phone-charging tray, a large storage bin and five feet of lower storage area in the rear.
If you are into open-air motoring, an available panoramic moonroof spans the entire greenhouse of the car, allowing every passenger to enjoy the fresh air and picturesque scenery.
Honda Sensing
Honda’s innovative approach to safety has long been a staple of the brand. The Honda Sensing Suite only bolsters that reputation, with its numerous assistance features for both driver and passengers. The system is a series of innovative driver assists that help drivers avoid trouble or limit damage if impact is unavoidable.
The Sensing Suite in the Prologue is especially impressive: automatic emergency braking; forward collision alert; front-pedestrian braking; lane-keep assist; adaptive cruise control; side blind-zone alert; lane change alert; rear cross-traffic alert; rear cross-traffic braking; blind-zone steering assist; traffic sign recognition (On-Star package); reverse automatic braking; rear-park assist; auto high-beam headlights; LED daytime running lights; anti-lock brakes and tire-pressure monitoring.
“One of the technologies I really like is the blind spot steering,” Teiro said. “Previously, it would indicate if a car to the right or the left was passing you. This (new) feature also steers you back into your lane. (Honda) also added a pedestrian alert (that) shows you where the person is (in relation to the vehicle). It also has braking, if you are backing up and somebody is there, it brakes the vehicle for you.”
Airbag systems are also located throughout the Prologue with front, driver and passenger knee bags, front side and side curtain airbags all active, along with 3-point harness seating in the front and back. A seatbelt reminder for all passenger positions as well.
Elite Status
Honda designers were keen on making its Prologue Elite standout among the competition. With seven exterior colors to choose, the top-end trim also adds a few distinctive touches to the mix including heated gloss black power side mirrors and trim, and welcome lights on the side view mirrors and rear-bumper kick sensor.
Inside the vehicle, Honda paired a 7-inch heads up display with its standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch, color touchscreen infotainment center. The Elite also offers ventilated heated and cooled leather-trimmed front seats and a 110-volt power outlet for second-row passengers.
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Charging Options
One of the key aspects of the Prologue’s introduction is helping consumers overcome what’s been commonly referred to as “range anxiety.”
It starts with 296 miles of range in the single-motor Prologues, as well as the aforementioned navigation system that outlines every location and type of charging station available on your route. A number that expands in 2025 when Honda’s partnership with Tesla initiates.
Did You Know? While charging to 100% capacity is available, it may not be the most optimal way to use your new Prologue. With the vehicle’s battery regeneration system, charging your vehicle to 80% capacity during daily use is the suggestion. It allows the recovery system under braking to work in its most efficient manner.
However, that is just the beginning of what Honda has available. With every Prologue purchase, the buyer also has three different charging options they can choose.
Honda Home Electrification: The first and most efficient option is the Honda Home Electrification package. Customers receive a $500 installation credit from Honda to install a Level 2 home charging station. The station charges at a rate of 34.1 miles per hour, taking approximately nine hours for a full charge. The suggested 80% charge takes less time and gives drivers 283 miles of range. Customers also receive a $100 credit to utilize public fast charging stations.
Honda Portable Charging Kit: The portable charging kit and carrying bag comes with two 25-foot charging cords, one for standard 120-volt (3.7 range miles per hour) outlets and a second for 240-volt appliance outlets (23.1 range miles per hour). Along with the kit, Honda gives customers a $250 Honda Home Electrification credit and a $300 public fast charging station credit.
Public Fast Charge Option: For those who choose this option, your Prologue will charge to 80% capacity in approximately 35 minutes at any fast-charging station throughout the country. If you are tight on time and only have 10 minutes to charge, you can add 65 miles in the two-wheel drive or 62 miles in AWD versions. Honda also provides customers with a $750 public charging credit. As noted earlier, charging station options increase with Tesla’s North American Charging System being available to Honda EV drivers.
For those in search of their first – or next – EV experience, take a long look at the new Honda Prologue. It may offer consumers the best of all worlds.
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