The 2024 Honda Prologue is unlike any other vehicle ever produced by the affordable Japanese manufacturer – and that is not only because it is an all-electric two-row midsize SUV. The new Prologue was co-developed with General Motors and shares the same platform and much of the technology with the new Chevy Blazer EV. Both also use the foundation of the new performance midsize SUV EVs offered by the company’s two luxury brands, the Acura ZDX and the Cadillac Lyriq.
In a week of test driving, I can testify the Prologue completely fulfills its role as one of the lowest priced and most practical family-oriented EVs. Like other Honda SUVs, it is handsomely styled, features an enormous amount of interior space, and offers a smooth ride over broken pavement and moderate off-road abilities with the optional dual motor all-wheel-drive versions. It also provides up to about 300 miles of range on a full charge, depending on the trim level, which is very respectable these days.
The 2024 Honda Prologue is also one of the few EVs of any kind that qualifies for the full federal $7,500 tax credit intended to encourage sales. More on that later.
I first drove a Prologue Elite AWD during Drive Revolution 2024, the most recent annual comparison of advanced and performance vehicles organized by Northwest Automotive Press Association. I admit it didn’t jump out at me at the time, especially compared to its performance-oriented ZDX Type S sibling and other more expensive EVs (like the half-million dollar 2024 Roll-Royce Spectre).
But after testing a similar Prologue Elite AWD over a week of daily driving, I have to say it’s a much more reasonable family vehicle than the others at Driver Revolution, especially considering the only cheaper one was the subcompact Fiat 500e. Although an increasing number of midsize SUVs are offering a third row of seats, two-row models provide much more leg room in their back seats, making them better for most families.
Fully understanding the current generation of EVs practically requires an advanced engineering degree, and the all-new Prologue is no exception. It is available with choices of one or two motors and different sized battery packs. Mixing and matching produces front- or all-wheel-drive versions, horsepower that ranges from 212 to 288 ponies, and EPA estimated driving ranges on a full charge that stretches from 240 to 296 miles.
As with other EVs, the single motor FWD version is the least powerful but provides the longest range, while the dual motor AWD versions are the fastest but offer the shortest range. Naturally, the FWD versions cost less, while the AWD versions are the most expensive. The base EX FWD version starts at $48,795 and the top-of-the-line Elite AWD edition begins at $59,296, before available financial incentives. All those specs and prices are pretty typical for affordable mid-size SUV EVs these days, with the 2024 Kia EV9 priced higher because it comes with three rows of seats.
Regardless of which version you might consider, all Prologues look like Honda’s current gas-powered SUVs, which is to say all grown up on the outside and tasteful on the inside. The two-tone black and brown leather interior in my tester was especially attractive. Compared to the flashier Blazer EV, the Prologue is more conservatively styled, especially its upright 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. But that is also in keeping with Honda’s image as a family-oriented manufacturer that limits its performance vehicles to the Civic Si and more powerful Civic Type R. Chevy has traditionally offered performance trims on more of vehicles (even though some have been mostly cosmetic), and it is reportedly going to release a 595 horsepower SS version of the Blazer soon.
I didn’t think my test Prologue Elite AWD was very exciting when I first drove it out of my driveway. But I had just finished a week in the track-ready 2024 Nissan Z NISMO sports car. After adjusting my expectations (almost always a weekly requirement), I quickly realized the Prologue was a very comfortable family hauler with a supple suspension and more than enough power for daily driving.
Like other EVs without artificial engine sounds, the Prologue was also much quieter than equivalent gas powered vehicles, which sometimes disguises how quick they are. Although far from the fastest midsize SUV EV, Car and Driver clocked my test version at 5.9 seconds from zero to 60, which is fast enough. For those that want more power, the sibling Acura ZDX Type S tested at Drive Revolution hits 60 in 4.3 seconds but starts at $74,500.
The Prologue is also engineered to recharge 65 miles of range in about 10 minutes on a DC fast charger. That is less than some competitors, but most EV owners recharge overnight at home. To help with that, Honda offers Prologue purchasers financial credits and other assistance to install a Level 2 charger in their homes. Trips beyond the upper ranges of all EVs require advance planning because the public recharging infrastructure is still so incomplete.
The 2024 Prologue also qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs because it is affordably priced and built in North America. That’s great news for potential buyers because EVs are still more expensive than equivalent gas-powered vehicles due to battery costs, even though prices have been coming down in recent years. The tax credit brings the price of the Prologue below that of its closest gas-powered Honda competitor, the two-row Passport SUV, which starts at around $42,000.
Honda has been slow getting fully into the EV market. Its most recent previous vehicle was the midsize Clarity sedan, which ended production in 2020. Despite attractive styling, a tremendous amount of interior room, and a luxury ride, sales of the Clarity EV were slow because of its substandard 89 miles of range on a full charge. Honda wanted to be sure the Prologue was more competitive, and it is a good, if delayed, entry in the growing EV market.
2024 Honda Prologue
Base price: $47,400 ($39,900 after federal tax credit)
Price as tested: $59,750 (AWD Elite - $52,520 after federal tax credit)
Type: Midsize two-row SUV EV
Electric motor(s): Single FWD (212 hp, 236 lbs-ft); Dual AWD (288 hp, 333 lbs-ft – as tested)
Transmission: Direct drive
EPA estimated range: 240 to 296 miles (273 as tested)
EPA estimated mileage: 92 MPGe, 99 city/84 highway (as tested)
Overall length: 192 inches
Curb weight: 5268 pounds
Final assembly: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico
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