Honda has finally pulled the curtain back on its highly anticipated 2024 Prologue EV, giving us a glimpse of what to expect from this all-electric SUV. With months of teasers and anticipation building up, the details are finally out, and they're shaping up to make the Prologue an exciting addition to what has arguably been a lacklustre EV lineup by Honda.
Honda Prologue powertrain
First things first: power. The Prologue EV boasts an available dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with a combined output of 215 kW and 451 Nm torque. If all-wheel drive isn't your cup of tea, Honda also offers a front-wheel drive (FWD) variant, although it has not released power figures.
The Prologue is set to impress with an EPA-estimated range of around 483km, made possible by an 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging won't be a headache either, thanks to DC fast charging capabilities of up to 155kW. Every Prologue customer can choose from three available charging packages included with the vehicle purchase: a public charging credit, a portable charging kit, or a home charging station.
Iniriguing design
The Prologue's overall look, although not entirely fresh news, remains a standout feature. Its aerodynamically optimized exterior boasts soft curves and flowing surfaces, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with 21-inch rims available for those who crave a bolder statement.
In terms of size, it measures 4877mm long and sports a wheelbase spanning 3094mm, making it 183mm longer than the 2024 CR-V while providing a more spacious ride.
Practicality-wise, the Prologue offers 713L of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1634L by folding the rear seats down. There's even an additional 14L of storage space hidden beneath the cargo floor.
Notably, the Prologue shares underpinnings with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Both models feature General Motor's Ultium and BEV3 architectures. That might explain the vague design similarities between the two.
Modern but familiar interior
Step inside the Prologue, and you'll find a high-tech yet recognisably Honda cabin. Even the entry-level variant surprises with an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment system featuring Google built-in, granting easy access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play store. Honda says the two-tiered centre console offers class-leading storage capacity and convenient cup holders designed to hold 1L water bottles.
For those seeking more luxury, the mid-level Touring trim offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the choice of black or light grey leather seats. Other highlights include a hands-free power liftgate, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
Honda didn't dive into specifics, but it says the Prologue will come equipped with its latest Honda Sensing driver-assistance safety suite.
Available features include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.
Is the Honda Prologue coming to New Zealand?
The 2024 Honda Prologue will be available to order in the US before the end of the year, with deliveries set for early 2024. Honda has not announced sales for markets outside of North America, so don't expect to see one in NZ. Nonetheless, the Prologue will likely start at around USD 48,000 (around $80,000) before incentives or tax credits.
