Honda has been notably absent from the race to electrification. That is about to change, and we got our hands on a preproduction version of the car that’s about to change it, the 2024 Honda Prologue.
The 2024 Honda Prologue was co-developed with General Motors and specially tuned by Honda engineers to ensure the vehicle delivers a Honda-like driving experience. Honda is also planning to launch a mid- to large-size EV based on their own dedicated “e: Architecture” in 2025, which we will hear more about at a future date.
Designed at Honda’s Los Angeles studio, the 2024 Honda Prologue’s exterior adheres to what Honda calls a “neo-rugged” philosophy with simple, clean lines complimented by broad-shouldered proportions. The 2024 Honda Prologue will be available in EX, Touring, and Elite trims, with the example we examined being of the Elite variety. The front features understated yet sleek headlights, while its body is refreshingly devoid of unnecessary flourishes. Around back, you’ll find taillights linked by a black plastic bar featuring a newly designed Honda name badge in a stylized typeface, the first of its kind on any Honda vehicle. Large 21″ wheels, the largest ever put on a Honda production vehicle, nicely fill out the wheel wells (EX and Touring versions will make do with 19″ wheels).
The 2024 Honda Prologue will be available in seven “eye-catching” colors. The example we saw was finished in a fetching shade of teal Honda is calling North Shore Pearl. If this is any indication of what the other colors will be like, we’re in for a treat.
Inside, Honda designed an interior that reflects the tidy minimalism of the exterior. A distinctly horizontal theme and a low beltline give the cabin a relaxed and open feeling, with an available opening panoramic roof adding to that vibe. Drivers are treated to a standard 11-inch driver display and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen with Google built-in, as first seen on the 2023 Honda Accord. Elite trims will also receive a 7×3-inch head-up display. Under the center stack, buyers will find what Honda is calling a “flexible multi-use tray,” which looked a bit like a barren expanse of plastic to us, though this could be different in actual production models. Ambient lighting was present on the dash and doors of the preproduction unit we were shown, providing some additional visual interest at night. Honda was also keen to show off the 2024 Honda Prologue’s ability to fit 32 oz bottles in both front cupholders (see below for proof), while a slot-style wireless charging pad can be found behind said cupholders.
There are obvious ties to its GM brethren in much of the switchgear, particularly the steering wheel, which is a near-direct copy of the one found in the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV. We found this to be a good thing, as the switchgear felt substantial and high quality. One thing that’s very different is that the 2024 Honda Prologue will offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, which we love to see.
Space, both front and rear, was very good, with plenty of room for five people to ride in comfort. The 2024 Honda Prologue will feature 25.2 cu-ft of cargo space behind the 60/40-split rear seats, which, when folded, expand the cargo capacity to 57.7 cu-ft.
Honda has targeted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star safety ratings and will come standard with the Honda Sensing safety suite.
The 2024 Honda Prologue will be available in both FWD and AWD, with the Prologue Elite coming standard with AWD. FWD vehicles will feature a single front-mounted motor, while AWD versions will be equipped with an additional motor in the rear, allowing the AWD model to produce an estimated 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.
All 2024 Honda Prologues will be equipped with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery with a projected range of around 300 miles when fully charged. When it comes time to charge your 2024 Honda Prologue, you’ll be able to DC fast charge at a fairly middling 155 kW.
2024 Honda Prologue customers will be able to choose one of three charging packages upon purchase, included in the MSRP of the vehicle. These three packages will offer different combinations of credits to use for public charging, charging equipment, and home charger installations. Additionally, customers will enjoy simplified single-app access to the EVgo and Electrify America charging networks through the new HondaLink app, as well as access to Tesla’s Supercharger stations nationwide.
The 2024 Honda Prologue will begin deliveries in early 2024, following pre-sale activities later this year, with an estimated starting price in the “upper $40,000.”
