As most automakers look towards EVs as the way of the future, two of the most recognized Japanese auto builders, Toyota and Honda, have been cautiously watching from the sidelines. Toyota smartly continues to push hybrids but have gotten their feet wet in the EV game by joining up with Subaru to produce their sole EV – the bZ4X (which Subaru also sells as the Solterra). Likewise, Honda has made a similar move, teaming up with Chevrolet to produce an EV. On the Chevy side, it is the Blazer EV, which I reviewed a few weeks ago. The same basic vehicle is sold as a Honda, called the Prologue, which is what I happen to be in recently.
The Honda Prologue is an all-electric, five-passenger SUV. It fits nicely in the Honda lineup, coming a few inches longer than Honda’s other midsize SUV, the Passport, while sitting about 7 inches shorter in height.
Peel away the skin of the Prologue, and you’ll find its platform, battery, and motors are borrowed from the Chevy Blazer EV. As expected, power and battery range are similar to that of the Blazer EV, with Prologues front-wheel drive models making 212 horsepower while the all-wheel-drive versions make 288 horses. Front-wheel drive models have an estimated range of 296 miles while all-wheel drive models can go an estimated 281 miles, except for the top-of-the-line Elite AWD which has a range of 273 miles.
The Prologue is offered in three trim levels. The entry-level EX and mid-level Touring are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models come with a single electric motor while all-wheel drive models are powered by two electric motors. Key features for the EX are 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, power driver’s seat and a dual-zone climate control system. If you want a Panoramic sunroof, hands-free power liftgate, leather interior and Bose audio system, stepping up to the Touring is the way to go.
The Elite comes standard with all-wheel-drive (and the dual motors) and comes with larger 21-inch wheels, a surround view camera, vented front seats, and a heads-up display.
Pricing for the Prologue starts at $48,795. The tester was a Mercury Silver Prologue Elite AWD. It has an MSRP of $59,295.
While the roots of the Prologue come from the Blazer EV, Honda has made some interior design changes to set it apart from its American sibling. Styling cues from other Hondas can be found in the Prologue, like its clutter-free and simple dash layout. While the Chevy’s buttons, switches, and knobs do carry over, the round vents, brightly colored surfaces, and tilted infotainment display do not. Instead, standing tall and proud in the middle of the Prologue’s dashboard is an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. An 11.0-inch digital gauge display and a wireless smartphone charging pad are also standard features on every Prologue.
A smooth ride and steady handling are the key road characteristics that standout as one drives the Prologue. The adjustable regenerative braking system works well as it can slow the car at varying levels when you lift off the accelerator. It also allows for single-pedal driving and there is even a handy paddle on the steering wheel that increases the level of regen that is to be used to slow the car down further.
One can make the case that the Honda Prologue and the Chevy Blazer EV are basically the same vehicle, but with different badging. That may be true, but there are differences between the two, some of which could make you favor one over the other. First, unlike the Blazer EV, the Prologue has your typical start button. With the Blazer EV, Chevy has done away with the start button altogether – the vehicle comes to life as soon as you close the door and press the brake pedal (with the key in proximity, of course). Another is that the Prologue is both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, something that’s not available on the Blazer EV. Also, Honda s infotainment screen is smaller than Chevy’s.
When I step back and look at the Prologue, I can’t help but think of the first generation Honda Passport, from 1993 to 2002. Back then, Honda needed an SUV, so they teamed up with Isuzu and rebadged the Isuzu Rodeo and called it the Passport. That was a great move to buy time and decide if they should develop their own SUV, which they obviously have done. Now Honda is at it again, this time teaming up with GM and the result is the Prologue. Another smart move. And if all goes well, we should be seeing more EVs from Honda. But for now, those loyal to the Honda brand and are interested in an EV, your local Honda dealership will gladly show you the Prologue.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:
2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite
Base Price: $57,900.00
Price as Tested: $59,295.00
Layout: front engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: dual electric motors
Horsepower: 288 hp
Range (estimated): 273 miles
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