Honda's First Mass-Market EV

The 2024 Honda Prologue is a bold step into the electric vehicle market, bringing a premium compact SUV to Honda's lineup. Prices start at CAD 59,990 for the base EX trim and go up to CAD 69,990 for the Touring trim; the press model we tested priced around CAD 72,888.50. As Honda shifts toward electrification, the Prologue raises some interesting questions about its value and how the brand will balance its reputation for reliability and affordability in this new era of electric vehicles.

Honda's Legacy in Electric Vehicles

Honda's journey into electric vehicles began in 1997 with the EV Plus, designed to meet California's zero-emission standards. With a modest range of 160 km, the EV Plus was produced in limited quantities but played a crucial role in testing battery technology and gauging consumer interest. In 2013, Honda introduced the Fit EV, a lease-only model with a 132 km range, available in select U.S. markets. Then, in 2020, Honda launched the Honda e, a retro-styled city EV for Europe and Japan with a range of around 220 km, showcasing the company's focus on urban-centric, sustainable vehicles. The Clarity lineup, from 2008 to 2022, also included an electric variant, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen models. Though limited in scale, these earlier efforts provided valuable insights into technology and consumer expectations, thus paving the way for the Prologue Touring, Honda's first mass-market electric SUV for North America.

GM Collaboration: A Concern for Honda Loyalists?

The Prologue's production marks Honda's first major collaboration with General Motors (GM), a unique venture in the EV space. Honda utilizes GM's Ultium platform to accelerate production and focus on design, yet this partnership has raised concerns, especially for loyal Honda customers. Though GM's platform offers a quick development path, some buyers may be concerned about whether Honda's commitment to reliability will be upheld under GM's technology and production standards. GM's Ultium platform has faced scrutiny, particularly regarding recent software issues with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, raising concerns about its reliability and dependability.

To reassure buyers, Honda offers an extensive warranty package for Canadian Prologue owners: 8-year or 160,000-km coverage for electric components, a 3-year or 60,000-km comprehensive warranty, and a 5-year or 100,000-km powertrain warranty. Despite the GM collaboration, Honda is committed to ensuring its longstanding reputation for reliability and quality standards are upheld with the Prologue. This warranty provides peace of mind, particularly for those uncertain about Honda's partnership with GM, helping ease the transition into Honda's electric future.

Performance and Range: Solid, but Room for Growth

The Prologue Touring's dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system delivers 288 horsepower and 333 lb.-ft of torque, providing a capable and responsive drive. With Normal and Sport drive modes, drivers can switch between efficient cruising and more spirited driving. The 85-kWh battery in the Touring trim provides an estimated range of 439 km, which is respectable but somewhat modest for a vehicle in its price bracket. The EX and EX-L trims offer a slightly higher range of 452 km, with combined efficiency ratings of 2.3/2.7/2.5 Le/100 km, while the Touring trim achieves 2.4/2.8/2.6 Le/100 km. During our time with the Prologue, we recorded a consumption rate of 4.7 km/kWh, equivalent to about 21.28 kWh/100 km. While this closely matches the manufacturer's range estimates, real-world performance may vary depending on driving style, charging habits, and environmental conditions.

Competitors in a similar price range—often lower, even before incentives—offer comparable or longer ranges with additional features the Honda Prologue Touring lacks. Vehicles such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5 provide more range, better fast charging capabilities and better technology than the Prologue.

Practical Interior with a Touch of Luxury

Inside, the Prologue Touring balances innovation and practicality. The cabin design showcases high-quality materials, including leather seats, a BOSE® Premium Sound System, and a Head-Up Display (HUD), contributing to an upscale feel without being overwhelmed with excessive tech. During our time with the vehicle, people who looked inside often noted its refined yet approachable style, making it accessible to a broad audience.

The spacious interior provides ample room: 970 mm of front headroom and 1,052 mm of legroom ensure comfort for taller passengers, while the rear is also generously spaced. The Prologue maximizes interior space with an impressively long wheelbase of 3,094 mm. The 60/40 split rear seats allow for versatile cargo options, with 671 litres of cargo space (expanding to 1,543 litres with the seats down). Features like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HondaLink connectivity (via OnStar subscription after a trial) add appeal for tech-minded drivers.

Technology and Safety Features

The Prologue Touring's technology and safety features are highlights of the vehicle. The 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch colour touchscreen with Google Built-In make the Prologue feel modern and connected. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ simplify smartphone integration, and HondaLink offers added convenience (subscription required after the trial period).

Honda's safety suite, Honda Sensing®, includes essential features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as Touring-specific features like Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Brake, and Rear Pedestrian Alert for added security. While these features meet the segment's expectations, some may question whether additional premium features should be included at this price point.

Noteworthy but Missing a Premium Feel

The Prologue Touring, though well-equipped, needs a few more premium elements expected at its price. While its features provide a pleasant, capable driving experience, certain materials fall short of a luxury standard. For example, the shifter feels ordinary, detracting from the interior's overall refinement. Additionally, the under-hood fit and finish could be improved, as several components are left exposed to the elements, potentially impacting durability. While not deal-breakers, these details may need to be included in a CAD 71,990 SUV, where buyers often expect a consistently premium experience.

Unique Regenerative Braking Experience

One standout feature is the Prologue's regenerative braking paddle shifter, which introduces a game-like element to the drive as drivers fine-tune regenerative braking to maximize range. This paddle offers control beyond the default one-pedal driving (which you can toggle off), enhancing driver engagement. However, its location on the steering wheel is a minor drawback, meaning it moves as the wheel turns. This can make it challenging to access during sharp turns. A fixed paddle design, like those in Alfa Romeo models, would ensure that the paddles are accessible regardless of wheel position, potentially making regenerative braking smoother and more intuitive.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Honda Prologue Touring marks a significant step in Honda's electrification journey, blending the brand's core values of reliability, quality, and value with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Its clean, approachable design, thoughtfully equipped interior, real-world efficiency, and reliable safety features make it competitive in the EV market. However, the Prologue faces challenges, including a premium price, reliance on GM's Ultium platform, and range limitations compared to some rivals. While it offers a solid warranty and a strong entry into the mass-market EV segment, it competes with brands providing more advanced technology, faster charging, and longer ranges. For Honda loyalists and new adopters, the Prologue represents an exciting milestone in the brand's electric future. Still, the question remains: will it uphold Honda's reputation for reliability and value in this new electric era?

Honda has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Honda Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.