Japan’s automotive giant Honda has long been associated with reliability and durability, but in the electric vehicle (EV) race, it’s been a latecomer. That changes with the arrival of the Honda Prologue, the company’s first all-electric SUV, officially launched for the U.S. market in 2024. The Prologue is Honda’s ambitious step into the EV era — but the big question remains: Will it resonate with American buyers?
A New Beginning for Honda
The Honda Prologue is more than just a new model; it's a milestone. It combines Honda’s traditional design ethos with a futuristic EV identity. Measuring 192.1 inches in length and riding on a 121.8-inch wheelbase, it shares dimensions with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, thanks to its co-development with General Motors. Built on GM’s Ultium battery platform, the Prologue benefits from established EV architecture and scalable battery production.
Design-wise, it blends smooth body curves with a closed front grille typical of EVs, delivering a clean, aerodynamic look. Inside, an 11.3-inch infotainment screen complements physical buttons for a balanced, intuitive user interface. The cabin is spacious and practical, offering up to 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded — perfect for families and road trippers alike.
Performance and Range
The Prologue comes in two main configurations:
- FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) producing 212 horsepower
- AWD (All-Wheel Drive) available in EX and Touring trims, generating up to 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque
According to EPA estimates, the FWD model delivers 300 miles of range, while the AWD trims offer 281 miles. These figures place the Prologue in competitive territory alongside the Tesla Model Y (up to 330 miles) and Hyundai IONIQ 5 (up to 303 miles).
Charging is handled via a 150kW DC fast charger, allowing 20% to 80% in approximately 35 minutes. While decent, it does trail rivals like Hyundai and Tesla, which support 250kW or higher charging speeds.
GM Partnership: A Strength or a Compromise?
Honda's decision to partner with GM for the Prologue’s development is strategic. The Ultium platform, also used in vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevy Equinox EV, offers reliability and faster time-to-market. But it also raises questions about Honda’s technical independence in the EV space.
Some loyal fans may feel the Prologue lacks Honda's signature engineering identity, especially when compared to Toyota’s bZ4X or Nissan’s Ariya, both of which use in-house EV platforms. Still, the collaboration delivers tangible benefits in manufacturing efficiency and service coverage — key factors for new EV adopters.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Prologue starts at $47,400 for the EX FWD trim, with the AWD Touring model priced up to $54,750. Factoring in the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, buyers could see effective pricing between $39,900 and $47,250 — a competitive range.
That puts the Prologue right alongside the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, although slightly above the base Tesla Model Y, which now starts around $43,000. Honda is aiming for the “premium practical” niche — attracting existing CR-V or Pilot owners looking to transition into the electric era without losing familiarity.
Will It Succeed in the U.S.?
There are several key advantages that could help the Prologue gain ground:
- Strong Brand Reputation: Honda sells over a million vehicles annually in the U.S., known for longevity and high resale value.
- Practical Design: Spacious interior, intuitive layout, and family-friendly cargo capacity align with American SUV preferences.
- GM Support: Back-end support for battery supply, fast-charging network compatibility, and after-sales service offer peace of mind.
Still, challenges persist. Charging speeds fall behind competitors. Honda's late entry means it must work harder to build EV brand recognition. And according to a 2024 AAA survey, over 40% of U.S. consumers see Japanese EVs as “less innovative” than Tesla — a perception Honda must work to change.
Editor Z’s Take
I had a chance to preview the Prologue in person, and what struck me most was its familiarity wrapped in modernity. It drives like a Honda, feels like a Honda, but finally looks like a future-facing EV. For loyalists, it’s a natural upgrade. For newcomers, it’s a safe entry point.
No, the Prologue doesn’t break new ground like some rivals — but it delivers where it counts: range, comfort, and trust. And sometimes, “good enough” from Honda is exactly what the mainstream buyer is looking for.
Looking Ahead
Honda has set a goal of selling 50,000 Prologue units by the end of 2025, aiming for a modest 5% share of the U.S. EV market. While that pales in comparison to Tesla or Hyundai-Kia, it’s a meaningful foothold for a brand just entering the EV arena.
Even more exciting? Honda plans to launch its own EV platform — the e:Architecture — in 2026, making the Prologue an important stepping stone in its broader electric journey.
Conclusion
The Honda Prologue may not be the flashiest or fastest, but it’s a thoughtfully designed EV that blends familiarity with functionality. For buyers who trust Honda’s legacy and want to go electric without the learning curve, this SUV could be the perfect starting point.
Whether the Prologue will dominate remains to be seen, but it’s safe to say: Honda is no longer on the sidelines.
-EditorZ
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