31Jan
- 2024 Honda Prologue: Leading the electric midsize SUV segment with exceptional range and innovative features.
- Prologue's Pricing: Competitive starting at $47,400 MSRP.
- Efficient Drivetrain: Maximizing range with single or dual motor options and a dedicated electric platform.
- Comprehensive Charging: Seamless access to public networks, home charging solutions, and installation credits for Prologue owners.
As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution gathers momentum, auto shoppers are increasingly turning their attention to the balance between practicality and sustainability. Among the plethora of options, the midsize SUV segment stands out for its family-friendly versatility and the promise of adventure. In 2024, this class of electric vehicles is more competitive than ever, and manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of battery technology and efficiency to meet the growing demands for longer-range travel without frequent stops to recharge.
This article focuses on the all-electric Honda Prologue, the electric midsize SUV leading the pack in 2024, offering not just the longest range on a single charge but also an impressive suite of features, cutting-edge powertrain, innovative charging solutions, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Let's explore what makes the new Prologue a top contender for those searching for the most efficient midsize electric SUV with the least compromises on performance and technology.
See also: A Beginner's Guide To Electric Vehicle Motors And How They Work
2024 Honda Prologue Offers Class-Leading Standard Range Rating, According To The EPA
The all-new 2024 Honda Prologue has received an EPA range rating of 296 miles on a full charge. This is the highest standard driving range rating in its class, surpassing the driving ranges of rivals like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer’s standard driving range is 247 miles, meaning the Honda Prologue offers 49 miles more range than the Chevrolet Blazer. As for the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5, the base SE RWD model boasts a range of 220 miles, indicating that the Honda Prologue provides an impressive 76 miles more driving range.
Another close competitor, the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, returns a standard driving range of 224 miles. In fact, the Mach-E’s AWD California Route 1 model, boasting the lineup's longest EPA-estimated range, clocks 312 miles.
This means that even at the upper end of this range, the Honda Prologue still offers a comparable or slightly longer driving range, reinforcing its position as a class-leading electric SUV in terms of driving range.
Now, let’s address the obvious (or not so obvious) elephant in the room. If you cringed at the mention of the Blazer as a Prologue rival because you think of the Prologue as just a badge-engineered Chevy Blazer, it might be unfair to judge the Japanese “version” based on the two NHTSA recalls hanging on the 2023 Chevy Blazer’s neck due to powertrain issues.
Plus, the Prologue is more expensive, hinting at its better value considering the satisfying list of standard features, though it wasn’t one of the cars that helped Honda clinch the top spot in ALG’s residual value awards.
Class-Leading Standard Features
The 2024 Prologue promises to advance Honda’s electrification strategies with its top-of-class standard and available tech features. This includes comprehensive charging solutions to instill confidence in new EV buyers, aligning with Honda's vision of 100% zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2040.
The Prologue's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts with the well-equipped Prologue EX at $47,400, offering a competitive price point for an electric SUV with best-in-class range.
All Prologue variants feature a comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, wireless phone charger, 10-way power driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Sirius XM satellite radio.
The Prologue's onboard charger supports 150 kW fast charging, and its 85-kWh battery can be topped off with 65 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Honda also offers several credit options for both in-home and on-location fast charging, providing convenient and accessible charging solutions for Prologue owners. Overall, the 2024 Honda Prologue makes a strong case in its class by offering the longest range, competitive pricing, and a comprehensive set of features.
The Prologue's Drivetrain Maximizes Its Range
Honda designed the 2024 Prologue's drivetrain to maximize its range through a combination of advanced engineering and efficient power management strategies.
The Prologue is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform designed from the ground up for optimized weight distribution and space utilization. This helps accommodate a large battery pack without compromising the vehicle's overall balance and dynamics, which in turn can contribute to better energy efficiency and range.
Additionally, the from-the-ground-up design gave Honda engineers the freedom to shape an open cabin, evidenced by an interior volume rated at 136.9 cubic feet.
The Prologue’s single-motor two-wheel drive setup is typically more efficient than dual-motor arrangements because it eliminates the additional friction and energy losses associated with driving more wheels and managing two power sources.
With 212 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the front-mounted single motor is tuned not just for confident acceleration but also for maximizing efficiency, crucial for extending the vehicle's range on a single charge.
Furthermore, the multi-link front and rear suspensions are engineered for a sporty and engaging driving experience. This does not directly increase range, but it can imply that the vehicle's dynamics are refined to reduce unnecessary drag and rolling resistance, which can otherwise lower efficiency.
The 85 kWh battery pack is a substantial size that can store a large amount of energy, providing a solid foundation for a competitive electric range. The efficiency of the single-motor setup, in particular, means this energy can be translated into more miles driven between charges.
For those who opt for the Prologue Elite with all-wheel drive, the additional rear motor is paired with the front motor to provide better traction and performance without necessarily a proportionate decrease in efficiency.
Modern electric all-wheel-drive systems can intelligently distribute power between the front and rear axles, only engaging both motors when necessary, which can minimize energy wastage and maintain a reasonable range.
Free Charger Installation And Charging Credits Across Multiple Networks
The 2024 Honda Prologue stands as a beacon of the brand's commitment to electrification, boasting a versatile and comprehensive charging ecosystem to cater to the diverse needs of electric vehicle owners.
With the Prologue's robust 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, drivers can savor the convenience of rapid energy replenishment thanks to the DC fast charging capability that supports up to 150 kW.
This rapid charging technology enables the Prologue to regain an impressive 65 miles of driving range in approximately 10 minutes, ensuring that drivers can get back on the road with minimal delay.
Understanding that charging flexibility is key to an effortless EV experience, Honda has curated a suite of comprehensive charging solutions for Prologue owners. This initiative includes seamless access to the expansive public fast-charging infrastructure across the United States.
Notably, Prologue drivers can utilize the widespread Tesla Supercharger network, along with the services provided by EVgo, Electrify America, and their affiliated roaming partners.
Upon acquiring a new Honda Prologue, customers are presented with the opportunity to choose from three distinct charging packages, all thoughtfully integrated into the vehicle's MSRP.
These packages are tailored to accommodate the varied lifestyles and preferences of EV owners, ranging from those who predominantly rely on public charging stations to those who prefer the convenience of home charging solutions.
Each package offers a different combination of public charging credits and options for home charging equipment, along with a credit toward installation. Honda's innovative approach in providing credits that span multiple charging networks in the US is a pioneering move in the automotive industry.
Prologue owners can benefit from credits worth $750 for frequent public charging users, all the way down to $100 for those who opt for a Level 2 Home Charging Station, including a $500 installation credit.
To further support the installation of home charging equipment, Prologue customers can utilize their installation credits through the Honda Home Electrification (HHE) marketplace.
This platform connects owners with skilled local installers and offers the assistance of Energy Advisors who can provide guidance on installation processes, as well as information on available rebates, incentives, and other home electrification products.
In a generous offering, Electrify America extends 60 kWh of complimentary public charging to all first-time Honda EV owners, enhancing the value of the various charging packages available.
Additionally, the new HondaLink® Smartphone App is the digital companion that empowers Prologue owners with the ability to effortlessly locate available charging stations, manage charging payments, redeem their credits, sign up for subscription plans, and utilize additional functionalities at EVgo and Electrify America stations, as well as those of their roaming partners.
How Much Is The 2024 Honda Prologue?
The 2024 Honda Prologue brings a competitive edge to the electric vehicle market with its variety of trims and drive configurations, each tailored to meet different consumer preferences and driving needs. The SUV’s pricing structure offers value while allowing for customization in terms of performance and features.
Starting with the Prologue EX trim, which serves as the entry point into the Prologue lineup, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is set at $47,400. When including the destination charge of $1,395, the total comes to $48,795. This price does not account for any government incentives or tax credits that may be available to lessees, which could potentially lower the cost of ownership significantly.
The EX trim is available with a single motor (2WD) configuration that offers an EPA range rating of 296 miles on a full charge and EPA MPGe ratings of 107 in the city, 91 on the highway, and 99 combined.
For those seeking additional traction and performance, the EX trim also has a dual motor (AWD) option with an MSRP of $50,400. After adding the destination charge, the price totals $51,795. The all-wheel drive version has a slightly lower EPA range rating of 281 miles and MPGe ratings of 101 in the city, 88 on the highway, and 95 combined.
Moving up in luxury and features, the Touring trim with a single motor (2WD) configuration starts at an MSRP of $51,700, or $53,095 including the destination charge. It shares the same impressive EPA range rating of 296 miles and MPGe ratings as the EX single-motor version.
The Touring trim is also available with a dual motor (AWD) setup, priced at $54,700 before the destination charge and $56,095 with it included. The EPA range rating for this configuration is 281 miles, mirroring the dual motor EX trim's efficiency.
At the top of the Prologue lineup is the Elite trim, which comes exclusively with a dual motor (AWD) drivetrain. The Elite is priced at $57,900, which reaches $59,295 when the destination charge is added.
The top-tier trim offers an EPA range rating of 273 miles and delivers 99 MPGe in the city, 84 on the highway, and 92 combined. Potential buyers need to consider the full range of options and prices to find the configuration that best fits their needs and budget.
Additionally, factoring in available government incentives or tax credits can significantly affect the final purchase price of the 2024 Honda Prologue. This is an all-new midsize SUV from Honda, with first deliveries scheduled for March 2024.
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