The 2024 Honda Prologue marks Honda’s entry into the all-electric SUV market, a highly anticipated moment for enthusiasts and potential EV adopters alike. However, initial assessments and 2024 Honda Prologue Reviews are painting a picture far from the stellar reputation Honda has cultivated over decades. While the Prologue boasts the allure of an electric powertrain, a closer examination reveals significant shortcomings, particularly in initial quality and overall execution, making it a stunning disappointment for many. This review delves into the specifics of why the 2024 Honda Prologue is struggling to live up to expectations, even in its top-tier Elite trim. It’s crucial to note upfront: this isn’t entirely a Honda creation in the traditional sense. Built upon a Chevrolet platform and utilizing a GM propulsion system, the Prologue’s DNA is shared with General Motors. Considering Honda’s legacy of rock-solid reliability and thoughtful engineering, the blame for the Prologue’s missteps might justifiably be shifted towards GM and the Chevrolet underpinnings that form the basis of this electric SUV. If you’re considering the 2024 Honda Prologue, it’s essential to understand the critical points raised in these reviews, and this detailed analysis aims to provide just that.
The interior of the 2024 Honda Prologue immediately raises concerns about build quality and material choices. Stepping inside a vehicle priced in the $60,000 range sets certain expectations, and unfortunately, the Prologue falls drastically short. The abundance of hard, cheap plastic throughout the cabin is jarring. The entire center console, along with extensive portions of the doors, is swathed in a plastic grade more reminiscent of a budget economy car from a decade or more ago. This isn’t just about aesthetics; the plastic feels incredibly susceptible to scratches and wear. Even in a relatively new test vehicle, the interior surfaces exhibited a worn look, suggesting long-term durability issues. Adding to the perception of subpar construction are noticeable rattles within the cabin. These noises, present in a vehicle with minimal mileage, further undermine the sense of quality expected in a modern SUV, especially one bearing the Honda badge.
Further tactile disappointments are found in the steering wheel design of the 2024 Honda Prologue. While the inclusion of metal inlays might initially appear upscale, their placement is problematic. Positioned too close to the wheel’s edge, these metal accents intrude upon the space where drivers typically rest their palms at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. Beyond ergonomics, the metal itself presents practical issues. In cold weather, it becomes uncomfortably cold to the touch, and conversely, it’s anticipated to become excessively hot in direct sunlight during summer months. The expansive nature of these inlays makes them difficult to avoid, especially for drivers with larger hands, diminishing overall driving comfort. Another concerning aspect is the tailgate operation. The closing mechanism is described as excessively noisy, producing a harsh clang followed by lingering mechanical sounds. This unusual behavior raises questions about the tailgate’s long-term reliability and overall build integrity.
Seat comfort in the 2024 Honda Prologue is another point of criticism. The front seats are described as undersized, lacking adequate support even for an average-sized adult. The bolsters are positioned too narrowly, failing to provide lateral support during cornering. Drivers may find themselves shifting and sliding in the seats even during mild maneuvers. The overall impression is that the seats are not designed for adult comfort, feeling more akin to child seats in their dimensions and support.
The infotainment system in the 2024 Honda Prologue, while featuring a large central display, presents its own set of usability quirks. One particularly baffling issue is the behavior of the seek button when using satellite radio. After the first press, the button’s on-screen location shifts, requiring the driver to visually re-locate it for subsequent presses. This inconsistent interface design demands unnecessary attention from the driver, detracting from ease of use. The steering wheel controls for volume are positioned behind the right-hand spoke, which, while learnable, is not an immediately intuitive placement. Regenerative braking controls are also split between physical and digital interfaces. A steering wheel-mounted lever provides increased regen when pulled and held, but cycling through different regen levels necessitates using a small touchscreen icon, an illogical and inconvenient separation of related functions.
Further complicating the user experience are the wiper controls in the 2024 Honda Prologue. Honda has opted to place wiper functions on the same stalk as the turn signals and high beams, utilizing two rotating switches for front and rear wiper operation. This consolidation, seemingly intended to accommodate the PRND stalk on the right side, results in a cluttered and fiddly interface. Operating the wipers requires precise manipulation of small switches, introducing an unnecessary learning curve for a basic function that is typically straightforward in most vehicles. The lack of illumination for the stalk icons exacerbates this issue, particularly during nighttime driving. Finding and activating the wipers in low-light conditions becomes a challenge, a surprising oversight in a modern car.
A minor positive note in 2024 Honda Prologue reviews is its exterior styling. The Prologue adopts a conventional SUV aesthetic, which some may find appealing compared to more polarizing EV designs. While individual preferences for wheel design and color may vary, the overall appearance is generally considered handsome and avoids the more unconventional styling seen in some electric competitors.
Battery Performance and Real-World Range Discrepancies
The 2024 Honda Prologue is equipped with an 85 kWh battery pack, utilizing GM’s Ultium platform and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, producing a combined 288 horsepower. Honda claims an EPA-estimated range of 273 miles. Initial acceleration feels brisk, particularly at lower speeds, making it responsive in city driving. However, performance at higher speeds diminishes noticeably. Passing maneuvers on the highway require more planning and anticipation, as the rate of acceleration decreases significantly above 50 MPH. While the 0-60 MPH time of around 5.5 seconds might suggest adequate performance, the real-world driving experience at highway speeds feels less than impressive.
More concerning than outright performance is the significant discrepancy between the claimed range and real-world figures in 2024 Honda Prologue reviews. In real-world testing, the Prologue’s range fell considerably short of the EPA estimate. With moderate heater use and mixed driving conditions, the observed range dropped to approximately 220 miles, a substantial reduction from the advertised 273 miles. The vehicle’s energy consumption was also notably inefficient, registering around 2.4 miles per kWh. This efficiency figure lags behind competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and VW ID.4, indicating that the Prologue is less energy-efficient than some other EVs in its class. Furthermore, despite being a relatively new EV, the Prologue’s charging capabilities are limited to a maximum of 150 kW DC fast charging, precluding it from utilizing the fastest 350 kW charging stations available to some rivals. This limitation translates to longer charging times when using public fast chargers.
Driving Dynamics: A Mundane Experience
Honda vehicles are often lauded for their engaging driving dynamics, typically offering a more connected and enjoyable experience compared to some competitors. However, the 2024 Honda Prologue deviates from this norm, delivering a driving experience described as distinctly mundane and detached. While the steering is reasonably direct, the vehicle feels large and unwieldy on the road. Visibility is also hampered by the thick A-pillars, which can obstruct the driver’s view of crossing traffic, a significant safety concern. Ride quality is acceptable, and the cabin is relatively quiet at highway speeds, but the Prologue lacks any of the dynamic verve typically associated with the Honda brand. In a telling comparison, another EV in the same segment, the Toyota bZ4X, was found to feel comparatively more engaging and responsive to drive, highlighting the Prologue’s lack of driving enthusiasm.
Conclusion: A Prologue to Disappointment
The 2024 Honda Prologue, intended as Honda’s introductory chapter into the electric vehicle future, reads more like a cautionary tale. Across multiple 2024 Honda Prologue reviews, consistent concerns emerge regarding build quality, interior materials, user interface design, real-world range, and driving dynamics. The Prologue, despite its attractive exterior and electric powertrain, ultimately fails to deliver the refinement, quality, and engaging driving experience expected of a Honda, particularly at its price point. The decision to base the Prologue on a GM platform appears to have resulted in compromises that significantly detract from the final product. While Honda may be strategically hedging its bets in the EV market by partnering with GM, the Prologue, in its current form, is difficult to recommend. For prospective EV buyers seeking a compelling electric SUV, the 2024 Honda Prologue, based on initial reviews, suggests looking elsewhere. It seems this prologue is not setting the stage for a successful electric story for Honda, but rather indicating potential challenges ahead.
2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite
Price as-tested: $59,750
Pros: Decent exterior styling.
Cons: Poor interior build quality, cheap materials, uncomfortable seats, unintuitive controls, disappointing real-world range, mundane driving experience, expensive.
Main Specifications and Dimensions
- Powertrain:
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive
- Combined output: 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque
- 85 kWh Ultium lithium-ion battery
- 150 KW maximum DC fast charging
- Performance:
- EPA-estimated range: 273 miles
- Maximum towing capacity: 1,500 lbs
- Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 121.8 inches
- Length: 192.0 inches
- Width: 78.3 inches
- Height: 65.2 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.1 inches
- Estimated weight: 5,273 lbs
- Cargo capacity: 23.7 cu.ft. (with all seats in place); 54.5 cu.ft. (maximum)
More Pictures of the 2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite
