The first thing that grabs your attention when you step inside the Honda Prologue Elite isn’t the electric powertrain, but the meticulously crafted interior. This top-tier model of Honda’s foray into the electric SUV market boasts a striking brown and black leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, creating an airy and premium cabin experience for both front and rear passengers. However, the core appeal of the Prologue Elite is undoubtedly its electric nature, marking Honda’s serious entry into the competitive electric SUV segment. This vehicle is the result of a collaborative effort with General Motors, sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Blazer EV, showcasing a blend of Honda’s engineering and GM’s EV technology.
While categorized as an electric SUV, the Honda Prologue Elite delivers a driving experience that feels surprisingly conventional and reassuringly familiar. It offers a brisk acceleration, particularly in this all-wheel-drive configuration, which is equipped with more potent motors compared to the rear-wheel-drive version. The vehicle’s low center of gravity contributes to a planted and stable feel on the road, enhancing handling and cornering capabilities. This solid road presence makes the Honda Electric Suv a confident and enjoyable drive in various conditions.
Alt text: Interior of the Honda Electric SUV Prologue Elite showcasing brown and black leather seats and panoramic sunroof, highlighting the premium cabin design.
However, as with any electric vehicle, range and charging are critical considerations for potential owners. Upon receiving the Prologue Elite, the estimated range displayed was 241 miles. During a 100-mile test drive in sub-freezing temperatures, the indicated range diminished significantly, dropping to a mere 43 miles. This substantial range reduction in cold weather underscores the real-world impact of temperature on EV battery performance and range estimation.
Subsequently, charging the battery from 22% to 98% at an EVgo fast charging station in North Bethesda resulted in a dash reading of 269 miles of estimated range. This figure, while respectable, still falls short of the vehicle’s advertised ideal range of 300 miles. Furthermore, the charging session incurred a considerable cost of $40.17. This charging expense highlights the current realities of public EV fast charging costs, especially for those without access to home charging solutions. For individuals considering an electric SUV like the Honda Prologue Elite, understanding and planning for public charging expenses is essential.
Regarding long-term reliability, assessing the Prologue Elite presents a unique challenge given its electric nature and joint development. Predicting the long-term dependability of electric components and a collaborative platform requires more real-world data and owner feedback over time. It’s also worth noting that, typical of many electric vehicles, the Prologue Elite does not include a spare tire, relying instead on tire repair kits or roadside assistance in case of punctures.
Alt text: Honda Prologue Elite electric SUV in motion, side profile view emphasizing its modern SUV design and road presence as a new electric vehicle.
In terms of safety, the Honda Prologue demonstrated strong performance in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests, achieving top marks in major frontal and side impact evaluations. However, it received a slightly lower rating in one of the IIHS frontal crash tests, suggesting room for improvement in specific crash scenarios. Prospective buyers should review the full IIHS safety report for a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s safety performance.
The Honda Prologue Elite starts at a price of $59,350, including shipping, while the base Prologue model begins at $48,850, also inclusive of shipping. These prices position the Honda electric SUV in a competitive segment of the EV market, offering a balance of premium features and electric vehicle technology.
In conclusion, the Honda Prologue Elite presents itself as an enjoyable and surprisingly luxurious electric SUV to drive. Its well-appointed interior and solid driving dynamics are definite highlights. However, potential buyers should be prepared for the realities of EV ownership, particularly concerning range variability in different conditions and the potential costs associated with public charging. Despite these considerations, the Honda Prologue Elite marks a significant and compelling entry for Honda into the electric SUV landscape.
