The 2024 Honda Prologue arrives with significant anticipation as Honda’s first foray into the all-electric SUV market. However, initial impressions of this vehicle reveal a stark contrast between expectation and reality. After spending time with the Prologue, it’s clear that this EV, built on a Chevrolet platform with a GM propulsion system, falls considerably short of the standards typically associated with the Honda name. In fact, in terms of initial quality and overall execution, the Prologue ranks among the least impressive new cars evaluated recently. This raises concerns about its long-term durability and its place in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle segment. Is this truly the Honda EV we’ve been waiting for, or is it a misstep that could prologue a more challenging journey into electrification for the brand?
Interior Quality and Design Flaws: A Close Look
Stepping inside the Honda Prologue, especially considering its near-$60,000 price tag, is a genuinely underwhelming experience. The most immediately noticeable issue is the pervasive use of cheap, hard plastic throughout the cabin. This isn’t just standard economy car plastic; it’s a grade that evokes memories of budget vehicles from over a decade ago. The entire center console, extending between the front seats, is encased in this scratch-prone material. The same low-quality plastic extends to the door panels, giving the impression of premature wear and tear, even in a nearly new test vehicle. This questionable material choice significantly detracts from the perceived value and premium feel one expects at this price point.
Beyond the disappointing plastics, the interior suffers from noticeable rattles, an unwelcome surprise in a new vehicle and a further indication of subpar build quality. These rattles contribute to a general sense of cheapness and detract from the otherwise quiet EV driving experience.
The steering wheel design also presents ergonomic and comfort issues. While the metal inlays appear upscale at first glance, their placement too close to the wheel’s edge interferes with comfortable hand positioning, particularly for drivers who prefer the 9 and 3 o’clock grip. Furthermore, these metal accents are likely to become uncomfortably cold in winter and excessively hot during summer months, creating an ongoing annoyance for the driver.
The tailgate operation adds to the list of concerns. Closing the tailgate results in a jarringly loud mechanical noise, followed by a series of unsettling sounds that suggest a malfunction. This unusual and unrefined closing mechanism is not typical of modern vehicles and raises questions about the long-term reliability of the tailgate components.
Seating comfort is another significant drawback. The front seats are notably undersized, even for an average-sized adult. The lack of bolstering and support makes them feel akin to child seats, offering minimal lateral support during cornering. This inadequate seat design makes it difficult to maintain a comfortable driving position, especially during even mild turns, as the driver tends to slide and shift within the seat.
The infotainment system, while generally functional and straightforward, also presents some peculiar design choices. A particularly frustrating example is the behavior of the seek button when using satellite radio. The button’s position on the screen inexplicably shifts after each press, forcing the driver to visually locate it again for each channel change. This illogical design flaw adds unnecessary distraction and complexity to a simple operation. Furthermore, the placement of the steering wheel volume controls, positioned behind the right-hand spoke, is unconventional and requires a learning curve. The regenerative braking controls are also split between a steering wheel lever and a touchscreen icon, creating an unintuitive and disjointed user experience.
Another ergonomic misstep is the placement of the wiper controls on the same stalk as the turn signals and high beams. While this may have been done to accommodate the PRND stalk on the right side, it results in a cluttered and fiddly wiper control system. Operating the wipers requires navigating small, non-illuminated icons on the stalk, making it particularly challenging in low-light conditions. This redesigned wiper control system deviates from the intuitive and user-friendly designs typically found in vehicles, and unfortunately makes a simple task more complicated.
Exterior Aesthetics and Battery Performance
Aesthetically, the Honda Prologue does possess some redeeming qualities. Its exterior design adopts a conventional SUV silhouette, which may appeal to buyers seeking a more traditional look compared to some of the more futuristic or polarizing EV designs on the market. While the wheel design and color may be subjective, the overall exterior styling is arguably handsome and inoffensive.
Under the skin, the Prologue features a substantial 85 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, delivering a combined 288 horsepower. Honda claims a range of 273 miles for the Prologue. Initial acceleration from a standstill is brisk and responsive, particularly at lower speeds. However, this responsiveness diminishes significantly at higher speeds, making highway passing maneuvers feel labored and requiring careful planning. While the 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds might suggest adequate performance, the real-world driving experience at highway speeds tells a different story.
The claimed range of 273 miles also proves to be optimistic in real-world conditions. During testing in moderate temperatures and mixed driving conditions, the actual range achieved was closer to a disappointing 220 miles. The vehicle’s energy consumption was also notably high, registering a low 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 efficient in utilizing its battery capacity. Furthermore, the Prologue’s charging capabilities are limited, lacking support for ultra-fast 350 kW chargers, resulting in longer charging times compared to some rivals.
Driving Dynamics and Overall Impression
Traditionally, Hondas are known for their engaging driving dynamics, often surpassing competitors like Toyota and Hyundai in terms of driver involvement. Unfortunately, the Prologue deviates from this Honda hallmark, offering a remarkably uninspired and detached driving experience. Despite the presence of direct steering, the Prologue feels cumbersome and unwieldy on the road. Visibility is also hampered by the thick A-pillars, which create blind spots and obstruct views of crossing traffic. While the ride quality is acceptable and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds, the Prologue lacks the characteristic Honda driving enthusiasm. In a telling comparison, even the Toyota bZ4X, another EV often criticized for its bland driving experience, felt comparatively more engaging and responsive than the Prologue.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Start for Honda EVs
The 2024 Honda Prologue, intended to be the herald of Honda’s electric future, unfortunately feels more like a cautionary tale. Its numerous shortcomings, ranging from subpar interior quality and uncomfortable seating to disappointing range and uninspired driving dynamics, make it a difficult vehicle to recommend, especially given its premium price tag. The Prologue’s reliance on GM’s platform and technology raises questions about Honda’s commitment to developing truly distinctive and competitive EVs. While the Prologue may represent Honda’s entry into the EV market, it’s an entry that falls considerably short of expectations and leaves much to be desired. Potential buyers seeking a compelling electric SUV in this price range would be well-advised to explore other options before settling on this underwhelming “prologue” to Honda’s EV story.
2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite Specifications:
Price as-tested: $59,750
Pros: Decent exterior styling
Cons: Poor build quality, Expensive, Uncomfortable seats, Short real-world range
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)
