The EV market went from non-existent to super-hot but has now entered a cooling period. Honda is a rather latecomer to the market, but with the assistance of Chevrolet, it is now ready to go with the new Honda Prologue. Based heavily on the Blazer EV, the battery-electric mid-size crossover is new for the 2024 model year. It’s one of Honda’s first attempts, and I spent a week with it. Let’s see how it stacks up to the competition.

2024 Honda Prologue Overview

The Prologue rides on the BEV3 platform from General Motors, which also provides the underpinnings for the Cadillac Lyriq. Honda designed the Prologue in its California studio, and while the overall shape is similar, it’s decently differentiated compared to the Blazer.

Like many EV SUVs, the Prologue straddles the $50,000 mark, with three trim levels available. The Elite, like our tester, gets the dual motor setup as standard, while it’s optional on the EX and Touring. Opting for the dual motor also gets you AWD, with a very reasonable $3,000 price hike. You also get a bit more power as well, jumping from 212 horsepower in the single motor to 288 hp in the dual motor. More motor, more ponies, makes sense.

The Elite trim’s options are unsurprisingly limited since it comes with pretty much everything. A few pearl or metallic paint colors are available ($455), but our Mercury Silver Metallic didn’t cost anything additional. What is pretty cool is that a Honda charging package is included at no extra cost. So, depending on your situation, you can get a home charging station and a $500 credit for the installation, a portable charging kit, a smaller $250 home install credit, and a credit towards the EVgo charging network, or just $750 to use within the EVgo charging network.

Our tester didn’t have anything added, so you’re looking at $59,295 out the door, minus any rebates or incentives. I’ve been driving a bunch of recently released EVs, including the latest VW ID.4, so let’s see how it stacks up.

2024 Honda Prologue AWD Elite: Inside & Out

The Prologue isn’t a standout design, but it’s a very handsome-looking SUV without a lot of overwrought styling. I like the sweeping headlights that nicely integrate into the front grille. Honda made a reasonably smooth surface while leaving the traditional-looking front end (vs. the smooth look of most Teslas). It has a hatchback look, with a stubby rear and streamlined taillights. I did have one person say that it reminds them of the Crosstour. I don’t think she meant that in a good way, but the Prologue looks good in my book. I particularly like the look of the wheels; it’s a funky, cool six-spoke design that doesn’t really look like anything else.

Differences between the Blazer and Prologue are even more pronounced on the inside. There are some similarities here and there, particularly the stalks on the wheel, the basic shape of the button and dial setup below the main screen, and the placement of the cupholders and the controls on the door. The Chevy has a more integrated infotainment screen that looks as if it’s connected to the driver’s information screen. However, the Prologue looks reasonably close to some other Honda vehicles, particularly the CR-V.

Overall, the interior is light and airy and feels bigger than it is. I managed to break my ankle just as the Prologue was delivered, so full disclosure: I didn’t get a chance to rack up many driving miles. However, during the time I spent on the road, I found the front seats nicely bolstered, and it was easy to get in and out (even in an ankle brace). The interface was easy to use, and I paired my phone quickly with Apple CarPlay.

We had a pop-up heatwave, and the seat coolers didn’t really work that well on a hot day. Speaking of temperature, when it hits 100 degrees, the temperature number only goes to 10°, leaving off the third digit. However, it was a pre-production unit, so some little foibles like that are expected. The Prologue felt like a $50,000+ SUV, it’s comfortable and would work well for a small family.

Speaking of family, the back seat was very usable, with 39.4 inches of legroom and 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space. I dropped the rear sat to pick up a TV and, even though the 2nd row doesn’t go fully flat, it did the job nicely. There is also a little cubby/bin under the cargo floor, great for small items.

Unfortunately, the prologue doesn’t have a frunk, removing some of the practicality of the EV layout.

Out on the road, you get a good ride and fairly rapid acceleration. With 288 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, it’s plenty for a daily driver. In some ways, it’s nice to see an EV that doesn’t hit you over the head with ridiculous power. It’s likely not what most EV buyers are looking for, and I’m guessing they would prefer to max out the range rather than hit 60 mph in three seconds. Speaking of range, the EPA estimates 273 on a full charge. Pretty solid for the size and price.

There are lots of standard driver aids, and most work well. At one point, I was backing up on the street in front of my house, and I’m not sure what it sensed, but it panicked, fully braked, and put the car into park. That happened again when I was backing up, and a car drove by 10 yards behind me. It was a little disconcerting, but it’s one of those features you don’t want to turn off in case it saves your ass.  

Summary

The Prologue comes into the scene when the EV market has cooled. Competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y are more established. The Chevy Blazer EV is a bit cheaper, with the top-spec RS starting at $53,200. However, I’m sure the reputation and reliability of the Honda brand will get some folks into the dealership to check one out. I’ve already seen a few around D.C. in the past few weeks. I’m looking forward to seeing where this joint venture goes.