Honda Announces Prologue EV Crossover with 300-Mile Range

A prologue is a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work. It has also come to mean an event or action that leads to another event or situation. As such, it is a fitting name for Honda’s first dedicated EV, with more to follow. Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville is proud to announce the coming of the 2024 Honda Prologue, Honda’s first full EV. Not to be confused with “Prelude,” which has a similar meaning and was the name of Honda’s Sport coupe for 24 years, the Prologue is a mid-size 5-passenger crossover that fits alongside the gas-engined Passport in Honda’s Crossover hierarchy. The Prologue will have three trim levels: EX, Touring, and Elite. The EX and Touring will come standard with single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) with dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) available on both trim levels and standard on the Elite. 

Power and Charging

AWD models will have an estimated 288 horsepower and 333 lb.-ft. of torque (FWD power figures are TBA). The motors get their energy from an 85kWh battery located under the cabin floor, which Honda estimates will reach an EPA range rating of 300 miles. For on-the-go charging, DC fast charging is up to 155 kW. allowing for 65 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

Honda will provide Prologue customers with best-in-class, comprehensive charging solutions both at home and on the road. Depending on their home charging status, Prologue customer will be able to select one of three available charging packages as part of their vehicle purchase:

• Home Charging Station (11.5 kW) and $100 Public Charging Credit, plus $500 Installation Incentive
• $750 Public Charging Credit.
• Portable Charging Kit (7.6 kW)

Honda has also recently entered a joint venture with six major automakers to create North America´s leading high-speed brand-neutral charging network in the United States and Canada. Operations are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2024. The all-new high-power charging network will deliver a best-in-class customer experience in all areas. Honda Prologue customers will charge whenever they need with ultra-fast (350 kW+) charge points in convenient urban and highway locations. The network is targeting 30,000 charge points at 1,350 charge stations by 2030. The new HondaLink® Smartphone App gives Prologue owners convenient access to the available public charging networks and includes payment integration.The Prologue will feature Honda’s typical comfortable yet sporty and controlled ride and handling. A combination of multi-link suspension geometry at all four corners tuned by Honda’s engineers, with the added advantage of a low center of gravity from the floor-mounted battery, makes this possible.

Clean Modern Design

From the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles comes a clean exterior, free of design gimmicks or space-age frippery. Instead, the design is low and wide with subtle aerodynamic enhancements throughout that will still look fresh no matter how long the Prologue stays in your family. The Prologue is about 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than the CR-V. With minimal front and rear overhangs, the Prologue rides smoothly on the longest wheelbase in its class at 121.8 inches. 

Inside, the Prologue sports its own version of the clean, horizontal design direction set by recent Honda models. The driver enjoys a standard 11-inch digital display that is bright and clear enough not to require a hood. In the center is an 11.3-inch touchscreen with a handy fingerrest to steady your hand while operating. An easy-to-reach volume knob sits by the screen, while plenty of physical controls remain below for quick climate control adjustments. A modern take on a decades-old idea, Prologue’s easy-to-use steering column-mounted shifter opens up valuable space on the center console between the front seats, where a two-tier center console is the epitome of Honda’s renowned space organization and includes standard wireless smartphone charging.

The black/charcoal or light gray/charcoal cloth seats with accent color stitching the EX feature an 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and gloss black trim on the dash. Touring adds the same color schemes with leather seating surfaces, driver position memory, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, and front and rear parking assist. Elite adds brown as an interior color choice with ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, Sport driving mode, and a Head-Up Display.

Prologue seats five comfortably, while the low beltline, flat floor, generous width, and available panoramic sunroof provide a spacious environment for everyone. Prologue’s rear seats even feature two angles of recline. Behind those seats is up to 25.2 cubic feet of cargo space. With both sides of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded flat, the cargo space expands to up to 57.7 cubic feet of space. Hidden space under the cargo area floor adds another 0.5 cu.-ft. Touring and Elite models provide access to that space with a hands-free power tailgate.

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

The Prologue’s infotainment is powered by a Google operating system, which includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play on all models. Google Maps can be displayed on either the center or driver’s display, including sophisticated route planning with recommended charging stations to optimize travel time. Google Maps can also initiate preconditioning of the EV battery when the destination is a DC fast-charging station to further reduce mid-travel charge times. Keeping the built-in Google system and other technology up to date will be Over-the-Air software updates.

Wireless integration from your Apple or Android smartphone is also standard. There are two 3.0A USB-C 45W charging ports in front and two more for second-row passengers. Touring and Elite models include a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, including front and rear tweeters and a large subwoofer. Designed specifically for the Prologue, the system places all occupants in the middle of the music regardless of their seating position. 

Honda is targeting IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings, which they usually get. The Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies will be standard. They will include Honda’s first applications of Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Blind Zone Steering Assist, and Rear Pedestrian Alert.

The Honda Prologue is an EV worth waiting for. The first Prologue models will arrive at Rairdon’s Honda of Marysville in the 2024 calendar year. Contact us today to reserve yours.