ORANGE COUNTY, California (NV) – Like Toyota, Honda is entering the electric vehicle market cautiously. In 2024, Honda will launch its first electric vehicle: the 2024 Honda Prologue SUV. And from the start, it has become a formidable competitor.
According to cars.com, Honda has partnered with GM to build the Prologue. This partnership has helped Honda get started in electric vehicles. The partnership allows the Prologue to share its platform and powertrain with GM’s Chevrolet Blazer EV, a five-passenger SUV. However, this technology will not be used in Honda’s upcoming electric vehicle for several years.
Experts point out some advantages and disadvantages of 2024 Prologue as follows:
Advantage:
1. It has a sleek design in the Honda tradition. The Japanese automaker has done a good job of hiding the Prologue’s “GM roots,” at least on the outside. The designers have managed to inject enough Honda DNA into the Prologue to give it a “family look” that is typical of Honda, with a modern and solid look.
2. Range and charging times are pretty good. The base powertrain is a single electric motor with front-wheel drive (FWD), rated at 212 horsepower. Dual motors with all-wheel drive (AWD) are optional, with a combined output of 288 horsepower. The EX and Touring models with FWD can travel 296 miles on a full charge; the AWD models are estimated to have a range of 281 miles. With a DC fast charger, the Prologue can charge from 20% to 80% in 35 minutes.
3. The engine is powerful enough. The Prologue can easily merge or overtake on the highway. Thanks to its EV architecture and low center of gravity, as well as Honda’s long experience with chassis design, the Prologue feels more agile and fun than some similar compact crossovers, such as the Honda CR-V gasoline model.
4. Smooth braking. The Prologue has a smooth braking system, a near-seamless combination of conventional braking and regenerative braking. While the regenerative braking systems of many electric vehicle manufacturers create a jerky feeling, the Prologue feels almost as smooth as conventional braking.
5. Beautiful, luxurious interior design. The interior material quality of the Prologue Elite version is considered better than many other high-end Honda models. The designers have successfully conveyed Honda’s interior style.
Disadvantages:
1. There’s still some GM “trace”! There’s no denying the Prologue’s GM roots. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But Honda’s pride shouldn’t let too many of the Prologue’s details still bear GM’s stamp. For example, the ignition button and remote key are straight from the Chevy parts bin. GM-branded parts are easy to find under the hood. The Prologue also has GM’s OnStar emergency services system.
2. Slow steering response. The Prologue is generally considered slow to the point where there is almost a lag between turning the steering wheel and the actual movement of the car.
3. It’s expensive. With a starting price of $48,795 (including destination), the base 2024 Prologue FWD costs less than a Blazer EV. But that doesn’t mean it’s affordable. Both the Tesla Model Y and Nissan Ariya are significantly cheaper. (HD)