Honda recently unveiled its very first 100% electric vehicle in North America, the 2024 Prologue. As the name suggests, this crossover represents the start of a series of zero-emission models that will arrive by 2030. We know of elsewhere already that it will be followed by a three-row intermediate SUV in 2025, based on an architecture specific to Honda.
Yes, because the Prologue is as American as it is Japanese, it and the new Acura ZDX having been developed in partnership with General Motors, which provides, among other things, the Ultium platform and battery. Production will take place at the GM plant in Ramoz Arizpe, Mexico, alongside the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV.
Here are five concrete things you need to know about the 2024 Honda Prologue:
Dimensions and space
Approximately 18 cm longer than the popular CR-V, including almost 40 cm of extra wheelbase, but 4 cm lower, the Prologue promises plenty of space for its five passengers. We’re talking about 3,877 liters, including legroom in the second row that is significantly more generous than in the Passport.
The trunk is not particularly large, however, with a capacity of 714 liters. With the 60/40 rear seatbacks folded (not quite flat, unfortunately), cargo volume increases to 1,634 liters. The hidden space under the floor adds another 14 liters. A hands-free power liftgate is available for access.
Photo: Honda
Versions and equipment
Honda Canada will offer the Prologue exclusively with a two-motor, all-wheel drive configuration and in three versions – EX, EX-L and Touring. The first two have 19-inch wheels and those of the third measure 21 inches, unheard of at Honda. The six available exterior colors include Scarlet Red Metallic and Pacific Blue Metallic.
Standard features include two-tone cloth seats, an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch HD touchscreen, with built-in Google technology (Google Assistant, Google Maps and more). options on Google Play). The EX-L and Touring versions feature leather seats.
In addition, the Honda Sensing range of driving aids includes braking in the event of rear cross-traffic, steering assistance in the event of an obstacle in the blind spot and rear pedestrian traffic alert, all firsts at Honda.
Photo: Honda
Driving experience
With its two electric motors, the Prologue generates an estimated power of 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. It is built on a GM platform, but its multi-joint front and rear suspension has been optimized by Honda engineers to offer a sporty driving experience and refinement worthy of the Japanese brand.
The Prologue’s custom-tuned Active Acoustic Control will enhance the driving experience by creating a sensation of continuous acceleration with a repetition of low to high frequency sounds linked to acceleration and deceleration. The available Sport mode will promote even more engaged driving with more responsive throttle and steering response, firmer steering, increased braking power and other improvements.
Photo: Honda
Battery and charging
As mentioned earlier, the Prologue’s 85 kWh lithium-ion battery comes from GM. Its anticipated range is more than 450 km, which is about average.
Honda speaks of a DC fast charging capacity of up to 155 kW. Thus, the Prologue will be able to regain a range of more than 100 km in around 10 minutes. Battery preconditioning will reduce recharge times.
It should also be remembered that Honda joined a joint venture including six other automakers to develop the main high-speed charging network in North America, ahead of Tesla’s Superchargers. The target is 30,000 charging stations and 1,350 locations by 2030. The first will open next year in the United States and will be followed shortly after by those in Canada.
Photo: Honda
When and at what price?
Pre-sale of the Prologue has already started on the honda.ca website and the first deliveries are scheduled for spring 2024. Please note: the vehicle will not be available across the country, only in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
Honda cites a minimum retail price of around $65,000, which isn’t too surprising considering its products cost more than average. But that would mean he would only be eligible for the provincial grant of $7,000 and not the federal government grant of $5,000, because he is over $60,000.
Further details on equipment and pricing will be announced at a later date.