Honda Prologue

Honda's Prologue marks a decisive shift for a brand long defined by fuel-efficient gas engines: a full-fledged battery-electric SUV built on General Motors' Ultium architecture. Aimed at mainstream buyers who want real-world EV range and Honda's reputation for dependability, the Prologue delivers up to 296 miles of EPA-estimated range in FWD form. It seats five, ships with Honda Sensing safety tech on every trim, and carries enough cargo room to handle family duties without the range anxiety that plagued earlier EVs.

The Prologue is Honda's declaration that it can compete seriously in the electric SUV segment, and its exterior design backs that ambition. Styled by Honda's own team despite the shared GM underpinnings, it features a swept hood, slim LED daytime running lights, and a profile that reads as purposeful rather than derivative. At just under 193 inches in length, it slots comfortably into the midsize class — larger than a CR-V but not as imposing as a Pilot — and the interior carries Honda's characteristic calm organization, with physical climate controls sitting below the 11.3-inch touchscreen in a sensible, ergonomic layout.

Driving the FWD EX or EX-L reveals a vehicle tuned for composure over drama. The single 212-horsepower front motor delivers smooth, linear acceleration that suits suburban commuting and highway cruising equally well. The Touring AWD adds a rear motor for 288 combined horsepower, producing noticeably sharper responses on wet roads and during highway merges. The Ultium battery pack rides low in the floor, giving the Prologue a settled, planted feel in corners that belies its substantial curb weight. Ride quality leans toward comfort — appropriate for the audience Honda is targeting.

Range and charging are genuine strengths. The FWD Prologue earns 296 miles on the EPA cycle, which clears the real-world anxiety threshold for most US drivers with room to spare. DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW, meaning a meaningful top-up takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes at a public station. Inside, Google built-in runs natively on the infotainment display, making navigation, voice commands, and app integration more fluid than typical bolted-on smartphone mirroring. Material quality is a clear step above what you'd find in a first-generation EV from many rivals.

The value calculation sharpens considerably once federal tax credit eligibility enters the picture. Buyers who qualify for the full $7,500 IRA credit see the effective EX entry price drop toward $40,000 — repositioning the Prologue as one of the better-value midsize EVs available. Honda Sensing, encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning, is standard on every single trim. The Prologue does have real gaps: there is no front trunk despite the electric platform, the cargo area comes up short against some gas-powered rivals, and a single battery size means buyers cannot pay up for a longer-range version. Still, for buyers who want a credible, refined electric SUV with a trusted badge, the Prologue makes a compelling argument.