Rebadging is simply a part of the enterprise. When two disparate corporations need to share applied sciences or save prices, they group as much as construct comparable automobiles with totally different badges, and market each to their respective audiences. And aside from just a few outliers (keep in mind the Aston Martin Cygnet?), trendy rebadging normally proves profitable for each manufacturers.
The issue with badge engineering although, is that typically the 2 merchandise are too comparable. They share nearly every little thing: Powertrains, know-how, dynamics, and many others. The one variations are the best way they appear and the badges on their backsides. With the Prologue, I used to be frightened Honda’s new EV would really feel an excessive amount of like a Chevy—and in some ways, it does. However on this case, that is truly a very good factor.
| Fast Specs | 2024 Honda Prologue Elite AWD |
| Battery | 85.0-Kilowatt-Hour Lithium-Ion |
| Motors | Entrance Everlasting Magnet Synchronous / Rear AC Induction |
| Output | 288 Horsepower / 333 Pound-Toes |
| Vary | 273 Miles |
| Base Value / As Examined | $48,795 / $59,750 |
GM’s Ultium platform is superb. Beneath the Prologue’s fashionable sheet steel, it is mainly a Chevrolet Blazer EV with just a few tweaks. It has an 85.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electrical motors on this all-wheel-drive Elite trim, for a complete output of 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, and 273 miles of vary. The only-motor, front-drive variant will get 296 miles of vary.
As with most electrical crossovers on this class, the Prologue is unremarkable in a straight line. Acceleration is fast and quick, and mid-range energy is respectable, however it tapers off whenever you stand up to freeway speeds. Tick over to Sport mode if you would like the throttle to really feel a bit snappier.
Dealing with is not actually this Honda’s forte, both. Senior Editor Chris Perkins described the steering as “gloopy,” and I agree. The steering ratio feels fast at first however does not add suggestions because the steering angle will increase. It is a surprisingly uninteresting automotive to steer. In Sport mode, the steering effort feels simply… heavier.
Professionals: Fashionable Design, Serene Experience, Spacious Cabin, Nice Know-how
One factor Honda did enhance over the Blazer is trip high quality. With particular springs and dampers, the Prologue is outstandingly snug. It glides over bumps with ease and rapidly smooths out damaged pavement. Even with its hefty 5,273-pound curb weight and too-big 21-inch wheels on this Elite mannequin, the Prologue rides higher than some lighter ICE alternate options.
The cabin is completely serene. Glorious sound dampening retains wind and tire noise at bay, which suggests sitting within the Prologue—even at freeway speeds—is whisper quiet. Leather-based seats come customary on the mid-range Touring and above—and they’re tremendous comfortable. And 10-way energy adjustability with lumbar assist is customary throughout the board. I had no challenge rapidly getting settled within the driver’s seat.
The second row feels huge. There is a ton of legroom and ample headroom, greater than sufficient for my six-foot-tall self to take a seat comfortably inside for lengthy intervals. The Prologue has 39.4 inches of legroom and 36.7 inches of headroom on this Elite trim (the bottom Prologue has 38.1 inches of headroom), which are not the most effective figures within the class, however aggressive. The 23.8 cubic toes behind the second row are lots capacious too, and that expands to 54.6 cubic toes with the second row folded flat.
The Prologue’s 11.3-inch touchscreen and 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster run an Android-based infotainment system that is an identical to what’s in most trendy Chevy fashions. That is not a foul factor. The crisp graphics, clear interface, and smartphone-quick contact responsiveness are a marked enchancment over the in any other case outdated system present in Honda’s ICE vehicles. And it nonetheless has wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which works nicely.
Jeff Perez / Motor1
Cons: Bizarre Steering, Underwhelming Efficiency, GM ‘Quirks’
There may be one fascinating ‘quirk’ to this technique although: There’s no bodily headlight change. There’s a barely noticeable headlight toggle on the higher lefthand nook of the touchscreen, or you are able to do what I did and dig into 5 layers of screens earlier than reaching the headlight interface. For what it’s price, the headlights work completely high quality on auto.
Each Prologue is provided with Honda’s strong Sensing security suite, which features a ahead collision alert, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, and extra. Upgrading to the OnStar Knowledge bundle unlocks visitors signal recognition, and solely on this Elite mannequin do you get a rear pedestrian alert and a 360-degree overhead digital camera.
Beginning at $48,795 for a base EX mannequin with front-wheel drive, the Prologue isn’t the most affordable choice within the section by a protracted shot. That honor goes to the Ford Mustang Mach-E at $42,985 (and it has customary rear-wheel drive). For the Prologue Elite, put together to dish out not less than $59,295 earlier than choices. The $455 Sonic Grey Pearl brings the as-tested worth to $59,750.
That’s a reasonably penny to pay for a badge-engineered Honda. Fortunately, GM’s Ultium platform makes the Prologue a wonderful proposition due to its serene trip, luxurious cabin, and very good powertrain. And for my cash, it seems to be higher than the Blazer.
12 Photographs
Jeff Perez / Motor1
