It was a typical Texas morning when we arrived at Eagle’s Canyon Raceway, the scene set for the annual 31st Annual Texas Truck Rodeo. The venue buzzed with the energy of race practice—cars howled down the straights, their engines roaring like wild animals. The unmistakable scent of rubber burning as tires hugged the corners filled the air, a heady reminder of the raw power and tradition of automotive performance. But amidst this familiar noise of internal combustion lay the unmistakable sense of change, a turning of the tide in the world of trucks and SUVs.
The Prologue Elite, Honda’s first all-electric SUV, stood quietly in contrast. No growling engine, no clouds of exhaust—just the promise of near-silent power and smooth, electrified performance. This contrast felt almost poetic: the past and future of the automotive world meeting in the same place, sharing the same space but representing vastly different journeys.
Stepping Into the Prologue – Honda’s Vision for the Future
For over 20 years, Honda has built a name for itself as a pioneer in hybrid technology, making strides in fuel efficiency and reliable engineering. However, when it comes to fully electric vehicles (EVs), the brand has lagged behind leaders like Tesla. Until now. The Prologue Elite is Honda’s first fully battery-electric SUV, a bold statement that the brand is ready to be taken seriously in the electric space. With a range of up to 296 miles and a starting price just shy of $47,000, it’s positioned to shake up the market.
Stepping into the Prologue Elite for the first time felt like stepping into Honda’s future. With the sound of race engines roaring in the background, we found ourselves on the brink of something new. And as the Prologue rolled quietly out of the paddock and onto the back roads of Decatur, Texas, it offered a glimpse into the shifting landscape of automotive design and technology.
Driving the Prologue on Decatur’s Roads – A Different Kind of Thrill
If the Texas Truck Rodeo was a farewell to the old ways, then our drive through Decatur was an introduction to the future. Winding through the Texas countryside, the Prologue Elite did not disappoint. With every mile, it revealed a different kind of thrill—one that didn’t come from engine roars or the scream of tires but from the smooth, almost effortless acceleration and the quiet, refined comfort of an electric drive.
The back roads of Decatur offered the perfect testing ground for the Prologue Elite’s ride quality. Rolling hills and sweeping curves showcased the vehicle’s well-tuned suspension, which absorbed road imperfections with ease. The Prologue felt stable yet agile, gliding along with the kind of poise that’s often missing in larger SUVs. Honda’s engineers have clearly done their homework, delivering a ride that’s balanced and composed, without sacrificing the comfort that drivers have come to expect from the brand.
The Technology Behind the Tranquility – Prologue’s Inner Workings
While the Prologue Elite’s smooth ride made it clear that comfort was a priority, its tech-packed cabin added another layer to the experience. Inside, the Prologue strikes a balance between Honda’s familiar ergonomic design and new technology seamlessly integrated to enhance daily driving. The 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the center, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Google’s built-in suite for seamless navigation and functionality. This makes finding a destination or playing your favorite playlist as easy as talking to your car—a small touch that becomes a big convenience on long drives.
One of the notable features is the Prologue’s driver-centric layout. Honda has done a stellar job at keeping physical buttons for key functions like climate control and audio, ensuring drivers aren’t fumbling through screens while on the move. The seats, wrapped in real leather, add to the comfort, with both heating and ventilation on the Elite trim. This attention to comfort and usability is what truly sets the Prologue apart—an interior designed not just to be looked at, but to be lived in.
Power and Range – Real-World Impressions
Beneath the Prologue’s sleek exterior lies an 85 kWh battery pack and a choice of two powertrain configurations: a single motor driving the front wheels or the dual-motor setup of the Elite, offering all-wheel drive. The Elite trim’s dual motors produce a respectable 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque, providing plenty of power for spirited acceleration and confident passing maneuvers on the open road. And with a range of up to 271 miles for the all-wheel-drive model, the Prologue is well-equipped for longer drives without the anxiety of constantly searching for a charging station.
Driving the Prologue in Decatur, the instant torque delivered by the electric motors was immediately noticeable. Whether cruising through scenic stretches or overtaking slower traffic, the power was smooth, seamless, and always ready to respond. And thanks to the near-silent operation of the electric powertrain, the focus was on the journey itself—a peaceful, unhurried drive that made every mile enjoyable.
Charging the Prologue is straightforward. The vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW, which can add around 65 miles of range in just 10 minutes on a Level 3 charger. That means pit stops are quick and efficient, allowing you to get back on the road without much delay.
Handling and Practicality – Comfort Meets Versatility
For all its electrified capabilities, the Prologue is still very much a Honda at heart. This means that, beyond the impressive powertrain, it offers the practicality and versatility that Honda buyers have come to expect. The ride height is just right for comfortable entry and exit, and the cabin’s layout ensures all passengers have ample legroom and headroom. The nearly flat floor in the rear adds to the sense of spaciousness, making long drives comfortable for everyone on board.
From the outside, the Prologue might look sleek and modern, but it’s designed for everyday use. Its 21-inch wheels on the Elite trim not only give it a commanding stance but also contribute to a planted and confident feel on the road. The ground clearance, while not geared for serious off-roading, is more than enough for navigating rough patches or dirt roads.
In terms of cargo space, the Prologue doesn’t quite match the roominess of some of its competitors, like the Chevrolet Blazer EV, due to the packaging of its battery. Still, with 25.7 cubic feet of storage in the back and the ability to fold down the rear seats for more space, it’s practical enough for weekend adventures or daily grocery runs.
A New Player in a Shifting Market – Honda’s Bold Step Forward
The Prologue Elite enters a crowded and fiercely competitive market. Rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E all have their own loyal followings and strengths. But what sets the Prologue apart is its commitment to balance—providing a refined, comfortable ride without compromising on electric range or performance. It’s a Honda through and through, a brand known for its reliability, comfort, and attention to driver needs.
At around $47,000 for the base model, the Prologue is competitively priced. The Elite trim, which includes all-wheel drive and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and advanced driver aids, starts closer to $60,000. This positions the Prologue as a slightly more premium offering in the segment, appealing to buyers looking for a touch of luxury without the steep price tag.
The Prologue’s styling is also worth noting. With clean lines, a conservative yet modern design, and a tasteful North Shore Blue Pearl finish, it carries an understated elegance that’s likely to age well. It might not have the flash of some of its competitors, but it’s a design that feels timeless and fits perfectly within Honda’s lineup.
A Journey from the Past to the Future
As the day at the Texas Truck Rodeo drew to a close, the sounds of race engines and the scent of burning rubber still filled the air—a reminder of the tradition that has defined automotive passion for generations. But the Prologue Elite, quietly sitting in the midst of it all, stood as a symbol of the future. Its smooth, comfortable ride through Decatur felt like a journey not just through Texas back roads but through time—signaling the beginning of Honda’s next chapter in electrification.
For those looking to step into the world of electric SUVs without compromising on comfort, practicality, or a touch of style, the 2024 Honda Prologue Elite may just be worth the wait. It’s more than a first step into the electric space for Honda; it’s a bold stride forward, ensuring that even as the sounds of traditional engines fade, the thrill of driving remains very much alive.
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Special thanks to the Texas Auto Writers Association for hosting this event and having us out there.
Legend/Footnote: The Texas Truck Rodeo is an exclusive annual media event organized by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). This event brings together automotive journalists, manufacturers, and experts to evaluate and test the latest trucks and SUVs on challenging terrains, providing in-depth insights into vehicle performance and features in real-world conditions.
