Honda Prologue First Drive: Honda's First Real Electric SUV Is Impressive
We drove the 2026 Honda Prologue for three days. The result of Honda's partnership with GM is an EV that finally feels ready for primetime.
The Honda Prologue is Honda’s first serious attempt at a mass-market electric vehicle for the United States. Developed in partnership with General Motors using the Ultium platform, it goes on sale in early 2026 starting at $42,000. We spent three days driving a pre-production Prologue on California highways and city streets to find out if Honda’s wait for a compelling EV was worth it.
First Impressions
The Prologue is larger than you expect — it’s a midsize SUV in the same size class as the Honda Passport, with generous interior space that was clearly designed with American buyers in mind. The styling is handsome if conservative — nothing as polarizing as the bZ4X, but nothing as distinctive as the IONIQ 5 either.
The interior is Honda’s best EV effort. The 11.3-inch center touchscreen is responsive, the seat comfort is excellent for long drives, and the rear seat has genuinely generous legroom. Honda’s build quality is evident throughout — this feels like a Honda, which is to say it feels solid and well-assembled.
Driving Dynamics
The Prologue’s single motor (front-wheel drive) produces 210 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. It’s not fast by EV standards — 0-60 in 5.9 seconds — but it’s adequate for daily driving. The real story is the ride quality: Honda tuned the suspension for comfort, and it shows. The Prologue floats over broken pavement with genuine luxury-car composure.
The one-pedal driving mode is well-calibrated. The regen blending with friction brakes is seamless, and the transition from regen to friction is imperceptible. This is Honda’s first serious attempt at one-pedal driving, and they’ve gotten it right.
Range and Charging
The Prologue’s 300-mile EPA range puts it in the competitive set with the Tesla Model Y (330 miles) and ahead of the Toyota bZ4X (252 miles). On DC fast chargers, the Prologue accepts up to 155 kW — competitive for its class.
HondaLink integration with charging networks is functional but not as seamless as Tesla or Ford’s apps. Finding and initiating a charge requires navigating through the app, which is more friction than the best competitors.
The $42,000 Verdict
The Prologue starts at $42,000 before destination charges, making it more expensive than the Chevrolet Equinox EV ($34,995) which shares its platform. The Honda premium — approximately $7,000 — buys a better dealer network for service, Honda’s reliability reputation, and a more refined interior.
Whether that premium is worth it depends on your priorities. If you’ve been a Honda loyalist and want an EV that feels like a Honda, the Prologue is the answer. If you’re brand-agnostic and want maximum value, the Equinox EV is the better choice.
For more on Honda’s EV plans, see our Toyota hybrid success analysis.
We think you might be interested in…
EMPORIA Pro Level 2 EV Charger (48A, NACS) — Up to 48 amps, NACS plug, WiFi-enabled smart scheduling. Works with any NACS EV (Amazon)
Lectron J1772-to-NACS Adapter — J1772-to-NACS adapter enabling non-Tesla EVs to charge at Tesla Level 2 equipment. (Amazon)
Chemical Guys Car Cleaning Kit — Complete car wash kit with wash mitt, buckets, and specialty cleaners for a showroom finish. (Amazon)
We may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Recommended Products
MotorLinks may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
