You might think that the battery-electric 2024 Honda Prologue is a first for the brand. But it’s not. Honda has tried selling EVs before. But you can be forgiven if you don’t remember the Honda Clarity and Fit EVs.

But the Prologue is aptly named, as it’s the opening salvo in Honda’s aim to reach 500,000 North American EV sales by 2030, and a fully electric fleet by 2040.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is not actually a Honda. Underneath its sensibly styled skin is a Chevrolet Blazer EV, including its Ultium batteries, motors and software. Not that you’d initially notice, as it wears the sensible straightforward design common to Hondas.

But look closer.

If you’ve spent any time in a Blazer EV, you’ll find the instrument cluster is similar but doesn’t have as many layout choices as you’ll find on its GM cousins. The Prologue’s infotainment system seems easier to use, but it is smaller, and artlessly plopped atop the instrument panel. But at least it’s easy to reach. The instrument panel trim doesn’t have the plastic lattice common to other Hondas. Instead, you might recognize the shiny black plastic trim as well as the power lock buttons, power tailgate and climate controls from other GM vehicles.

Yet there are differences. The Prologue’s center storage bin is massive, with lower open space ahead of it for stashing a purse, messenger bag or briefcase. And Honda’s overall design is utilitarian and straightforward, avoiding the surprise and delight features GM puts in the EVs. Consider the Chevy Equinox EV’'s door handles. They pop out as you approach the vehicle, while the Honda employs conventional door handles. Once inside, the Equinox senses its fob and starts. The Honda has a starter button that you have to press.

Dealbreakers? No. Just a difference in persona.

While it has all the signs of being a Honda, it’s a half-breed at best. It’s perfectly acceptable and capable, with an even-natured temperament. Yet it’s lacking that certain joie-de-vie you’ll experience in other EVs, or petrol-powered Hondas for that matter.

The Honda Prologue comes in base EX, mid-level Touring and top-of-the-line Elite trims. All come can be fitted with dual motors and all-wheel drive, but only EX and Touring models can also be had with a single motor and front-wheel drive. As you might expect, dual motor models have the most power: 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque. But they also have less range: 281 miles in EX and Touring models, 273 miles on Elites. Opting for the single motor model brings less power, a mere 212 ponies, but extends range to 296 miles.

Towing is rated at 1,500 pounds, but only on the front-wheel-drive EX trim.

Using a 240-volt outlet, like the one found in many homes, a fully-drained Prologue will need nearly nine hours to recharge, or 34 miles per hour of charging time. But that’s perfectly doable in your garage overnight. And if you’re not at home but need a dose of volts, Honda has worked with Google Maps to include charging stations along your route.

If there’s anything that could be said of the 2024 Honda Prologue, it’s that it’s a perfectly normal EV to drive, but little more. It lacks the sparkling off-the-line speed of so many EVs, trading low-speed theatrics for even-handed power delivery. Body lean is held mostly in check, and there’s plenty of road-hugging weight, as its hefty 85-kWh battery makes itself felt while cornering. But the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is far more fun to fling around, as is the just-released Chevrolet Equinox EV.

But it is truly a Honda in one respect: it’s noisy. All Hondas suffer from an intense amount of unneeded road and tire noise, particularly at highway speeds. And the Prologue proves to be no exception despite being an EV, vehicles that typically don’t suffer from this malady.

The 2024 Honda Prologue is a vehicle for the Honda faithful who must have an EV. It’ perfectly fine, if unremarkable. It’s entirely satisfactory, but little more.

2024 Honda Prologue

Base price: $48,795-$59,295

Powertrain: Dual-motor; 85-kWh battery

Horsepower/Torque: 288/333 pound-feet

Range: 273-296 miles

Recharge time (240-volts): 34.1 miles per hour of charging

Length/Width/Height: 192/78/65 inches

Ground clearance: 8.1 inches

Curb weight: 5,207 pounds

Cargo capacity: 23.7-54.5 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds (EX FWD only)

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