Is the Honda Prologue a hybrid vehicle?
The Honda Prologue is not a hybrid; it is a fully electric SUV built on General Motors’ Ultium battery platform, signaling Honda’s push into battery-powered driving in North America. It is designed as a dedicated electric vehicle (BEV) rather than a hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
Overview: a BEV built in partnership with GM
Launched as part of Honda’s broader electrification plan, the Prologue uses GM’s Ultium architecture to deliver a battery-electric driving experience with emphasis on range, charging efficiency, and interior practicality. Honda positions the Prologue as a standalone BEV aimed at mainstream buyers, with its primary distinction being electric propulsion rather than a hybrid powertrain.
What Ultium brings to the Prologue
Ultium provides a modular battery and scalable platform that supports a range of configurations. For the Prologue, this translates to an electric drivetrain designed to offer usable range and convenient charging, without the complexity of maintaining an internal combustion engine alongside batteries.
Design, practicality, and features
The Prologue is conceived as a compact-to-midsize two-row SUV with seating for five and flexible cargo space. Inside, it emphasizes user-friendly technology, a modern infotainment system, and Honda’s emphasis on reliability and everyday usability—features that appeal to families seeking an electric crossover with familiar Honda DNA.
Interior and technology highlights
Expect a well-appointed cabin with Honda Sensing driver-assist tech, contemporary connectivity options, and comfort-focused materials. The design prioritizes straightforward operation and a roomy, practical interior for daily use and weekend trips.
Performance, range, and charging
As a BEV, the Prologue focuses on smooth, quiet electric driving and efficient energy use. Official or commonly cited estimates place its range in the mid-200s miles per charge, with charging capable of leveraging common fast-charging infrastructure and home charging setups.
Is there a hybrid version?
No. There is no announced hybrid or plug-in hybrid variant of the Prologue. Honda’s broader lineup includes hybrids like the CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid, but the Prologue is being introduced as a dedicated electric vehicle in its initial form.
Implications for Honda’s EV strategy
The Prologue represents Honda’s strategy to broaden its electric offerings by leveraging partnerships (notably with GM) to accelerate the introduction of reliable BEVs. It complements Honda’s existing hybrid portfolio, signaling a shift toward more extensive electrification while maintaining a diverse powertrain lineup for different markets and customer needs.
Summary
The Honda Prologue is a fully electric SUV, not a hybrid. Built on GM’s Ultium platform, it marks a strategic entry into the BEV segment for Honda in North America and is positioned to expand the brand’s electric lineup with practical range and everyday usability. As the model rolls out, details on pricing, exact range, and availability will continue to unfold, but its core identity remains that of an all-electric vehicle rather than a hybrid.
Is the Honda Prologue electric or hybrid?
The Honda Prologue is an all-electric SUV, not a hybrid. It is Honda's first fully electric SUV, running on battery power and designed for zero-emission driving.
- Powertrain: The Prologue uses a battery and electric motors for power, with no gasoline engine.
- Technology: It features an 85 kWh battery, DC fast charging capabilities, and a range of up to 308 miles for the front-wheel-drive model.
- Comparison: It is a completely different vehicle from hybrid models like some trims of the Honda CR-V, which use both a gasoline engine and an electric motor.
Is a Honda Prologue bigger than a Honda CRV?
Yes, the Honda Prologue is bigger than the Honda CR-V, being about 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider. This puts the Prologue in a larger, midsize SUV category, more comparable in size to the Honda Passport than the CR-V.
- Length: The Prologue is approximately 8 inches longer than the CR-V.
- Width: The Prologue is about 5 inches wider.
- Wheelbase: The Prologue has a longer wheelbase, at 121.8 inches compared to the CR-V's 106.3 inches.
- Overall Size: The larger dimensions of the Prologue mean it offers more interior space, particularly for rear passengers.
How many miles per gallon does a Honda Prologue hybrid get?
The 2025 Honda Prologue gets 113 MPGe city / 94 MPGe highway (for front-wheel-drive EX and Touring trims). What MPG does the 2025 Honda Accord Sedan get? The 2025 Honda Accord Sedan gets 29 city / 37 highway / 32-33 combined miles per gallon.
Why is the Honda Prologue not selling?
The Honda Prologue is not selling well due to a combination of high cost, a lack of unique features, a perceived low-quality interior compared to its price, and a strategic sales model that may be designed to encourage leases over purchases. Other factors include a less-than-competitive charging speed and the perception that its infotainment and user experience are dated or are not truly "Honda" quality.
Cost and sales strategy
- High price: The Prologue is not considered cheap, and some argue it isn't a good value compared to its features and quality.
- Lease-focused strategy: Honda may be intentionally offering attractive lease deals to get customers into the vehicle, with the ultimate goal of converting them to more expensive, in-house-designed EVs later on.
Vehicle features and performance
- Lack of unique features: The Prologue does not have advanced driver-assistance features like hands-free driving, which are becoming common in competitors.
- Underwhelming performance: It is criticized for having a subdued, lazy handling feel and lacking a sporty character, which is a disappointment for a brand known for performance.
- Slow charging: Its charging speed is slower than many competitors, topping out at 150 kW.
Interior and user experience
- Perceived low quality: Some reviews point to cheap-feeling materials, particularly in the rear seats, and steering column stalks that feel "flimsy," a significant drawback given the car's price.
- Dated infotainment: The user interface uses generic GM graphics and branding, and the system has been criticized for not integrating supercharger locations into its native navigation.
- Clunky usability: The car has a number of minor inconveniences, such as requiring the car to be turned off to view battery percentage and the auto high beams being integrated with the blinker stalk, which can be confusing for some users.
Honda's brand perception
- Perceived "not-a-Honda" feel: Because the Prologue is built on a GM platform, some existing Honda customers feel it doesn't have the quality or feel of a true Honda.
