Honda’s first all-electric SUV is a big deal. It’s called the Prologue and it’s a nod to the beginning of the company’s massive electrification push. This push will result in all Honda vehicles being 100 percent emission-free by 2040. The 2024 Honda Prologue EV is an interesting vehicle for several reasons. Here’s four cool facts about the development, styling, features, and sales goals of the SUV.

Co-Developed with General Motors

Back in April 2020, Honda issued a press release saying that it and GM had agreed to jointly develop two all-new Honda electric vehicles. One of those vehicles is the Prologue. The Prologue EV SUV is targeted to go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in 2024. It will be assembled at a GM plant in North America, though Honda hasn’t officially released information on which plant will be utilized. The Prologue uses GM’s Ultium platform, but the exterior and interior of the EV is designed by Honda. Honda and GM are not strangers to working together. The two companies have teamed up previously on electrification projects including fuel cells, the Cruise Origin, and battery module development.

Developed Using Virtual Reality Visualization Technology

The Prologue is the first Honda model that is designed primarily through virtual reality visualization technology. This technology is used by the team to envision Prologue in different environments. It also facilitated cross-collaboration between Honda styling teams in the U.S. and Japan. Hence, this was a huge benefit during the Covid-19 travel restrictions. The technology has more benefits. “We were able to see Prologue in digital environments that truly resemble the real world,” said Marco Tan, VR and CG designer with Honda Design. “By simulating and evaluating colors, materials, and even lighting in a virtual 3D environment we were able to explore possibilities that took styling to a higher level.” Development of the Prologue included traditional design processes including a fullsize exterior clay model. However, the interior design was mainly carried out by VR and AR technology. Benefits included eliminating limitations in the design process and enhancing team communication.

It Has “Neo-Rugged” Design

Los Angeles, California, is the home base for the Prologue design team and this team led the interior and exterior design. The 2024 Honda Prologue EV has a design direction called “neo-rugged.” The idea of neo-rugged is to create a modern and fresh look for the SUV that has clean and simple surfacing. It brings the “harmony of nature’s elements to the exterior and interior of the Prologue.” Example: The North Shore Pearl exterior color is inspired from colors found near Lake Tahoe, California. The charcoal and light gray interior color is inspired by the visual of fresh fallen snow on the mountains. “Our goal was to create a clean harmony based on a rugged SUV image by coordinating the colors and materials to express neo-rugged design styling that’s familiar to our customers and uniquely Honda,” said Masaki Sumimoto, design lead for the Color, Materials and Finish.

The Prologue Sports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-In

The 2024 Honda Prologue EV will integrate the latest tech. Specifically, this includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in. This is notable, in part, because the Prologue is the first Honda SUV to come equipped with Google built-in. It’s standard on all trims, and includes apps such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play. Google Maps offers benefits for EV drivers including optimized route planning for recharging and finding charging stations along the way. Additionally, it can also estimate the charging time required to reach the destination and can initiate preconditioning of the EV battery when the destination is a DC fast charging station. And on the subject of tech, the Prologue will include an 11-inch digital driver instrumentation display, a large 11.3-inch center touchscreen, and Honda’s first pocket-type wireless smartphone charger. A 7×3-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system are optional.

Aiming for 70,000 Units Annually

Honda says its target sales goal for the Prologue EV is 70,000 units annually. Honda’s plan is to focus on California and the ZEV states, including the BEV-friendly sunbelt states of Texas and Florida. The company anticipates that most sales at launch will come from these states. It’s worth mentioning that a press release from Honda noted that the Prologue will be available in all-wheel drive. This will make it appealing to those in the snowbelt and other areas where enhanced traction is necessary. The Prologue’s size positions it alongside the Passport in Honda’s lineup. Moreover, for size comparison, the SUV will be about 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than the 2023 Honda CR-V. Finally, the Prologue’s wheelbase sits at 121.8 inches, which is 15.5 inches longer than the CR-V but 3.4 inches less than the 2023 Ridgeline.

The Bottom Line

It appears that Honda has done its homework with its first electric SUV. Consequently, it’s overall aesthetics and stance look great and it’s sporting the latest tech. These are all good things because the Prologue is entering a very competitive segment. We’re anxious for Honda to reveal the Prologue’s battery, motor, range, and price info. We’ll pass that along when its available.