This story contains independent illustrations made by CarScoops artist Josh Byrnes based on recent teasers of Honda’s future electric SUV Prologue. Renders are not affiliated with Honda and are not approved.
It may seem like they’re late for the party, but Honda is finally going all-in rechargeable electric vehicles, starting with a future SUV called the Prologue. Of course, there have been other attempts at partial electrification with a hybrid of Insight and Clarity on hydrogen fuel cells, but neither has succeeded – and the all-electric Honda e is not available in the States.
Read: Everything we know about the Hyundai Ioniq 7 2024 electric SUV from looks to power
So what do we know about Prologue still? The Japanese firm has already released a preview sketch showing a GM Ultium-based crossover. What about everything else? Well, let’s explore further.
Fresh review
Based on a preview of the Honda illustration, the Prologue looks like a beautiful kit – but it’s always so with conceptual images and their sleek proportions. The production version is likely to lose the daylight opening zone (DLO) for practical aesthetics for the family.
In addition, most of the sketch style will remain intact. On the front panel there is a black glossy panel, on the sides of which is a pair of thin matrix LED headlights, and a trapezoidal lower grille (to cool the battery) adds some visual aggression.
In addition to the cut-out hood and windshield, the strong shoulder line emphasizes the refreshing aesthetics without clutter. Behind the trunk door is framed by a pair of LED lights that gently descend before unfolding horizontally.
The ultimate space
Although Honda has yet to offer any interior details, it will highlight the automaker’s strengths as build and interior flexibility (hopefully Honda’s smart charming seats will appear). Expect impressive levels of space for passengers as a by-product of Ultium’s electrical architecture and battery technology supplied by GM.
The Prologue will feature the latest technology for driver convenience and infotainment, although much of this content will be rebranded by GM, and Honda will also add some of its own features. Other goodies include a fully digital dashboard, connected services, air updates, wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Under the skin
The crossover is based on the scalable battery-electric architecture of Ultium from General Motor as part of strategic alliance between two automakers. Different versions of the platform already perform duties under the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Hummer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. Although Honda has not been able to go into detail, it is believed that the Prologue is a medium-sized crossover similar to Cadillac Lyriq 2023 with which it can share its BEV3 platform, although this has not been specifically confirmed.
Using Lyriq as an example, we could expect the Prologue to have a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 100 kW / h with a range of more than 300 miles (483 km). Traction can be of two options: a base single-engine rear-wheel drive model and a more powerful twin-engine version for the all-wheel drive version, but will not have the same level of performance with the higher-end Lyriq available in 340 and over 490 hp.
Fast DC charging up to 190 kW will allow drivers to increase power reserve by 76 miles for every 10 minutes of charging time.
Rivals and detection
The Prologue will compete directly or indirectly (mostly in cost and size) with a growing number of electric SUVs, from future mid-size offerings such as the Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9, to the current crop of crossovers such as Nissan Ariya, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6Ford Mustang Mach-E and Genesis GV60.
See: Here’s what the 2024 Kia EV9 electric SUV should look like
It is likely that we will see a concept model or what Honda likes to call a prototype, next year, and the final production model will appear shortly after sales start in early 2024. Honda expects that sell about 60,000 units first year and increase that number to at least 70,000 in 2025. Prologue will be built at one of GM’s plants in Michigan and will generate a more luxurious version of Acura possibly called ADX later.
What do you think about the future Honda EV SUV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
https://www.carscoops.com/2022/06/2024-honda-prologue-heres-what-we-know-about-the-gm-ultium-based-electric-suv/
