This year has been full of uncertainty for the EV industry, yet somehow Honda has quietly stumbled on a hit with buyers. How did it buck the trend?
The Prologue debuted this year as Honda’s first EV, and sales have grown steadily each month. November was the best month yet at 6,800 vehicles sold, passing 25,000 for the year. That breaks August’s record of 5,401, which topped the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
(Credit: Honda)
Tesla is still leagues above the pack, but the Prologue’s success proves there’s room for other brands to grow. Ironically, the 5-seat SUV is not 100% made by Honda; it has a General Motors-built battery, a stopgap before Honda launches its own in-house EV platform in 2026.
We thought the GM battery would taint Honda’s EV credibility, but so far that’s not the case. “Honda purists and GM haters are trolling but who cares? This is a solid EV offering,” one Prologue owner tells PCMag.
We asked 25 owners why they purchased a Prologue instead of another EV. Here’s what they love about it, and a few areas where it could improve.
Physical Buttons, Apple CarPlay Are Still Cool
(Credit: Honda)
Tesla may have popularized giant touch screens, but three owners tell PCMag that the Prologue’s physical buttons for key controls are a major pro.
“Customers still want familiar and physical buttons and switches for common use items like HVAC [and] turn signals,” says one person with two Prologues in their garage. “Put someone in a car [they need] to relearn how to operate and you’ll turn a lot of people off. The Prologue is an easy transition car for entering the EV marketplace.”
Also in the semi-legacy tech category, the Prologue supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which Tesla, Rivian, and now GM do not in an effort to bring more tech in-house. One person initially wanted a Chevy Blazer with the hands-free Super Cruise tech (something Honda lacks; more on that below), but dealers were out of stock. Rather than waiting for it, and going without CarPlay, this driver just went with the Prologue.
Killer Lease Deals and Thousands in Incentives
(Credit: Honda)
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the biggest reason for buying a Prologue, according to 13 respondents, is the price and incentives that come with it.
The Prologue starts at $47,400 with up to a 296-mile range. For eligible buyers, it qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit (if Donald Trump doesn’t kill it next year). One owner decided to purchase one before Trump takes office, and received $11,000 off their purchase between federal and state incentives in Massachusetts.
Honda is also pushing some compelling leasing deals, though they vary by location. The Prologue website advertises $259/month with $2,999 down. But you may be able to find deals as low as $229 in certain states until Jan. 2, 2025, InsideEVs reports.
“It’s a great car for what it does, at the price you can get one for with all the rebates and offers from Honda,” one person says. “They’re practically (kinda literally) begging people to buy these things.”
Loyal Honda Lovers
(Credit: Honda)
Many people previously owned (and loved) Honda models, such as the CRV, Civic, and Odyssey. When they heard Honda had made an EV, they went for it.
“I had enjoyed the CRV for the last seven years,” says another driver. “I was intrigued by the idea of an EV. Early reviews were promising and the test drive was successful. Not complicated. No regrets.”
The GM battery complicates the “Honda-ness” of it all, but a few people say it still feels like a Honda in the design, and comes with the security of dealing with a company they already know. However, someone did mention that they hope the service is not confusing if there is an issue with the GM battery, which could be something to look out for in the long run.
It Looks Surprisingly….Normal
Honda Prologue (Credit: Emily Forlini)
The Honda Prologue has a modern design that still looks fairly traditional, especially when compared with a Tesla Cybertruck, which could appeal to a more mass market customer.
“It’s not a stupid spaceship, like nearly every other EV,” one owner says. “We want a reasonable styled SUV that happened to be electric. If I wanted a spaceship, I’d join NASA.”
“I really love the long, low, wheels-at-the-corners wagonette styling,” another adds. “It has presence on the road.”
The concept cars for Honda’s upcoming 0 Series EV lineup goes in a more futuristic direction; the Saloon sedan concept we saw at CES gives some serious vacuum cleaner vibes.
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Honda Saloon Concept EV (Credit: Emily Forlini)
The Prologue’s design also builds in a lot of extra space, making it roomy and “a lot of car for the money,” as one owner put it. A few people mentioned the ample legroom, which is enough to comfortably accommodate riders over 6 feet tall. One shopper found it to have a wider backseat than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which they also considered buying. It had enough room for their three kids without having “to move up to a giant vehicle,” such as a 3-row SUV.
Anti-Online Sales, Pro-Dealer Still Exists
Though Tesla, Rivian, and even Honda-owned Acura sell their EVs 100% online, Honda is still slinging the Prologue the old-fashioned way: in person.
Car dealerships can be the absolute worst, but it seems these Prologue owners had good shopping experiences. Several buyers noted their ongoing relationship with their local service department, and comfort in having a nationwide service network, as a reason to purchase. This could be especially important for nervous first-time EV buyers.
Some people reported purchasing the Prologue below MSRP, and getting attractive trade-in deals. We can’t say this will happen at every dealership, but there does still seem to be some good places out there. At the very least, you can get an in-person test drive, which many also found convincing given the smooth handling and suspension.
One Area of Improvement: Autonomous Driving Assists
Ford Mustang Mach-E with Blue Cruise Hands-Free Driving enabled (Credit: Emily Forlini)
The Honda Prologue lacks a hands-free driving system to compete with Tesla, Ford, and GM. It has no semi-autonomous, or Level 2, driving software. Most people won’t need this much autonomous driving (or don’t want to pay extra for it), and will settle for lane-keeping only—when it works.
“The car will keep you in a lane but will not center you, theoretically bouncing you back and forth on the lane,” one person says.
“I have definitely felt what you’re talking about on the lane assist,” another responds. “My Odyssey, I’m very comfortable leaving my hands off the wheel in certain situations. Not so much on the Prologue.”
So, the Honda Prologue may not be the most technologically advanced. PCMag awarded it an average 3.5 score in our review, citing lower range and slower charging than competitors. But with the prices Honda currently offers, plus incentives, it’s worth a look for EV shoppers.
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About Emily Dreibelbis Forlini
Senior Reporter
