Passport

Make
Honda
Segment
SUV

If you're not aware, General Motors and Honda have partnered up to introduce a succession of affordable electric vehicles. The first Honda born from this partnership is the Prologue, an electric SUV that we've only seen in sketches and teaser videos - until now. The Japanese automaker has finally previewed the styling of the Prologue and, we must admit, it's quite a looker.

Styled by a young team of designers, Honda's aim was to create a clean and simple design. They've certainly succeeded; it's a classy, modern-looking crossover yet still recognizable as a Honda. The design direction (Neo-rugged) has been applied both inside and out, but let's begin with the exterior.

The "harmony of nature's elements" has inspired the Prologue, which can be seen in details like the 21-inch wheels and panoramic roof. These items, says Honda, give the Prologue a "capable and planted exterior." The minimalist front end draws inspiration from the delightful Honda e city car. That's not the only car the Prologue was seemingly influenced by, though.

Look at the overall design long enough and you'll pick up hints of other vehicles. The profile has a lot in common with the recently revealed Blazer EV (which comes as no surprise). Round back, however, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're looking at a Range Rover Evoque or Velar. From the light bar to the lower bumper moldings, the Prologue is a dead ringer for Britain's posh SUVs.

You may have also noticed the absence of Honda's signature "H-mark" badging on the rear. Instead, it's been replaced with the Honda brand name in a stylized font "that captures the modern and clean design of the Prologue."

There's more of a family resemblance at the front, where hints of the new CR-V and HR-V are clear to see. Overall, it's an attractive SUV that should appeal to mainstream consumers. As mentioned, nature played a big role in the design of the Prologue. The electric SUV is seen here in North Shore Pearl, an exclusive exterior color inspired by the beauty and colors of Lake Tahoe.

In terms of size, the Prologue is positioned above the CR-V and is comparable to the existing Passport SUV. Measuring 192.7 inches from stem to stern, the newcomer is slightly longer than the 189.1-inch Passport. The electric Honda should prove more spacious for occupants, with a 121.8-inch wheelbase (versus the Passport's 111 inches). The Prologue is slightly lower and narrower than its gas-powered sibling, though.

The interior, with its charcoal and gray upholstery, is said to mimic freshly fallen snow on the mountain. "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 designer Masaki Sumimoto.

Buyers can expect a fully digital 11-inch driver's display and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen. Both will be standard, says Honda. So, when will it be made available?

Honda says we can expect the vehicle to launch locally in 2024. In the interim, the CR-V Hybrid will serve as a stepping stone to full electromobility, and Honda has a rather clever plan up its sleeve, as the company's Gary Robinson explained.

"We are not going to wait until 2024 to attract EV buyers because we see a natural progression for a CR-V customer to Prologue with its slightly larger size, a larger interior, and capable handling...we will support that transition now by putting smart strategies in place with the CR-V hybrid, that will enable our customers to transition to an EV."

Honda aims to offer CR-V hybrid customers two-year leases in ZEV states. This way, when the Prologue launches in 2024, customers can move into a fully electric vehicle. Not much is known about the performance, but we assume it will closely mirror the Blazer EV.