Electric Cars

The 2025 Honda Prologue EV offers a fascinating glimpse into Honda's venture into the all-electric SUV market, born from a unique collaboration with General Motors. This vehicle aims to blend the spacious comfort expected of an SUV with the innovative efficiency of electric power. While it delivers a remarkably plush ride and a generous interior, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo capacity, its journey is not without its hurdles. Notably, the Prologue deviates from the spirited driving dynamics often associated with the Honda brand, opting instead for a more serene, cruiser-like experience. Furthermore, its co-developed nature brings both advantages and distinct challenges, particularly concerning its charging infrastructure compatibility and the subtle presence of its GM lineage. This blend of positive attributes and notable drawbacks defines the Prologue as a vehicle that is both promising and perplexing, prompting a deeper look into its performance and identity in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.

Detailed Report: The 2025 Honda Prologue EV Experience

In mid-August 2025, an extensive evaluation of the 2025 Honda Prologue EV's Touring trim, a Canadian-market model equivalent to the U.S. Elite trim, was conducted over a period of seven days. This marks Honda's significant entry into the electric SUV segment, powered by an 85kWh dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system generating a robust 300 horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle promises an impressive range of approximately 282 miles (455 kilometers), with slightly higher estimates for lesser-equipped models. However, real-world testing indicated a practical range closer to 264 miles (425 kilometers), largely influenced by driving habits.

Upon closer inspection, the Prologue's exterior design, while aesthetically pleasing and undeniably modern in its Sonic Grey Pearl finish with 21-inch alloy wheels, showcases a subtle, perhaps too subtle, connection to Honda's distinctive design language. Its sleek, understated profile is designed to appeal to a mature demographic, valuing sophistication over overt flashiness. Inside, the cabin emerges as a true highlight, offering an inviting and remarkably spacious environment. The thoughtful inclusion of physical buttons and dials for essential controls, a refreshing departure from touchscreen-only interfaces, enhances user-friendliness. Noteworthy features of the Canadian Touring model include an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch central infotainment display, a premium 12-speaker BOSE® sound system, heated leather steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and an expansive panoramic moonroof that bathes the interior in natural light.

Despite its luxurious comfort and advanced features, the Prologue revealed some operational quirks. The wireless charging pad proved largely ineffective for modern smartphones, and the exclusive reliance on USB-C ports posed minor inconvenience for users with varied device ecosystems. Rear passengers noted the absence of heated rear seats, a comfort feature often expected in this segment. The driving dynamics, a core aspect of any Honda, presented a significant departure. Weighing in at 5,273 pounds, the Prologue prioritizes a smooth, cushioned ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections and maintaining a serene cabin environment. While the default steering is light and lacks engagement, activating 'Sport Mode' noticeably improves responsiveness. This vehicle is clearly engineered as a comfortable cruiser, gently encouraging a relaxed driving style rather than aggressive maneuvering. All-wheel-drive variants boast a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, suitable for light utility. The standard HONDA SENSING® active safety suite is comprehensive, with higher trims adding advanced parking and pedestrian alert systems, alongside a surround-view camera.

A critical issue encountered during the evaluation was the Prologue's finicky charging system. Repeated attempts to use Level 1 and Level 2 AC chargers resulted in persistent error messages, necessitating exclusive reliance on Level 3 DC fast chargers. Research indicated this is not an isolated incident among owners, suggesting a potential widespread software or hardware issue. This charging limitation significantly impacted the convenience of daily use, especially in areas with limited DC fast charging infrastructure. Furthermore, the vehicle's unique handling characteristics, possibly due to its substantial weight and softened suspension, induced motion sickness in the driver, an unusual experience for seasoned EV drivers.

The week-long immersion with the 2025 Honda Prologue EV left a mixed impression. While its expansive, comfortable interior and smooth ride are undeniable strengths, its charging inconsistencies and the distinct sensation of driving a vehicle designed by a different manufacturer cast a shadow. The Prologue feels less like a traditional Honda and more like a comfortable, yet somewhat compromised, collaborative effort. Looking ahead, the anticipation builds for Honda's upcoming 0 Series models, which promise to showcase Honda's proprietary EV technology, aiming for a more cohesive brand identity and a driving experience truly aligned with Honda's renowned engineering prowess, hopefully addressing the weight, dynamics, and technological integration more effectively.

From a journalist's perspective, the 2025 Honda Prologue EV serves as a compelling case study in brand identity and technological integration within the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market. It highlights the inherent challenges and compromises involved when established automakers venture into new territories through cross-brand collaborations. While the Prologue undoubtedly offers an incredibly comfortable and spacious ride, catering to a segment of the market that prioritizes luxury and practicality, its struggle with charging infrastructure compatibility and a notable departure from Honda's characteristic driving feel raises pertinent questions. It forces us to ponder what truly defines a 'Honda' in the electric age. Is it merely the badge, or the intangible sense of precision engineering and driver engagement that has historically characterized the brand? The issues encountered, particularly with charging, underscore the critical importance of a seamless user experience, which extends beyond the vehicle's physical attributes to its ecosystem compatibility. This experience with the Prologue suggests that while collaboration can accelerate market entry, maintaining brand integrity and delivering on core promises remains paramount for long-term success. The industry, and consumers, will be keenly observing how Honda’s truly in-house developed EVs will address these nuanced aspects, shaping the future perception of electric vehicles from legacy manufacturers.

Tesla is embarking on an ambitious expansion of its autonomous vehicle program, actively seeking 'Prototype Vehicle Operators' to rigorously test its robotaxis in the demanding urban landscape of Flushing, New York. This strategic move signals the company's intent to introduce its self-driving taxi service to the bustling streets of the Big Apple. The role is designed for individuals with exceptional driving acumen, requiring them to spend up to eight hours daily inside Tesla's autonomous vehicles, meticulously gathering audio and camera data essential for system refinement and training. This push into New York City comes amidst questions regarding the necessary operational permits, which Tesla has yet to acquire, and concerns over the current safety perceptions surrounding its autonomous driving technology.

Navigating New York’s notoriously congested thoroughfares will present a formidable challenge for these prototype vehicles and their human overseers. Operators must be prepared to take immediate control of the vehicle if the autonomous system falters, a critical requirement given past incidents where Tesla robotaxis in other cities, such as Austin, Texas, have reportedly committed traffic infractions. Beyond the complexities of urban driving, the role also demands a keen eye for technical detail, involving active participation in equipment and software debugging, and the diligent compilation of daily drive reports to document any encountered issues. This rigorous testing phase underscores the company’s commitment to refining its self-driving capabilities, even as it prepares for a broader public rollout of its robotaxi service, beginning with Austin in September.

The move into the robotaxi domain is a pivotal strategic direction for Tesla, particularly in a period marked by declining sales and the discontinuation of older models in certain markets. While Tesla intensifies its focus, the autonomous vehicle landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. Established players like Waymo continue to broaden their driverless taxi services, asserting superior safety records compared to human drivers. Furthermore, General Motors is revitalizing its Cruise taxi service, and Lucid recently announced a significant partnership with Uber to deploy 20,000 robotaxis. This burgeoning competition highlights a shared vision for the future of transportation, where autonomous vehicles play an increasingly central role, promising enhanced efficiency and safety. The brave individuals who undertake these demanding test roles in New York City are not just driving vehicles; they are actively shaping the future of urban mobility and contributing to a transformative shift in how we conceive of personal and public transportation.