There is one catch: the short-term CR-V lease is only available to buyers in ZEV states: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
Dave Gardner, executive vice president of business and sales for American Honda Motor Co., has said that Honda will take a phased approach to its rollout of electric vehicles and that dealers in ZEV states will move much faster.
Honda has an aggressive plan to transition to all electric vehicle sales by 2040, especially given that the automaker still has two years to go before its first EV goes on sale.
Honda has said it will introduce 30 new EVs globally and hit sales of 2 million EVs by 2030.
Prologue represents the first phase of that plan. It’s co-developed with General Motors and will leverage GM’s architecture and Ultium battery pack. Acura also will debut an electric crossover called the ZDX in the same time frame.
Like the ZDX, which was designed in American Honda’s Los Angeles design studio, the Prologue’s exterior and interior styling are the creation of local Honda designers. They call the look of the EV “neo-rugged.”
Neo-rugged means it is “fresh and modern and connects the rugged [crossover] image of our current gas-powered products with our electrified future,” Robinson said, noting the new Honda rear badging that replaces the traditional “H” and follows the trend of using big capital letters to spell the brand across the liftgate.
Honda has not provided specs for the EV but said it will be closer in size to the Passport five-seater and will have enough aesthetic difference to appease two distinct audiences. For instance, the Passport’s roof is tall to appeal to buyers who prefer off-road styling and the Prologue’s height is low and sleek for a more urban appeal.
The Prologue’s 121.8-inch wheelbase stretches 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than the CR-V, which has a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Large 21-inch wheels pulled out to the corners give the Prologue a sporty, planted stance.
The Prologue also will have a spacious cabin with “ample space for passengers and cargo,” according to Honda.
Honda did not disclose trim strategy but teased that the top Elite trim will offer leather seating and a panoramic sunroof. An 11-inch driver display behind the wheels and an 11.3-inch center screen will come standard across the line.
