SUVs flood the streets these days. Many drivers choose SUVs over sedans, whether they need them or not. This is mostly due to the introduction of compact SUVs – tall, spacious vehicles at a similar price to some sedans. However, the size and weight often make SUVs less efficient.
As environmental concerns drive change, automakers are racing to electrify their popular models. This includes the best-selling CR-V Hybrid and the all-new, all-electric Honda Prologue range. But which is the best electrified Honda SUV?
This is an on-paper comparison, with links to driven reviews where available. All information has been sourced from publicly available archives by Honda.
What Is An SUV?
Before we go into detail, let’s start with the basics. A Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV, combines the practicality of a light-duty truck with the comfort of an everyday car. While SUVs come in various sizes, typically, they will have a raised ride height, thus a high driving position, and plenty of space throughout. Most have optional all-wheel drive, but even some of the best midsize SUVs stick with front-wheel drive for efficiency.
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Contenders For The Title: Honda’s Best Electrified SUV
Usually, pitting two electrified vehicles from the same manufacturer can be boring on account of them sharing the same batteries. However, we have two very different approaches to greener driving at play here; hybrid and fully electric. We all know the Honda CR-V by now. Its hybrid powertrain is common, pairing a gasoline engine with electric motors for improved efficiency. On the other hand, the Prologue is an entirely new all-electric SUV.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Vs. Prologue Specifications
Model
Powertrain
Transmission
Drivetrain
Horsepower
Honda CR-V Hybrid
2.0-Liter I4 hybrid
e-CVT
FWD/AWD
204 hp
Honda Prologue
Single or dual electric motors
e-CVT
FWD/AWD
212 hp (single motor)
288 hp (dual motors)
Design: Honda Stays Conservative
The Honda CR-V Hybrid Looks Premium
The CR-V Hybrid doesn’t brag about its electrified powertrain. Hybrid badging is subtle, letting you go green without shouting about it. The exterior keeps the same clean, modern look with sleek lines and a bold front grille. LED headlights and taillights, gloss black roof rails and dual chrome exhausts add a touch of sophisticated sportiness, while the overall silhouette remains unmistakably CR-V.
The Honda Prologue Is Typically Electric
In contrast, the Prologue embraces its electric identity as a futuristic car you can buy right now. Since there’s no engine to cool, the front end doesn’t need to let air in, resulting in a solid plastic face. The entire body is clean, with obvious attention to aerodynamic sculpting to maximize the Prologue’s range.
Powertrains: Hybrid Efficiency Or Electric Power?
Obviously, they offer distinctly different driving experiences, each with its own strengths. The CR-V Hybrid provides a balance of efficiency and familiarity, with smooth acceleration and the flexibility of both electric and gas power. On the other hand, the Prologue promises the instant torque and silent operation typical of electric vehicles, along with potentially longer range on a single charge.
Honda CR-V Hybrid (FWD/AWD)
Honda Prologue (FWD/AWD)
Powertrain
2.0L I4 hybrid
85 kWh battery, single/dual motor
Horsepower
204
212/288
Torque
138 lb-ft (gas engine only)
236/333 lb-ft
247 lb-ft (traction motor only)
161 lb-ft (generator only)
Efficiency
43/36/40 mpg city/highway/combined (FWD)
107/91/99 MPGe city/highway/combined (FWD)
40/34/37 mpg city/highway/combined (AWD)
101/88/95 MPGe city/highway/combined (AWD Touring)
Starting Price
$34,650
$47,400
CR-V: The Best Of Both Worlds
Using the 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine from the regular CR-V, the hybrid adds two electric motors for an increased 204 horsepower. This setup with the motors brings more torque, therefore, more hauling power. As this is not a plug-in hybrid, driving for any significant distance on electric power alone isn’t possible. Either way, it ranks well against other hybrid SUVs with the best MPG for 2024.
Prologue: Unexpected Power
The Prologue, being all-electric, delivers a very different driving experience. The motors produce up to 288 hp and even more torque than the CR-V. Surprisingly, this electric SUV has a max towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. The big question on everyone’s mind is the Honda Prologue EV’s range. The Honda Prologue EV’s range is up to 296 miles on a single charge, which translates to an impressive 99 MPGe combined for the most efficient model. With dual motors, the Prologue is significantly quicker off the mark than the CR-V Hybrid.
Interior And Tech: Practicality Vs. Tech Fest
Both electrified Hondas offer comfortable interiors with cool tech. The CR-V features a responsive user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and keeps physical buttons for the things we use most, like climate controls. It also has heated front seats as standard, with a leather trimmed heated steering wheel available in the Sport Touring models.
The Prologue takes things up a notch with a larger 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, plus four USB-C ports. There’s more space inside the Prologue, too, thanks to it’s bigger dimensions. However, the 25.2 cu ft trunk (all seats in place) has nothing on the CR-V’s 36.3 cu ft.
Electrified Honda Pricing: The Cost of Going Green
Electric cars are expensive, mostly due to the cost of research, development and materials. As time goes on, we expect them to become more affordable. That said, Honda manages to stay very competitive with its EV range.
Excluding destination charges, the CR-V Hybrid starts from $34,650 for the base model Sport trim, with prices for fully-loaded versions reaching much more than that. The base model seems good value for money, since the fuel savings will offset the costs of a gasoline version over time.
Prices for the Honda Prologue are more expensive. The entry-level Prologue EX, excluding destination charges, starts from $47,400, making it the priciest Honda in America. Working up the trims takes the cost up to $57,900 for the Elite. While this is a significant jump from the CR-V Hybrid, it’s important to factor in potential long-term savings on fuel and maintenance on electric vehicles.
Model
Base MSRP*
Honda CR-V Sport Hybrid
$34,650
Honda CR-V Sport-L Hybrid
$37,650
Honda CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid
$41,100
Honda Prologue EX
$47,400
Honda Prologue Touring
$51,700
Honda Prologue Elite
$57,900
*Excludes options, destination, and any rebates
Honda CR-V Hybrid Vs. Honda Prologue: Two Accomplished Green SUVs
Both the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Prologue are big steps towards a greener future for SUVs. The CR-V Hybrid offers a familiar package with enhanced efficiency, while the Prologue charges straight into electrification. Choosing between the CR-V Hybrid and Prologue will ultimately come down to whether drivers are ready to switch to fully electric power or want a less drastic transition.
The Honda Prologue EV range is impressive and is a more high-tech option than the CR-V Hybrid, but it’s a lot more expensive. Meanwhile, the CR-V Hybrid is more affordable for families, with the benefit of extra space and a familiar interior layout.
Source:
Honda