All-Electric Acura ZDX, Honda Prologue Arrive… With Some U.S. Help

Honda and its luxury brand Acura are late to the EV party in North America, but that’s finally about to change with the recently unveiled Prologue and ZDX, respectively. And rest assured that more will come.

However, unlike the next EVs to be based on the Japanese automaker’s own dedicated architecture, these two models have big American ties since they were developed as part of a partnership with General Motors and ride on the Ultium platform and battery. What’s more, production will take place at GM’s Ramoz Arizpe assembly plant in Mexico, alongside the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV.

We’re still missing a few specs and official details, but let’s take a closer look at each of them.

2024 Acura ZDX

Remember the oddly styled crossover that Acura killed in 2013? The name is back, only this time for a fully electric SUV. Showcased in a world premiere during Monterey Car Week in California this summer, the latest ZDX marks the production debut of the Acura exterior design direction introduced on the Precision EV Concept last year.

In Canada, the company will offer the ZDX A-Spec in dual-motor, AWD configuration priced above $80,000. The ZDX Type S, the most powerful and best-performing Acura SUV ever, will also feature dual motors and AWD and will start above $90,000. The first deliveries to customers are slated for spring 2024.

The base model is projected to offer a range of up to 500 km, which would be quite competitive in the luxury electric SUV segment, while the sportier Type S will stand out with 500 horsepower and superior handling. Both mark the first Acura applications of cutting-edge new technologies including Google built-in, Bang & Olufsen luxury audio and AcuraWatch 360+ with Hands Free Cruise.

Charging on the go will be quick and convenient with DC fast charging at rates up to 190 kW. The 102kWh lithium-ion battery pack can recharge over 120 km of range in 10 minutes. What’s more, Acura will make it easy for ZDX customers to select, order and install an Acura charger in their home and to find and use available public chargers through the infotainment system or mobile app.

2024 Honda Prologue

With a name that symbolizes the key role it plays in Honda’s electrification strategy, the all-electric Prologue is described as a spacious, adventure-ready midsize SUV (similar in size to the Passport though lower). Its so-called “neo-rugged” exterior was led by a team of designers in the Honda Design Studio in Los Angeles and is anchored by available 21-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on a Honda.

Just like Acura, Honda Canada will offer the Prologue in a dual-motor AWD configuration, producing 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft. of torque. There will be three trim levels—EX, EX-L and Touring—and a base price of around $65,000. The vehicle will be available in select provinces including British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Deliveries will start in the spring. 

Despite using a GM platform, the Prologue benefits from multi-link front and rear suspensions that were optimized by Honda engineers to deliver the brand’s sporty and refined driving experience. Similar to the ZDX, Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the mix, along with an 11.3-inch touchscreen. Oh, and the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features is included, too.

Maximum range is estimated at more than 450 km. With DC fast charging at rates up to 155 kW, the Prologue’s 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack can regain over 100 km of range in about 10 minutes. Speaking of charging, Honda recently entered a joint venture with six other major automakers to create North America’s leading high-speed charging network, trumping Tesla’s Superchargers. The goal is to deploy 30,000 charge points at 1,350 charging stations by 2030. The first stations will open next year in the U.S., followed shortly thereafter in Canada.