Honda just announced its first mass-market SUV, and it sparked an interesting conversation here at YTD. Has there been a better time to need a new family SUV? Prices, inventory shortages, and other issues aside, there are more choices that offer better fuel economy, safety, and tech than ever before. Now, with the number of electric SUVs exploding, it can be an exciting time to shop for not the most exciting vehicles. An electric family SUV can offer numerous benefits over their gas-powered counterparts, including a more refined, quieter driving experience and better acceleration.
Simpler, more compact powertrain components give electric family SUVs structural advantages over gas-powered vehicles. For example, the Prologue is around the same length as a Honda Passport, but its wheelbase is nearly a foot longer. That means more interior space for people and gear and should elevate the Prologue to an adept family hauler. Extra space inside without a commensurate increase for exterior dimensions is a considerable benefit EVs bring to market. Without a gas powertrain and the accompanying complications those things bring, EVs can afford more space for people and their stuff, which is what family vehicles are all about.
Many people in the automotive community and beyond believe that EVs will kill the enthusiast car and usher in an era of bland, boring appliance cars. Family vehicles don’t have to be boring, and many automakers do an excellent job at offering performance variants of ordinary SUVs, but the move to electrification is a logical choice. The fuel economy benefit alone should be enough to attract buyers in droves, but an electric powertrain can transform a bland family SUV into a lively driver with solid acceleration.
Electric motors are quiet, so there’s no exhaust noise or droning when you’re on the highway, and electric powertrains tend to feel more responsive because of their instant torque. The EV driving experience, in general, is more relaxed and peaceful than the one delivered by gas vehicles, further improving their family appeal. Taking the kids on a nap ride is much easier when there’s much less noise.
The Honda Prologue isn’t due until the 2024 model year. In the meantime, there are several electric SUVs and cars that make excellent family vehicles. It’s worth noting that EVs are more expensive to buy than gas vehicles, and it can take years to make up the difference in charging costs.
Honda Prologue Competitors
These EVs will likely compete with the Prologue most directly on price, but the Honda is slightly larger than many of its currently available mainstream competition.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E delivers strong acceleration, sporty style, and easy-to-use tech. Ford offers the EV in several configurations, including a variant with up to 305 miles of range and a performance model with 480 horsepower.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is a surprisingly affordable EV with a solid range, good tech, and a quirky interior. Volkswagen recently started building the ID.4 at its factory in Tennessee, so you can feel good about buying a domestically built EV. The quickest available configuration offers 295 horsepower, and the most efficient returns up to 260 miles of range.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is a striking new EV, and the automaker knocked it out of the park with tech, safety equipment, and design. The most efficient configuration offers 310 miles of range, and the quickest variant brings 576 horsepower.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
If you like 80s-inspired styling and the Bladerunner aesthetic, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is your jam. We may see an “N” performance model soon, but for now, the Ioniq 5 offers up to 320 horsepower and up to 300 miles of range in specific configurations.
