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Honda will unveil a new design theme it calls "neo-rugged" early next year, when its first electric vehicle, the five-passenger 2024 Prologue SUV, goes on sale. Long and low, the Prologue looks more like a sporty wagon than traditional SUVs like the Honda Passport.

Prologue prices will start in the upper $40,000s.

The Prologue shares its platform, electric motors, battery and more with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. There’s no visual similarity between the two, however, with the Blazer having more fluid lines.

Bigger than Passport or CR-V, no front trunk

The Prologue is longer, wider, shorter and slightly narrower than Honda’s Passport midsize SUV, which has the proportions of a more traditional SUV. It’s also about 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than Honda’s popular CR-V compact SUV.

One vehicle isn’t enough to reveal the defining characteristics of Honda’s neo-rugged look, but the Prologue’s exterior leans into horizontal lines, with a broad, level hood, flat front fenders, wide, narrow grille, and slim horizontal LED running lights and headlights. The low roof is similarly level, leading to a sharply angled rear window. The A-pillars and windshield display a consistent rake.

Honda’s Los Angeles studio designed the Prologue’s exterior.

The Prologue’s interior has plenty of head and leg room. A panoramic, power-opening sunroof with a retractable shade is standard on all models except for the base EX.

There’s no front trunk, but there's 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats – 57.7 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seat folds 60/40.

An 11.3-inch touchscreen controls many features, but there are conventional controls for volume and climate. The touch screen has the highest resolution of any Honda. Google built-in services provide web-based navigation and other features. The gear selector is mounted on the steering column.

Google and Apple maps can be projected onto the Prologue’s 11-inch instrument cluster.

Wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.

Why is GM building it?

Honda and GM have previously shared products and technology to fill gaps where one is more expert than the other. For instance, Saturn Vue SUVs used a Honda V6 for years.

Honda’s on the receiving end this time. GM was ahead in EV development so Honda engineers and designers worked with GM to get the Prologue and Acura-branded ZDX luxury EV from the same development program that produced GM’s Ultium batteries, electric motors, controls and the platform underpinning vehicles like the Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq.