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Retro Review: AMC MarlinHonda’s New EV and Toyota Turbos the Highlander
We’ve got the latest updates on Honda’s new EV and Toyota’s changes to the Highlander.
Honda’s New Prologue EV
Honda has big plans afoot for their move into EVs. A big component of which is their deal with GM to share GM’s Ultium EV platform, which will underpin a good many EV offerings from both companies in the coming years. One early Ultium-based EV from GM is the new Chevrolet Blazer EV. Another will be its Honda equivalent, the upcoming Honda Prologue all-electric SUV.
The Honda Prologue will be Honda’s first fully electric vehicle state-side. Sadly, they have denied us the charms of their urban runabout EV, the Honda E. The Prologue’s dimensions provide a clue as to why it was chosen as the first Honda EV for the US market as it is sized to that of the current Honda Passport. But thanks to a shorter rear overhang and a longer, wider wheelbase, the Prologue will provide superior interior space compared to the Passport.
Honda has yet to release official number for the Prologue’s powertrain but given its architectural similarities we can assume it will offer somewhere between 250 and 320 miles of range and offer at least front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
Honda’s design team has been producing impressive work of late and the Prologue continues that trend. The interior is a restrained evolution of current Honda cabins, allowing the “EV-ness” of the Prologue to remain subtle. An 11-inch digital gauge cluster is complemented by an 11.3-inch touchscreen while the dash retains physical controls for the stereo and HVAC system.
The Prologue’s on-the-nose name hints at Honda’s overall electrification plans which include 30 new EVs by 2030 and for the company to go 100% zero emissions by 2040 and carbon neutral by 2050. With all the style and sophistication of the Prologue, we can say Honda’s EV future looks promising indeed. The Prologue is set to officially launch in 2024.
Toyota Turbocharges the Highlander for 2023
Speaking of Honda Passport equivalents, the Toyota Highlander is getting some major updates for 2023. For its upcoming model year, the Highlander is dropping its V6 in favor of a new turbocharged four-cylinder. Horsepower takes a bit of a dip, down to 265 from the V6’s 295, but torque is another matter, this rises to from 263 lb ft to 310 lb ft. The Highlander’s max towing capacity remains a serviceable 5,000 lbs and combined fuel economy is likewise unchanged at 24 mpg.
The Highlander’s hybrid option remains. The 2.5L four-cylinder combined with two electric motors for 243 horsepower and 36 mpg combined. A third row is still available in the Highlander with seating for seven or eight passengers. The Highlander will continue to offer a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Higher trim XSE and Platinum versions will get the added benefit of torque vectoring and automated rear-wheel disconnect for improved fuel economy at speed.
The new 2023 Toyota Highlander does jump in price. The new base Highlander will start at $36,425 while the top-of-the-line Highlander Hybrid Platinum will go for $52,425, roughly $770 more than the current 2022 model year.
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