Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Honda Prologue

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with all-wheel drive, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features that some found visually overwhelming. Inside, the cabin continued this theme with large elements and mismatched textures, which detracted from the overall quality feel. Despite these design choices, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride, especially on rough pavement, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2024 Honda Prologue presented a more understated design, with the base EX trim available in five colors and higher trims offering additional options like Sonic Grey and North Shore Pearl. The front featured a smooth black panel with the Honda logo, emphasizing its electric nature. Accessories like skid plates allowed for personalization. The Prologue's side profile appeared low due to its length, with large wheels enhancing this effect. Inside, the Elite trim offered a brown and black interior, while other trims had a gray and black option. The layout was familiar, resembling other Honda models, but without hidden air vents. The interior leaned upscale yet remained familiar, providing a comfortable and practical environment.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. This setup powered the 4,430-pound SUV, with an additional electric motor for all-wheel drive models. The Highlander Hybrid could operate on electricity alone at low speeds, but its gas engine offered limited torque, making high-speed passing challenging. While Toyota claimed a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the vehicle's power seemed insufficient for such tasks. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an optimistic Trail mode for light off-road use. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle returned only 28.7 mpg compared to the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Honda Prologue offered front-wheel drive with a single motor producing 212 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, achieving a range of 296 miles on 19-inch wheels. All-wheel drive models featured a dual-motor setup with 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, offering a range of 273 miles on 21-inch wheels. The Prologue's base range was best-in-class, though competitors offered longer-range versions. Honda focused on delivering familiar driving dynamics, with regenerative braking settings allowing for a customizable experience. The Prologue's long wheelbase contributed to a comfortable ride, though cabin noise was noticeable at highway speeds. Sport mode enhanced throttle, brake, and steering response, making the Prologue surprisingly enjoyable to drive on winding roads.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate family needs, seating seven or eight people depending on the configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, with the third row best suited for occasional use. Standard equipment included three-zone climate control, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats. The front seats were large and supportive, though additional thigh support was desired. Second-row passengers enjoyed comfort and sun protection, while third-row access was tight and uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered practical storage solutions, though some areas lacked lining, leading to potential noise. Cargo space measured 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Honda Prologue featured traditional door handles, easing the transition for new EV owners. It offered 111.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, with generous legroom in both rows. Headroom was less impressive, but reclinable rear seats and a panoramic moonroof improved the sense of space. Standard features included heated front seats and dual-zone climate control, with higher trims adding seat ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The cargo area provided 25.2 cubic feet of space, expanding to 57.7 cubic feet with seats folded. While the Prologue lacked a front trunk, it offered a hidden compartment beneath the load floor for additional storage.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the controls were not intuitive. The infotainment system included an 8.0-inch or 12.3-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Connected services offered various subscription plans, with Drive Connect providing advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and a JBL sound system, though the graphics could have been clearer.

The 2024 Honda Prologue came with keyless access, offering a card-format key for the Elite trim. It featured a wireless charger, four USB-C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an 11.3-inch screen. Google Built-In provided native Google Maps with route planning for EV charging. Higher trims included a Bose audio system with Active Sound Control, enhancing the driving experience with artificial sounds.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids included blind-spot monitoring, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it struggled in certain situations. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Honda Prologue featured the Honda Sensing suite, with new additions like rear cross-traffic braking and blind-zone steering assist. Higher trims offered front-park assist, a surround-vision system, and rear pedestrian alert. Standard features included automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Prologue had not yet been rated by safety organizations, but Honda aimed for top ratings.