Range, and charging capabilities are factors to consider when buying an EV.

Ioniq5 Limited. Courtesy photo

By Keith Griffin

Recently, electric vehicles have received a lot of attention, but not in a good way. Tesla’s EVs were criticized because of their controversial owner and CEO. That’s a shame because Honda and Hyundai offer two fantastic electric vehicles. In fact, they’re so good that non-EV purchasers should consider them.

Honda offers the all-electric Prologue. In full disclosure, I had missed the arrival of the Prologue in 2024. Shame on me because this is an extremely good SUV. For 2025, Prologue’s top-class EPA range rating increases by 12 miles on a single charge to 308 miles, and the output ratings of single motor two-wheel drive models increase to 220 horsepower (+8) and 243 lb.-ft. of torque (+7).

To be considered a legitimate contender, an EV needs to have over 300 miles of electric range. Prologue’s 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is designed to recharge 65 miles of range in about 10 minutes. That figure deflates range anxiety because it gets you home to West Hartford from pretty much anywhere in Connecticut.

Built on a state-of-the-art electric vehicle platform with multi-link front and rear suspensions optimized by Honda engineers, Prologue delivers a sporty and engaging driving experience. It compares favorably to any SUV on the market, not in the luxury segment.

The Prologue is also safe. Targeting IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star ratings, Prologue comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Honda’s first applications of rear cross-traffic braking, blind zone steering assist, and rear pedestrian alert.

Prologue’s roomy interior and generous dimensions, including the longest wheelbase in its class (121.8 inches), position the SUV alongside the Passport in Honda’s light truck lineup. Prologue is about 8 inches longer and 5 inches wider than the CR-V.

With the available $7,500 tax credit, the Prologue starts around $40,000. Who knows? EVs aren’t hot sellers. You might be able to drive a bargain for the outstanding Honda Prologue.

2025 Honda Prologue Elite. Courtesy photo

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Let’s take a look at one of my personal favorites: the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5. I like its distinctive design, but it may be challenging for some. As I remind folks, though, you can’t see what your car looks like driving down the road!

For 2025, the expanded Ioniq lineup offers more driving range and innovative features than ever, resulting in improved convenience, performance, and safety.

An appealing new feature is the expanded electric charging networks. The Ioniq 5 is the first Hyundai model to come equipped with the Tesla North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. This port opens over 17,000 chargers on Tesla’s Supercharger network without using an adapter, doubling the size of the DC fast-charging network available to new Ioniq 5 customers.

The all-wheel drive Ioniq (which will be the logical choice for local buyers) gets up to 280 miles in range. Access to the Tesla network will provide fast charging. Grab a cup of coffee, check your emails, and you’re back on your way.

The Ioniq 5’s interior offers improved ergonomics and convenience for an even more comfortable living space. In the center console, the upper part of the Universal Island now features physical buttons for frequently used functions, including heating and ventilation controls for first-row occupants, along with a button for the heated steering wheel and parking assist function. The wireless charging pad has been relocated to enhance usability significantly.

The Ioniq rear-wheel-drive model starts around $43,000. The all-wheel drive version is around $50,000. You get a $3,750 tax credit when buying the revamped Ioniq 5, while leased versions leave the dealer lot with a $7,500 tax credit.

Ioniq5 Limited. Courtesy photo

Longtime West Hartford resident Keith Griffin is a veteran auto journalist whose work has been published in U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe and online for various New York Times companies. He is a past president of the New England Motor Press Association.

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