As you might expect, the 2026 Honda Prelude is a very different machine from the one that went out of production nearly a quarter-century ago. Among other changes, it is the latest in Honda’s growing lineup of hybrids.
Is there still a market for a reasonably affordable sports coupe? Honda is about to find out.
Nearly a quarter-century after pulling the plug on the Prelude line, it’s about to stage a return to the Japanese automaker’s lineup despite the fact that passenger cars — coupes, in particular — have become little more than an afterthought in today’s SUV-centric market.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back such an iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant VP of Honda National Auto Sales. “The Prelude’s return demonstrates our commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles and will help to accelerate our hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead.”
Honda Prelude: What’s New
As you’d expect, considering how long its been since Honda last used the badge, the 2026 Honda Prelude is a ground-up redesign. Well, more or less.
The 2026 Honda Prelude gets some significant updates from the prior grand tourer, but the sixth-generation package liberally borrows from the familiar Civic Type R’s high-performance chassis hardware. But, the big news is that the 2026 model will be the first-ever electrified Prelude, lifting the two-motor package now used in other Civic hybrid packages.
We’ll have to wait until closer to the official sales launch for some specific details, including fuel economy. But there’s good reason to expect Prelude won’t quite match the mileage of the most efficient Civic Hybrids — which yield up to 49 mpg combined — as the focus here, the automaker suggested, is “to deliver a strong sporty driving experience,” even with “exceptional fuel economy ratings.”
New Exterior Design
The 2026 Honda Prelude is far sleeker than prior-generation packages, with a knife-sharp nose featuring cats-eye lighting, and a broad, slim upper grille that helps emphasize the coupe’s width and muscularity. A lower grille is finished in black chrome.
The Japanese-designed Prelude puts a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, integrating features like flush, pop-out door handles and a low-mounted front splitter. By using laser brazing, Honda was able to eliminate the traditional roof rails, giving the new coupe an even sleeker appearance.
A double-bubble roof adds to the sporty look, the roofline flowing into a subtle, integrated rear spoiler. From the back, the look is almost Porsche-like, with broad haunches and a corner-to-corner lightbar.
If anything sparks controversy, it might be the narrowness of the hatch, however.
Prelude’s 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels are shod with 235/40R19 all-season tires, though summer rubber is an option.
Civic Type R DNA
Honda engineers were clearly influenced by the Civic Type R, integrating a number of welcome features into the new Prelude, starting with the dual-axis strut front suspension, as well as Brembo brakes with four-piston aluminum front calipers.
Prelude also boasts an Adaptive Damper System which, like the overall suspension, has been uniquely tuned, Honda claimed, to strike a balance between “exhilaration and engagement,” and a comfortable, classic grand tourer ride.
Drivers will be able to choose which characteristic to emphasize thanks to a switchable mode control offering a choice of Comfort, GT, or Sport — and the ability to customize settings in an “Individual” mode.
Standard Hybrid Drivetrain
All Prelude packages will feature a custom-tuned version of the two-motor gas-electric drivetrain found in Civic hybrid models. Here, however, output comes in at 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
Honda isn’t ready to release fuel economy numbers though may sacrifice some efficiency in order to maximize that “exhilarating” feel. The Civic hybrid models deliver as much as 49 miles per gallon.
S+ Shift
The 2026 Prelude introduces Honda’s new S+ Shift system, which Honda describes as an “innovative new drive mode that simulates a performance transmission experience.” In reality, the new coupe doesn’t feature a traditional transmission; the front wheels get direct power from the hybrid system’s traction motor, much like an EV.
The system is designed to simulate shifts, something drivers can take control of with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The system can replicate downshift blips, rev-matching and gear holding, according to Honda. (Look for the S+ system to be introduced on other hybrid models to come, the automaker hinted.)
Driver-Centric Interior
As one would expect of a new Prelude, it has a driver-focused cabin with classic 2+2 seating. Standard features include:
- A leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy shift paddles and a position mark at 12 o’clock
- Leather-trimmed front sport seats, integrated head restraints, and three-way heating
- Sport pedals
Honda has yet to reveal full specs, but claims there’s a generous 32.0 inches of rear legroom. And images suggest there’s a reasonable amount of cargo space. The back row has a 60/40 fold-down.
New Technology
The 2026 Honda Prelude comes standard with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, along with a 9-inch high-resolution touchscreen. It adopts the latest Google built-in infotainment system, while adding wireless versions of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other tech features include a wireless phone charger, an eight-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, and an optional Wi-Fi hotspot. No word, yet, on whether Prelude will be able to use smartphone-style over-the-air updates.
The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and post-collision braking, the latter feature designed to reduce the risk of secondary collisions.
2026 Honda Prelude: Pricing & Availability
Honda has yet to announce specific details, including pricing. Prelude is widely expected to come in somewhere under the Civic Type-R which starts at $46,690.
As for availability, Honda has advised that “the 2026 Prelude is set to arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide this late fall.”
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