2026 Honda Prelude

Overview

The Prelude is back, and the latest iteration of this well-regarded sporty coupe from Honda’s past is a 200-hp hybrid that combines many of the best components from the Civic lineup. Although it’s not available with a manual transmission like the Preludes we remember so fondly from the 1990s, it does introduce a new paddle-shifter system called S+ Shift that is meant to impersonate a geared transmission.

The two-door Prelude gives up a bit of practicality compared with its four-door siblings, but its hatchback shape is sinuously sporty, and it still provides adequate cargo space. There’s also a small rear seat. Honda has implemented chassis upgrades compared with the Civic Hybrid, and this is the same basic platform that underpins the playful Civic Si. The Prelude is tuned to be a bit softer than the sportiest Civics, but it still handles great and is fun and engaging to drive.

Expert Tip: The Prelude also shares suspension components with the Civic Type R hot hatchback, which offers a lot more power and the same practicality as the standard Civic hatch.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#4 in Best Affordable Sports Cars

1

Mazda MX-5 Miata

10/10

STARTING AT: $31,665

SHOP MX-5 Miata

2

Toyota GR86

10/10

STARTING AT: $32,395

SHOP GR86

3

Subaru BRZ

10/10

STARTING AT: $37,055

SHOP BRZ

4

Honda Prelude

8.5/10

STARTING AT: $43,195

SHOP Prelude

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What's New for 2026?

The Prelude is a new entry to Honda’s lineup, effectively replacing the coupe version of the Civic that was discontinued years ago. But of course, the Prelude nameplate is not entirely new, as Honda sold five generations of this sport coupe in decades past.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Prelude will only come one way, so your sole choices have to do with color selection. A two-tone color scheme with white paint and a black roof costs $500 extra. Otherwise, there is a single fully-loaded trim level, and Honda offers various accessories. Grippier summer tires are available as a $1200 dealer-installed option, and this Continental ExtremeContact rubber improves the Prelude's steering feel and handling.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Hybrid Powertrain: 2.0-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 200 hp combined
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic (CVT)
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive

The Prelude's standard hybrid powertrain is shared with the Civic Hybrid. While this combination is not as rev-happy as Preludes from the past, this setup provides 200 horsepower, which is in the ballpark of other affordable sports cars such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86.

We’re bummed that a manual transmission isn't on offer, but the car's new S+ Shift system is able to replicate some of the fun thanks to paddle shifters and faux rev-matching capability. When we drove the Prelude we found it to be fun in the corners, but wished for a bit more grunt from the hybrid powertrain. The S+ system adds a bit of engagement, but it's not an adequate replacement for a true shift-for-yourself manual.

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0-60-MPH Times

• C/D Estimate: 6.6 seconds

In Comparison: We think the Prelude will be a bit behind competitors such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and GR86, both of which get to 60 mph in under 6.0 seconds.

View Exterior Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the Prelude to deliver 46 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 44 mpg combined. Those numbers are slightly below the Civic Hybrid's, but they far outpace any of the Prelude's sports-car competitors. We've yet to run the Prelude on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, but we'll update this section when we do. For more information about the Prelude's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The Prelude’s cabin looks much like the Civic’s, but Honda spices things up with different color upholstery and trim choices. The front seats come standard with heating and contrasting stitching.

Second Row: The Prelude’s rear seat is tight, especially in terms of headroom, but adults can fit in a pinch if needed.

Cargo Capacity: The Prelude is a hatchback with the trunk accessible through a liftback. The rear seats fold to expand the cargo area.

View Interior Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 9.0-inch touchscreen
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio System: 8-speaker Bose audio

The Prelude’s infotainment setup is the same as what you’ll find in the Civic’s upper trim levels. It comes with a 9.0-inch center touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster display. The screen uses Google software, and you can connect your smartphone wirelessly using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Prelude comes standard with a wide range of driver-assistance features, as there’s only one trim level and no optional features.

• Standard Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated emergency braking

For information about the Prelude’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Prelude offers the same warranty package as other Honda models, which is average in terms of coverage compared to other manufacturers. Complimentary maintenance is a nice plus.

• Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: one year or 12,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2026 Honda Prelude
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

PRICE
Base: $43,195

POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 141 hp, 134 lb-ft + AC motor, 181 hp, 232 lb-ft (combined output: 200 hp; lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: direct-drive

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.6 in
Length: 178.4 in
Width: 74.0 in
Height: 53.4 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/33 ft³
Cargo Volume, F/R: 40/15 ft³
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3250 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.4 sec
Top Speed: 115 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 44/46/41 mpg

More Features and Specs