The modern Prelude sticks with front-wheel drive but ditches a high-revving four-cylinder in favor of a hybrid
It’s been a long time coming, but the 2026 Honda Prelude has finally made its North American debut. It revives one of the Japanese brand’s most iconic nameplates, but despite what the sleek shape and two-door design may have you believe, it’s not a sports car. In fact, Honda itself specifically refers to the new Prelude, which will arrive at local dealerships later this fall, as a grand tourer.
A Prelude, But Not As We Know It
Diving straight into the mechanicals, the new Prelude sits on the same platform and uses the same hybrid powertrain found in the Civic Hybrid. At its core is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 141 hp at 6,000 rpm and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. An electric motor makes another 181 hp and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm), but due to the way the different units generate their power, combined grunt sits at just 200 hp and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm).
More: New Prelude Costs More Than A Nissan Z With Twice The Power in Japan
For those keeping score, that horsepower figure is the same as the similarly sized Toyota GT 86 from 13 years ago, but then again, the Prelude isn’t a sports car by its maker’s own admission.
In addition to there being nothing particularly sporty about the propulsion system, there’s little to note about the transmission, or rather its lack of one. Like other Honda hybrids, the electric motor directly drives the front wheels. To provide some level of driver engagement, the Linear Shift Control system simulates gear changes.
Debuting with the 2026 Prelude is the new S+ Shift mode. This feature holds revs, activates paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and provides rev-matching with downshift blips, giving drivers a touch of the theatrics they might expect in a performance car. Acceleration times, curb weight, and EPA fuel economy ratings remain unannounced for now.
Type R Parts
While there’s very little that’s sporty about the Prelude’s powertrain, the chassis is a little different. It includes the same dual-axis strut front suspension, as well as the same wide front and rear tracks as the current Civic Type R, arguably the best handling front-wheel drive car currently on the market. The adaptive dampers have been retuned, though, with a softer calibration that better aligns with the Prelude’s grand tourer character.
The brakes have also been lifted directly from the Type R and, as such, comprise of 13.8-inch rotors and four-piston calipers at the front and 12.0-inch rotors at the rear.
One differentiation is that the Prelude doesn’t have the same chunky 265-section tires as the Type R, instead opting for smaller 235/40R19 shoes at each corner.
More: You Can’t Buy The New Prelude Yet But You Can Customize It
A feature that’s bespoke to the Prelude is Honda Agile Handling Assist, which promises fine control of the powertrain and braking systems to improve handling and driver confidence.
In terms of size, the Prelude rides on a 102.6-inch (2,606 mm) wheelbase and stretches 178.4 inches (4,532 mm) in length. It stands 53.4 inches (1,356 mm) tall and spans 74.0 inches (1,880 mm) in width.
A Sporty Yet Familiar Cabin
The cabin of the Prelude borrows many of its parts from other Honda models like the Civic, including its flat-bottom steering wheel, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and 9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What sets it apart is Honda’s first use of asymmetrical seat bolstering, designed to balance driver focus with passenger comfort. The driver’s seat features firmer padding and pronounced lower thigh support for a secure, planted position, while the front passenger seat is shaped with a wider, more relaxed profile suited to everyday use.
Behind them, the coupe offers 2+2 seating with 32 inches of rear legroom.A practical lift-back hatch opens to a cargo area that expands easily thanks to standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks, which fold flat to accommodate larger items. Total cargo space measures 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters), slightly edging out the 14.8 cubic feet (419 liters) available in the Civic Sedan.
All Prelude models will come standard with a Bose Centerpoint premium sound system with eight speakers. The Honda Sensing suite of safety features is also standard, including forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking system, rear cross traffic monitor, and a driver attention monitor.
Pricing details have not yet been announced, but Honda is expected to share more information in the near future.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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