2026 Honda Prelude First Look

A legendary Honda coupe returns with a hybrid powertrain and modern tech.

Zac Johnson | 

Sep 4, 2025 | 3 min read

Honda

The 2026 Honda Prelude heralds the return of a beloved nameplate, now reimagined as a hybrid electric vehicle. This new liftback two-door coupe embodies Honda's "joy of driving" ethos tailored for the electrified era, and features sporty design, contemporary technology, and entertaining performance. Notably, it introduces a new and innovative S+ Shift mode to boost driver engagement in the company's hybrid models.

Scheduled to arrive in the fall of 2025, the 2026 Prelude blends nameplate nostalgia with modern efficiency, targeting people who want a stylish daily driver that delivers a rewarding experience when a favorite back road beckons.

Honda

2026 Honda Prelude Gets a Two-Motor Hybrid Powertrain

Honda's two-motor hybrid powertrain powers the new Prelude. Already in use in the Accord, Civic, and CR-V, it utilizes two electric motors and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It is a complex setup that relies on the larger electric motor or the gasoline engine to power the Prelude, depending on the situation. To avoid engine droning, Honda tunes the system for smooth acceleration accompanied by a natural feel and sound.

Performance and fuel-economy numbers will be available later, but for comparison, this same powertrain in a Civic Hybrid scoots the car to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds (6.5 seconds in the larger Accord Hybrid) while returning 48 mpg in combined city and highway driving (44 mpg in the Accord).

Honda

Sporty Touches in the Honda Prelude, Courtesy of the Type R

The Honda Prelude doesn't share the high-performance Civic Type R's engine, but it borrows plenty of its DNA. Engineers applied suspension and chassis upgrades from the hot hatch to give the new Prelude sharper reflexes, making it more than just a stylish commuter vehicle.

A new S+ Shift mode debuts on the Prelude. Toggle it, and the throttle response sharpens, the simulated gears are held longer, and the steering feedback tightens. That serves drivers seeking a sportier edge without committing to a full-on performance car, positioning the Prelude between the practical Accord and Civic Hybrid models and the extreme Civic Type R. Essentially, the Prelude gives Honda the sporty grand touring car experience that's currently missing from the automaker's lineup.

Honda

Advanced Tech and Safety Systems Are Standard

Inside, the Prelude looks modern and driver-focused. A 10.2-inch digital instrument pairs with 9.0-inch touchscreen access to a Google built-in infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The dashboard's clean, functional layout is similar to what you'll find in an Accord, Civic, and the Acura Integra, but with subtle Prelude-specific details.

The Honda Sensing collection of advanced driver-assistance systems is standard, equipping the Prelude with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Also available is post-collision braking to help mitigate damage and injury from multi-crash collisions.

Honda also paid attention to cabin usability, aiming to make the four-passenger Prelude livable for more than just weekend drives. While the coupe's rear seats might be a tight fit for adults, the Prelude's liftback design and 60/40-split folding rear seats provide versatile cargo capacity.

The Prelude stands out due to its combination of Honda's two-motor hybrid efficiency and performance, Type R-derived components, and daily practicality. This unique blend makes it an appealing option for those seeking a vehicle with a more sporting edge than a Civic, yet greater practicality than entry-level sport coupes like the BMW 2 Series and Toyota GR 86.

Zac Johnson

Zac Johnson is a lifelong car enthusiast pursuing his dream of becoming an automotive journalist. He is a social media manager, contributor to JDPower.com and Capital One Auto Navigator, a member of the Automotive Press Association, and founder of Best Daily Drivers.