2026 Honda Prelude Preview
The Honda Coupe will return as a hybrid.
- The 2026 Prelude Sports Coupe is a sophisticated 200-horsepower hybrid that will be on sale later this year.
- Prelude aims to put a performance spin on Honda’s growing hybrid line.
Honda will place a technical new spin on the respected nameplate at the 2026 Prelude Sports Coupe.
With the drivetrain borrowed from the efficient Civic Hybrid, debuting a new system that mimics a manual transmission of stopping, sporty driving from the noisy Civic Type R, the Prelude aims to put a performance spin on the Honda hybrid line.
Price and fuel economy ratings are announced to be near the time when sales begin.
Honda previously sold Prelude from 1978 to 2001. The refined and sporty coupe helped establish the brand’s reputation for efficient and reliable performance vehicles at an affordable price. The ’26 will be the first Prelude Hybrid.
2026 Honda Prelude Key Function
- Front wheel drive coupe
- 2+2 seats
- The hybrid system produces 200 hp and 232 pound-feet of torque
- The S+ Shift System mimics the feel of a manual transmission
- Adaptive damper
- 8 speakers Bose audio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Standard
- Built-in Google
- 19 inch tires
- Black wheels
- Blue painted Brembo front brake caliper
- Designed in Japan
Smooth and low
The Prelude has a low, sharp front end. A wing-like daytime running light runs from the fenders above the slim headlights. The taillight doubles the full width horizontal line.
The roof has a “double bubble” profile and a first-back rear window. The long hood and short rear deck are reminiscent of early preludes. On the back there is a wide range of stances for cargo access, flare fenders and hatches. The front Brembo brake calipers are called Deep Blue, while Shade Honda calls them “Prelude Blue.”
The Prelude comes in five colors:
- Blue Blue Pearl
- Winter frost pearls
- metlimegray metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Rally Red
Accessories include black emblems, mirror covers, front underbody spoilers and deck lid spoilers.
Interior comfort and style
The interior features 2+2 seats, a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
Honda promises narrow A-pillars and low cowls for positive visibility.
Risky touch includes a flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy “shift paddles” and sports pedals.
The heated front seats feature leather trim, perforated houndtooth upholstery, blue contrast stitching and an embossed prelude logo on the headrest. They have asymmetrical reinforcements for the driver and passenger seat.
New “shift” and handling assist features
Prelude introduces new systems that mimic the feel of a manual transmission in sporty driving, such as rev matching and gear holding. Honda says the S+ Shift will be used in other hybrids.
The Prelude also introduces Honda Agile Handling Assist, which adjusts the powertrain and brakes to match the steering input.
Other important features include the Civic-type R-chassis system adapted to the size, weight and character of the Prelude.
- Adaptive damper
- Dual shaft front suspension
Summer tires are now available.
The Prelude has four driving modes that change the suspension, steering, throttle response, engine sound, and more.
Safety features
Standard safety features include:
- Forward Collision Alert
- Collision Mitigation Brake
- Pedestrian recognition
- Lane departure warning and assist
- Driver warning monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind spot warning
- Automatic high beam
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Brake after collision
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
