2026 Honda Prelude to Receive Two Big Gifts From Civic Type R
The all-new 2026 Honda Prelude, which will arrive in dealerships later this year, is arguably one of the most anticipated vehicles in Canada. As its official introduction approaches, the company has some very good news to share: the car will inherit some of the Civic Type R’s genes.
No, we're not talking about the 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, of course. As mentioned in our previous articles, the resurrected Prelude will instead feature a hybrid powertrain. However, expect it to offer superior handling and braking performance compared to the Civic Si sedan.
- Also: Prototype Shots Reveal 2026 Honda Prelude’s Interior
- Also: It’s Official: Honda Prelude to Launch in Canada in Late 2025
Why? Well, Honda's engineers will borrow the suspension and brakes from the most formidable Civic—whose return for 2026 has not yet been confirmed, by the way. That, along with wider front and rear tracks.
More specifically, the suspension is the dual-axis setup that helps significantly reduce, if not eliminate, torque steer when accelerating in a front-wheel-drive car. Naturally, it will benefit from unique tuning to account for the Prelude’s more comfort-oriented, less hardcore aspirations than the Civic Type R.
As for the brakes, four-piston Brembo calipers up front will pair with ventilated discs just like on Honda's five-door hot hatch.
In addition to the efficient hybrid system derived from the Civic Hybrid (specifications to come), the 2026 Prelude coupe will debut Honda's new S+ Shift technology, which is a trick drive mode that improves gear shifts—in other words, a way to make the continuously variable transmission more pleasant. Unlike the Civic Si and Type R, no manual transmission will be available here.
Finally, look for the exterior design to remain very similar to the prototype already shown. As for the interior, pictures have also surfaced on the web. Keep following The Car Guide to not miss anything about the new 2026 Honda Prelude.