2026 Honda Prelude: Five Things to Know
Honda originally launched in North America with the Civic, Accord and Prelude. Before the end of 2025, this trio will be reunited as the Prelude returns following a quarter-century hiatus.
After showing a prototype at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2023, then a glimpse of the production model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this summer, the Japanese brand has finally shared full details about its coupe. Here are five things you may not know (but should) about the 2026 Prelude.
- Also: All-New 2026 Honda Prelude Debuts as Sporty Hybrid Coupe
- Also: 2026 Honda Prelude to Receive Two Big Gifts From Civic Type R
1. Sports Car or GT? Maybe Both
The CR-X, S2000, Integra and NSX all left a strong impression with their superior handling, sharp steering and sweet-sounding engines. However, Honda says the new Prelude has been designed to deliver a “sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience.”
Although we have yet to test drive the car, we understand that the engineers aimed for a balance between dynamic, responsive handling and everyday comfort. This is reflected in the available driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual.
Consequently, we’re not talking about a minimalist car in the spirit of the CR-X, let alone a no-compromise roadster like the S2000. Will the modern Prelude combine the spirited nature of a Civic Si with the smoothness of a regular Civic? We can't wait to find out by taking it for a spin.
2. Civic Hybrid and Type R Genes
The first five generations of the Prelude were based on the Accord. The sixth generation will instead ride on a shorter version of the Civic’s platform, which explains its modest size. Despite being longer (4,530 mm), wider (1,880 mm) and lower (1,355 mm) than a 2020 Civic Coupe, it offers less headroom and legroom. Overall, passenger space has decreased, so good luck installing booster seats in the back.
Under the hood is the Civic Hybrid's powertrain generating a combined 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. During our various tests, we found this system to be pleasant with linear acceleration and smooth, vibration-free engine operation. In short, expect straight-line performance to be comparable to that of the Civic Si, while agility promises to be even greater.
Why? Because the new Prelude borrows some chassis components from the formidable Civic Type R, including the dual-axis front suspension that brilliantly neutralizes torque steer, as well as an adaptive damping system. The front and rear tracks are the same width (1,626 mm and 1,610 mm, respectively), and the Prelude receives the hot hatch’s large brake discs. The front ones are clamped by four-piston calipers in a blue finish exclusive to this model.
3. No VTEC, No Manual Gearbox, But…
A sign of the times, the Prelude no longer offers a manual transmission or the H22 four-cylinder engine as in 2001. It will be a hybrid and will come with a direct-drive transmission (not to be confused with a CVT or e-CVT). After all, a hybrid sports car is better than no sports car at all. Average fuel consumption will probably not exceed 5.5 L/100 km.
In order to make the driving experience more engaging, Honda has developed something called S+ Shift that simulates gear changes by adjusting engine speed, cutting power delivery and modulating the fake sound coming out of the speakers. Of course, it won’t exactly be a substitute for a clutch and a stick.
4. A Rear Hatch and a Familiar Cabin
Similar to the late Acura RSX, the sixth-generation Prelude features a hatchback design that enhances versatility. The trunk is surprisingly spacious by compact sports car standards at 428 litres, somewhat making up for reduced cabin space.
Speaking of the interior, which draws inspiration from the Acura Integra, physical controls are still plentiful. The front bucket seats with integrated headrests feature an eye-catching houndstooth pattern, while the driver benefits from more padding and support than the passenger, further highlighting the sporty GT aspirations of this car. Other goodies include blue contrast stitching, sport pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters.
5. Many Features and Accessories, Few Body Colours
The 2026 Honda Prelude will arrive at Canadian dealerships in November with a base MSRP of $49,990. Only three exterior colours are available (Winter White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Rally Red) along with two interior schemes (blue/white or black). Unfortunately, Boost Blue (pictured above) and Meteorite Gray are exclusive to the U.S. market.
Content is very generous including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless phone charging, 9-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system with subwoofer and the full Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems. That being said, we bet a number of Prelude buyers will pay more attention to the optional accessories, such as front and rear spoilers, 19-inch Berlina wheels, and black logos and mirror caps, to give the car a sharper appearance not unlike HFP editions of the previous Civic Si and Accord Coupe.
