The Honda Prelude Returns as a Hybrid for 2026
It’s official: the Honda Prelude is coming back for the 2026 model year. This time around the Prelude will have a hybrid powertrain and Type R technology under its sheet metal. Let’s dig into what else the 2026 Honda Prelude has to offer.
New Hybrid Powertrain
The Honda Prelude of old was known for its torque-y 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and nearly 25 years later, the 2026 sixth-generation model will also come with a 2.0-liter engine. Though, this time that engine is paired with an electric motor.
Together the Atkinson four-cylinder ICE and AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor make 200 total system horsepower and 232 ft-lbs. of torque. It’s currently unknown how much the hybrid system contributes to the overall curb weight of the Prelude, as Honda hasn’t released that information yet.
Though Honda says that the Prelude’s hybrid system is the same as the powertrain found in the Honda Civic Hybrid. That being said, expect the Prelude’s curb weight to land somewhere between 3,000 and 3,300 pounds.
All of the horsepower and torque is sent to the front wheels which keeps with tradition but is also a little bit of a missed opportunity in our opinion. Considering the sporty legacy of the Prelude it would have been great to see some power get sent to the rear wheels.
Don’t expect to find a manual transmission in the new Prelude. Instead, it will have the new “Honda S+ Shift” system which “simulates a performance transmission,” via paddle shifters according to Honda. In essence, it is an automatic transmission that simulates the “feel” of shifting by manipulating the torque delivery and engine revs. Though, when MotorTrend investigated they were told that if the driver doesn’t want to do any of that they can employ a one-pedal-driving mode instead.
It’s an unconventional method for sure, but not for long. While the 2026 Prelude is the first vehicle to use S+ Shift, Honda says future hybrid vehicles will utilize the simulated shift technology as well.
Japanese Design
Designed in Japan, the 2026 Prelude has a striking exterior design that had my attention ever since the concept prototype was making the rounds last year. It really does look like it should be a rear-drive coupe to compete with the Toyota GR-86. Despite seeing the specs in black and white, when I look at the Prelude it’s still hard for me to believe it’s front wheel drive.
I’m falling in love with the sleek silhouette, even if the front end does seem to have a touch of familiar design language from another automaker. Regardless the Prelude has a great shape and the 19-inch wheels fill the wheel arches nicely.
You’re not going to find any design features that pay homage to any of the Preludes that have come before this one. Normally that kind of thing bugs me but considering how many times the previous generation Preludes shape shifted, I’m totally okay with it in this instance. Part of what defines a Honda Prelude, is looking completely different from the model that came before it.
Chassis With Type R Features
To spice things up, Honda gave the Prelude’s chassis the same dual-axis front suspension, wheel track, and brakes as the Civic Type R. Though the suspension and brakes are tuned specifically for the Prelude which includes the Adaptive Damper System.
Like various other current Honda and Acura vehicles, the 2026 Prelude will have four drive modes available: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual. Each mode adjusts powertrain response, steering assist level, suspension damping, simulated engine sound, gauge cluster layout, and adaptive cruise control to pre-set parameters.
Interior and Tech
If I had to describe the Prelude’s interior design in one word, I would say “clean.” It’s not minimalist, but it’s also not trying to beat you over the head fake carbon fiber to plead its case about how sporty it is. The asymmetrical bolstered seats are racing-inspired but look comfortable enough for a long road trip. The soft touch leather on the seats and on the dash are a nice touch too.
There is technically a backseat which Honda claims has “generous” legroom. Though it appears to me that anyone taller than 5’5” probably won’t be very comfortable back there.
There are no analog gauges to be found but by this point, no one should expect to see anything like that except on very cheap or very expensive vehicles. More important is the visibility of the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and positioning of the 9-inch color infotainment touchscreen.
I haven’t sat in the new Prelude yet but if the digital gauge cluster and the infotainment screen are ergonomically sound for the eyes and reach then that’s big points in my book. The Prelude will have Google built-in which comes with apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. More apps can be added via Google Play and Honda is throwing in a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan to allow users to try out the software.
However, for those who aren’t feeling it the Prelude is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
Pricing and Release
The 2026 Honda Prelude is set to be released in Fall 2025, which isn’t far from the time of the announcement. I suspect that this car was already 90% close to production a year ago when Honda started touring the concept car across the country, so the speed of the release isn’t surprising to me.
Honda hasn’t revealed a price yet, but I think it is safe to assume that the base MSRP will start somewhere above $35k but not past $40k.
Reception to the Prelude remains to be seen, but if it can capture the driving pleasure of the Acura Integra but with the efficiency of the Civic Hybrid then the Prelude has the potential to be a major banger in Honda’s line up.
2026 Honda Prelude Gallery
2026 Honda Prelude Specs
| 2026 Honda Prelude Specs | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L 16-valve Atkinson Inline 4-Cyl. / AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Drive Motor |
| Horsepower | 200 |
| Torque (ft. lbs) | 232 |
| Drivetrain layout | Front hybrid drivetrain, front wheel drive |
| Transmission | Honda S+ Shift |
| Front Suspension | Dual-Axis Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link |
| Brakes | Brembo 2 4-Piston Aluminum Front Brake Calipers / Solid rear disc brakes / electric servo brake |
| Wheels | 19 x 8.5J gloss black alloys |
| Tires | All Season 235/40R19 96V |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 102.6 |
| Length x Width x Height (inches) | 178.4 x 74.0 x 53.4 |
| Weight | TBA |
| Price | TBA |
2026 Honda Prelude Standard Equipment
- Honda S+ Shift system
- Leather-trimmed front sport seats with perforated houndstooth pattern, integrated head restraints and three-way heating
- 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels
- 235/40R19 tires
- Brembo four-piston aluminum front calipers (shared with Civic Type R), finished in unique Prelude Blue
- Dual-axis strut front suspension (shared with Civic Type R)
- Adaptive Dampers (shared with Civic Type R, uniquely tuned for Prelude)
- Four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy shift paddles
- Sport pedals
- 2+2 Seating with 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
- WiFi Hotspot capability
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system
- Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Post-Collision Braking System (PCB)
- Blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert