2026 Honda Prelude: A New Detail Revealed for Driving Enthusiasts

The return of the Honda Prelude in 2026 is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest automotive stories. More than just a nostalgic nameplate, the Prelude holds a special place in Honda’s history—and in the hearts of driving enthusiasts everywhere.

That anticipation only grew in early July, when Honda revealed a new technical detail that’s sure to excite performance-minded drivers. The company has confirmed that the upcoming sporty coupe will inherit the dual-axis front suspension system from the Civic Type R. On top of that, it will feature widened tracks—both front and rear—and be equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes.

This is a major announcement. It marks the first time Honda has deployed the Type R’s dual-axis front suspension—first introduced in 2017—on a model that doesn’t wear the Type R badge. The key benefit of this setup lies in its ability to deliver razor-sharp steering and dramatically reduce, or even eliminate, understeer during cornering.

That said, Honda has clarified that the suspension tuning will be recalibrated specifically for the 2026 Prelude. The result will be a car that's slightly less aggressive than the Type R, but more planted and stable than the Civic Si.

Expect Performance—And Comfort

While the Prelude 2026 will undoubtedly deliver on the performance front, Honda has also promised a high level of comfort. This balance is a central part of the new model’s mission: to deliver dynamic, responsive handling without sacrificing its potential as a long-distance cruiser.

Hybrid Power with a Sporty Edge

Another major highlight is the powertrain. Under the hood, the 2026 Prelude will feature Honda’s two-motor hybrid system—the same setup found in the Civic Hybrid, which earned 2025 North American Car of the Year honours. This hybrid system offers impressive responsiveness, outstanding smoothness, and fuel efficiency that rivals the best in its class.

In other words, the new Prelude is poised to deliver a driving experience that’s not only well-balanced but also remarkably efficient.

Introducing Honda S+ Shift

The 2026 Prelude will also debut a new piece of Honda tech: the Honda S+ Shift drive mode. This feature was designed to enhance driver engagement by delivering more precise and linear control over gear transitions, adding another layer of driving enjoyment.

And, as Honda has been quick to emphasize, none of this comes at the cost of comfort. The Prelude is being designed as a proper grand tourer—something just as suited to winding backroads as it is to long highway drives.

Coming Soon to Canadian Roads

Now, all that’s left is to see if the 2026 Honda Prelude lives up to the hype. Based on what we know so far, it’s shaping up to be a well-rounded hybrid sport coupe that delivers both excitement and efficiency in one sleek package.

We’ll be behind the wheel as soon as possible—stay tuned for full driving impressions when the Prelude hits dealerships across Canada.