Honda Prelude 2026: Hybrid and Fun to Drive

The Honda Prelude had a remarkable career during the 80s and 90s. When it left the market in the early 2000s, it left a generation of consumers missing a model that had marked their lives.

The car was magical, with an eye-catching design and an unforgettable driving experience.

This is why the name Prelude immediately evokes memories for many car enthusiasts. The good news is that there will be a 2026 Honda Prelude in the catalog. Honda is resurrecting its legendary coupe by offering it in a new way: with a hybrid powertrain.

The production version was recently unveiled for the first time in North America, so we know exactly what the new Prelude has in store for us. The good news is that the model embodies the brand's cherished "fun to drive" philosophy, in addition to featuring cutting-edge technologies and a completely redesigned silhouette.

Design

The exterior styling of the 2026 Honda Prelude says everything about its purpose: to offer us pleasure through dynamic driving. With its long hood, low profile, and wide track, the car displays athletic proportions and offers a sophisticated design. Its sculpted fenders house large 19-inch Berlina Black wheels shod with 235/40R19 tires. Blue accents highlight the aerodynamic elements, and behind the front wheels, there are four-piston Brembo calipers. At the rear, the taillights span the width of the vehicle for a noticeable presence.

Inside, we discover the same meticulous attention to detail. Honda has designed a driver-centric cockpit with a low driving position and excellent visibility. The perforated leather sport seats feature integrated headrests and three-level heating. A flat-bottomed, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as a nine-inch high-definition touchscreen with integrated Google services are also part of the package. The technology offering also includes wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications, wireless charging for cell phones, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

The Hybrid Secret

Under its bodywork, the 2026 Honda Prelude benefits from a hybrid system consisting of two electric motors and a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle turbo 4-cylinder engine. Most importantly, the front suspension and its tuning will be from the Civic Type R, which is promising for the driving experience. The combined output of the components is rated at 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to offer quick acceleration while also keeping fuel consumption at a reasonable level.

What promises to get people talking is the new Honda S+ Shift mode, which replicates the feel of a manual transmission with engine rev-matching during simulated downshifts.

This should add to the sportiness.

Finally, on the safety front, the 2026 Prelude comes standard with the complete Honda Sensing suite: emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert, etc.

Truly, there is much to be excited about with the return of the Prelude, but especially with the promise that it will blow us away.

Check back with us soon for all the details regarding its arrival in dealerships.