2026 Honda Prelude Revealed

Here is our first look at the revived Honda Prelude, making its bow in the US market, with a European variant expected early next year. The sixth‑generation model pairs a two‑motor hybrid‑electric powertrain with chassis hardware from the Civic Type R.

With the hot Civic soon to go out of production, the Prelude arrives at a pivotal moment for Honda’s performance lineup, and given the hardware involved, there appears to be clear headroom for a future Prelude Type R. But what do we get in the time being?

Propulsion is courtesy of a development of the naturally aspirated 2.0‑litre four‑cylinder found in the Civic e:HEV, working in tandem with a pair of electric motors. Individually, the engine develops 141bhp and 134lb-ft, while the electric side contributes 181bhp and 232lb-ft. But before you get too excited, total peak system output is rated at 200bhp and 232lb ft [315Nm], thanks to the nature of their delivery curves.

2026 Honda Prelude Revealed: Hybrid Coupe Debuts With Civic Type R Underpinnings

Honda has also made the brave choice of adopting the e:HEV’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the Prelude – a decision likely to divide opinion, given Honda’s stellar reputation for manual gearboxes. To win over the sceptics, the new S+ Shift mode attempts to replicate a traditional stepped transmission, with simulated gear changes, rev‑matched downshifts and enhanced engine noise.

Obviously, being the introductory model, the Prelude’s remit is less hardcore than the Civic Type R that supplies much of its underpinnings. Still, the essentials are promising: dual‑axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, wide tracks and Brembo four‑piston front callipers all feature.

Honda says the setup has been retuned specifically for the coupe, with an emphasis on road comfort and long‑distance composure. Four drive modes come as standard – Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual – each adjusting throttle response, damping, steering weight and cabin sound.

The interior follows Honda’s recent impressive form, with a low cowl, clean lines and minimal clutter. A 10.2in digital cluster and 9in central touchscreen come as standard, both running Google’s built‑in software suite. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a wireless phone charger and eight‑speaker Bose sound system.

Despite the dramatic teardrop roofline, the new Prelude maintains the 2+2 layout of old, with a claimed 32in of legroom in the back.

Styling‑wise, the new Prelude is more distinctive than beautiful – at least to these eyes – with a curious mix of Prius and Porsche cues. On closer inspection, it’s clear the production model has remained remarkably faithful to the concept unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, including the double‑bubble roof panel. Nineteen-inch alloys will be standard, supplied with all-season tyres in America as standard, with optional summer rubber.

According to Honda, “the Prelude’s return demonstrates our commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles and will help to accelerate our hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead.”

We’ll have to wait and see how the car drives, but for now it's refreshing to see manufacturers pivoting back toward the coupe, with Audi recently previewing its Concept C, which hints at a future electric TT.