The legend has officially returned. The 2026 Honda Prelude reimagines the iconic nameplate as a sleek, electrified sports coupe that prioritizes driving engagement and “Grand Touring” comfort over raw, track-focused speed.
Sharing its DNA with the Civic Type R and the Civic Hybrid, the new Prelude fills a unique niche in the market as a high-efficiency, fun-to-drive hybrid hatch.
Core Specifications
The 2026 Prelude uses a two-motor hybrid-electric system paired with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine.1 While it foregoes a manual transmission, it introduces Honda S+ Shift, which uses paddle shifters to simulate gear changes, rev-matching, and downshift blips for a more visceral feel.2
| Category | 2026 Honda Prelude Specs |
| Powertrain | 2.0L 4-Cylinder + Dual-Motor Hybrid (e:HEV) |
| Total System Output | 200 hp / 232 lb-ft of torque |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Transmission | Direct Drive with S+ Shift Simulation |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.0 seconds (Estimated) |
| Fuel Economy | 46 City / 41 Highway / 44 Combined MPG |
| Curb Weight | 3,261 lbs |
Performance & Chassis
Honda didn’t just put a coupe body on a standard hybrid; they raided the Civic Type R parts bin to ensure it handles like a true sports car.
-
Suspension: Dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension (from the Type R) and a multi-link rear, paired with a standard Adaptive Damper System.3
-
Braking: Performance Brembo 4-piston aluminum front calipers finished in a unique “Prelude Blue.”
-
Wheels: 19-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R19 tires.4
-
Drive Modes: Four selectable modes—Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual—which adjust steering weight, suspension stiffness, and engine sound.5
Dimensions & Interior
The Prelude features a 2+2 seating configuration, though the rear seats are best suited for children or extra gear.6
-
Exterior Dimensions: 178.4″ Length | 74.0″ Width | 53.4″ Height.7
-
Cargo Space: 15.1 cubic feet (accessible via a rear liftback hatch).8
-
Tech Suite: A 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.9
-
Audio: Standard 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound System.10
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Honda Prelude is arriving at North American dealerships in late 2025/early 2026.11
-
MSRP: Starts at approximately $43,195 (including destination).12
-
Trims: Available in two main aesthetics: the standard Hybrid and the Hybrid Two-Tone (which adds a black roof, black mirrors, and Winter Frost Pearl paint for roughly $44,350).13
Would you like me to compare the Prelude’s performance figures against the Toyota GR86 or the Acura Integra?