2026 Honda Prelude Review

The Honda Prelude, a beloved sporty coupe from years past, is making a comeback. A concept car, nearly production-ready, suggests the Prelude will return as a hybrid-only, two-door coupe. It boasts sleek, modern styling, embodying what a 21st-century Prelude should look like. 

Although specific powertrain and mechanical details are sparse, it’s expected to share components with the Civic and Accord. Honda assures it will deliver an enjoyable driving experience. We eagerly await more details as the new 2026 Honda Prelude approaches production.

Release Date & Availability

The anticipated debut for the 2026 Prelude coupe is projected for the 2026 model year, though the exact timing for the production model is still uncertain. The U.S. is one of the markets being considered for the new Prelude. According to a report from CarsGuide, Yamagami stated that the new Prelude will function as a “global model.” It is expected to be available in America as early as 2025 or by mid-2026.

What’s New for 2026?

While the name Prelude is well-known, it will be a fresh addition to Honda’s lineup, essentially filling the gap left by the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. Anticipated for the 2026 model year, the exact release date of the production model is still uncertain.

How Big is the Prelude?

According to the latest rumors, the new Honda Prelude will be comparable in size to the Toyota GR86 sports car. The Prelude is expected to be approximately 169.3 inches long, about two inches longer than the Toyota. Both cars share a similar wheelbase of 101.4 inches and have nearly identical heights, with the Prelude standing at 51.2 inches and the GR86 at 51.6 inches. The Prelude will be about a half-inch wider than the GR86 and will feature a 2+2 layout, accommodating four passengers.

2026 Honda Prelude Price & Trims

The price of the 2026 Honda Prelude will vary based on the selected features and trims. According to caranddriver.com, the Prelude will be available in two trims, with prices ranging from $31,000 to $38,000.

Trims	Prices (est.)
Sport	$31,000
Sport Touring	$38,000

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Honda has revealed that the Prelude concept features a hybrid powertrain. It’s likely to use a version of the hybrid system seen in models like the CR-V, Accord, and the forthcoming 2025 Civic hybrid. The Accord’s hybrid setup, which includes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivers 204 horsepower, but we hope the Prelude offers more power to match its performance-oriented design. 

Front-wheel drive will probably be standard, as it was with previous Preludes, though an all-wheel-drive option isn’t off the table. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is unlikely to be offered this time.

Exterior Design

The new Prelude features dimensions that balance agility and comfort, with an approximate length of 169.3 inches and a wheelbase of about 101.4 inches. Its height ranges from 51.2 to 51.6 inches, giving it confident proportions. Honda’s Chief Engineer, Tomoyuki Yamagami, notes that although the Prelude may not be the “sportiest, zippiest car,” its sleek design ensures a strong presence on the road.

2026 Honda Prelude Specs & Redesign

What’s new for the 2026 model? While the name may be familiar, the Prelude is a fresh addition to Honda’s lineup, effectively replacing the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord.

Honda states that the new Prelude will “embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset.” Chief Engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami shared with Automotive News that the Prelude is designed to be a driver-focused and enjoyable touring car. The enhancements to its two-motor system will focus on power and handling, specifically aiming to reduce the significant weight associated with the battery infrastructure of a pure EV.

However, the 2026 Prelude is not intended to compete directly with track-focused cars like the Toyota GR86. Yamagami explained to CarsGuide that the Prelude is not aiming to be the sportiest or most agile vehicle for circuit racing.

The 2026 Honda Prelude will be a two-door coupe with a practical 2+2 seating layout, as confirmed by Yamagami to CarsGuide. It will not be an electric car; Honda PR has clarified that the Prelude concept is a hybrid. The Prelude will feature an upgraded version of Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, already used in the Accord.

Honda Prelude Interior and Cargo

Although Honda has confirmed its intent to produce the new Prelude, it remains in the early concept stage, and the interior design has not been fully revealed. However, we can make some educated guesses based on available information and previous models.

Similar to its predecessors, the Honda Prelude is likely to feature a 2+2 seating configuration. This means there will be four seats, but the rear seats may not be very spacious, especially for those with longer legs.

The production model is still a few years away, the exact technology and design elements are uncertain. However, we can expect the Prelude to feature an advanced infotainment system, a comprehensive suite of safety features typical of Honda, and enough comfort and convenience amenities to compete with other vehicles in its segment. The car will aim to balance modern technology with a focus on driving enjoyment.

The interior of the Honda Prelude will offer a variety of colors and materials, moving beyond the typical black or red interiors commonly found in sports cars today.

As with most cars in this segment, practicality is not the primary focus, so we do not anticipate the Honda Prelude to have a large amount of cargo space. Nonetheless, it should offer enough room to meet the basic needs of its drivers and passengers.

Possible Exterior Colors for the 2026 Honda Prelude

• Pearlescent White
• Midnight Black
• Metallic Silver
• Deep Blue
• Racing Red
• Gunmetal Gray
• Emerald Green

These colors are speculative based on the concept’s design and potential market preferences.

2026 Honda Prelude Specs

Brand	Honda
Model	2026
Body Type	two-door coupe
No. Of Doors	2-door
Seating Capacity	4-seating
Fuel Type	Gasoline
Engine Type	2.0-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine
Power	204 horsepower
0 to 60 MPH Time	around 6 seconds
Top Speed	Around 155 mph
Transmission Type	hybrid with a CVT transmission
Drive Type	expected to have front-wheel drive as standard
Warranty	N/A

FAQs

What type of powertrain will the 2026 Honda Prelude have?

The Prelude will feature a hybrid powertrain, likely using an upgraded version of the two-motor hybrid system found in the Accord.

Will the 2026 Honda Prelude be a front-wheel drive?

Yes, the Prelude is expected to have front-wheel drive as standard, although an all-wheel-drive option might be available.

Conclusion

The 2026 Honda Prelude marks an exciting return of a beloved sporty coupe, blending modern hybrid technology with sleek, contemporary styling. Expected to fill the gap left by the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord, the new Prelude will feature a driver-focused design with enhanced power and handling capabilities. 

Although it may not compete directly with track-focused cars, the Prelude promises an enjoyable and practical driving experience with its 2+2 seating layout and advanced hybrid system. With prices ranging from $31,000 to $38,000, this two-door coupe is anticipated to be available in the U.S. market by late 2025 or mid-2026. Enthusiasts eagerly await more details as the production model approaches its release.