2026 Honda Prelude Unveiled as a Major Investment in the Future of Compact Sports Coupes

      Cyril Soliman

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      Reviving a classic car model requires a careful approach these days. Many companies are attempting it, but not always in a faithful manner. However, Honda seems to be on the right track with the new Prelude: a chic coupe designed to be enjoyable without being daunting to drive, equipped with modern technology and solid foundations. This aligns with what the Prelude used to represent, and—at least on paper—the 2026 Prelude seems to uphold that essence.

      Few anticipated the unveiling of this vehicle ahead of its presentation at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Now, two years later, it has been officially launched for North America. The first Prelude in 25 years combines the Civic Hybrid’s two-motor powertrain with the Civic Type R’s braking and suspension systems, resulting in an entry-level grand tourer that promises excellent fuel efficiency as well. According to Honda, it will be available in showrooms before winter arrives.

      If you’re familiar with the Civic Hybrid or the CR-V Hybrid, which shares its mechanics, the Prelude’s leading specifications won’t surprise you. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors—a traction motor and a power generator—producing 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque directed to the front wheels. This configuration is distinctive because, at lower speeds or during city driving, all power is generated by the traction motor, drawing from the battery or generator driven by the four-cylinder. Only at highway speeds does the gas engine directly push the wheels.

      Therefore, these Honda hybrids lack traditional transmissions, which is where the Prelude’s S+ paddle-shift system comes in. The manufacturer claims this technology, debuting in the Prelude and planned for future hybrid models, “provides quick simulated gearshift responses through seamless coordination between the engine and high-power motor, including downshift blips, rev-matching, and gear holding.” S+ Mode also includes “enhanced engine sounds,” which is particularly intriguing since, as previously mentioned, the engine’s performance is not directly linked to the wheels for most of the driving experience.

      The white car depicted in some of these images features several exterior accessories, including a small rear spoiler and optional wheels. Cyril Soliman

      Naturally, drivers can skip the simulated shifts if they prefer. However, the Prelude’s Civic Type R-derived chassis elements are fundamental to its character and come as standard. The Type R’s dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes featuring four-piston calipers (notably finished in blue) on 13.8-inch front rotors are expected to contribute to a sportier driving experience, although Honda claims these components have been tuned for greater comfort. The Prelude comes equipped with Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires as standard, while Continental Extreme Contact Sport summer tires will be available as a dealer-installed upgrade.

      If you've been following the Prelude up to this point, you may have already formed an opinion on its design. Personally, I believe it’s set to be one of the most aesthetically appealing new cars on the road. The Prelude’s smooth surfaces and Coke-bottle proportions evoke some of Honda’s most elegant and straightforward designs from the ’90s.

      The front end is sharp and low but not overly aggressive, while the light bar at the rear echoes the design of the fifth-generation Prelude. It’s very polished and neatly done, although the steep angle of the rear window seems to reduce headroom significantly. Our colleague responsible for many of the photos in this article, Cy, suggests the new model might fall short compared to previous Preludes in terms of rear-seat space. This is not saying much, as they have traditionally been two-plus-two coupes, but it does confirm our initial impressions upon seeing the slim profile.

      Cyril Soliman

      This Prelude represents the first liftback in the model's history. As expected, cargo access also seems somewhat limited—possibly more practical than the oddly shaped opening of the Toyota Supra, yet narrower than that of the Nissan Z, though it features a conveniently low load floor. The rear seatbacks can fold flat, providing enough space for golf bags, as is standard for coupes.

      Regarding the Prelude’s interior, “Elevated Civic” might be the best way to describe it. The stylish HVAC trim from Honda’s compact sedan, which typically spans the dashboard, has been divided into hexagonal sections, with microsuede extending from the base of the 9-inch infotainment screen to the passenger side. An embroidered Prelude logo is positioned near the far vent adorned with blue stitching, and from the images, it appears somewhat more exclusive than a typical Civic’s interior. Two interior color options are available—blue/white or black—and all Preludes feature special bolstering for the driver’s seat with “firm padding and more pronounced lower thigh bolsters” compared