2026 Honda Prelude Initial Drive Review: The Resurrected Classic Flows Smoothly Through Every Turn

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      As I stepped out of the 2026 Honda Prelude, I couldn't help but smile. I entered the vehicle with minimal expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It's truly enjoyable.

      Last week, Honda provided me the opportunity to drive the 2026 Prelude at their R&D facility in Tochigi, Japan, offering a brief first look at this revived sports coupe.

      Here’s what I gathered during three quick laps:

      The Prelude last graced the U.S. market in 2001, but this isn't a revival—it's a reason to celebrate its return. Honda’s engineering team stated that the Prelude’s comeback merges the company’s legacy with a commitment to driving pleasure, all while moving toward a carbon-neutral future, which is why it’s a hybrid. When orders begin later this month, it will be positioned above the Civic Si and below the Civic Type R.

      This was my first time seeing it on the road, and it appears significantly different from what I saw at the auto show. The proportions, design, and overall stance are impressive, featuring a low hood, a sleek roofline, and a stylish little integrated spoiler on the hatch. Built on the Civic Type R’s chassis, the Prelude is broader than the Civic Si, but its wheelbase is shorter, giving it a more grounded look.

      Inside, the Prelude resembles a Civic, with its honeycomb air vents and the familiar layout. The 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, along with the climate controls, are all taken from the Civic. While this is not a drawback, as it's user-friendly and pleasing to the touch, the infotainment interface feels a bit outdated compared to rivals like Hyundai, with its iPad-like buttons and basic graphics. However, the white and blue stitching on the center console and dashboard adds a touch of sophistication, and the suede trim signifies that this is something unique. The manually operated, leather-wrapped sport seats differ from the Civic and provide a cozy fit for my 5-foot-10 frame.

      I focused on Sport mode with the two-motor electric hybrid powertrain’s new S+ shift logic during my laps.

      Accelerating from a stop in Sport mode engaged the 2.0-liter gas engine instantly, which worked in the background to ensure power was delivered to the electric motors that take the place of what many would expect to be a CVT transmission. The Prelude technically doesn’t even have a transmission. The first lap was for familiarization, but after the first turn, it became clear that this Prelude was a joy to drive as I navigated the beautifully paved track with its subtle banks in turns two and three. After lap one, things were electrifying, and I felt ready to push the limits.

      The recommended speed for turn one was 18 mph. I glanced down to see I was doing about 80 mph, prompting a quick engagement of the Brembo brakes. As I navigated the corner, the chassis felt balanced, almost inviting the back end to slide out. Given that it’s a front-wheel-drive vehicle on standard Continental all-season tires, I was informed that summer tires will be one of the limited options for the U.S., and only the experts at Honda know how much those tires would improve cornering. It already appears to be a standout.

      Slicing through the following turns with speed, the steering improved from good to excellent, showing remarkable precision as I accelerated. The steering system comes from the Civic Type R but is 3% quicker in the Prelude. The feedback through the wheel gave me direct insight into the behavior of the chassis and tires. The suspension is also borrowed from the CTR and feels effective despite the shorter wheelbase.

      Approaching Turn Seven, I braked firmly, and the S+ programming simulated rapid downshifting from the nonexistent transmission. I felt the shifts as if they were real, smooth though. The engine noise was amplified and routed into the cabin through the speakers, delivering the sensation one would expect from an ideal Civic Si equipped with an automatic transmission. Inside, the Prelude was surprisingly quiet even at full throttle. To outside observers, it sounded less like a Civic Si and more akin to a Civic Hybrid, even during hard acceleration.

      Power delivery in S+ and Sport mode was immediate, as both the gas engine and electric motors worked in unison. The gas engine runs solely and directly to the wheels only at high-speed cruising with a light throttle to enhance efficiency. It completely shuts off during low-speed cruising with light throttle input. The combined powertrain delivers 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, all sent to the front wheels.

      Visibility was excellent, aided by a low hood designed by Honda to make parking easier.

      After a brief but enjoyable session, my time was up. The gas engine turned off, and the Prelude quietly rolled back to