Honda is bringing back one of its most iconic nameplates, and the reborn 2026 Honda Prelude is officially landing in dealerships. This time, the Prelude returns as a hybrid-electric sports coupe.
With a starting price of $43,195, the Prelude arrives in a single trim level.
Under the hood, the Prelude uses the same two-motor hybrid system found in the Accord, Civic, and CR-V hybrids. The setup pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with two electric motors for a combined 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike most hybrids, there’s no traditional transmission. Instead, power is sent through a fixed ratio and lock-up clutch that blends the engine and electric motor outputs seamlessly.
Fuel economy is 46 mpg city, 41 highway, and 44 combined.
A highlight of the new Prelude is the debut of Honda’s S+ Shift mode, which simulates gear changes. Using paddle shifters, the system adds downshift blips, rev-matched transitions, and more aggressive “shift points” to make the hybrid powertrain feel more mechanical and engaging. Honda says the technology will show up in other hybrid models in the future.
To give the Prelude real performance credibility, Honda borrowed several key components from the Civic Type R, including the dual-axis strut front suspension, wide front and rear tracks, and big brakes. The front brakes use 13.8-inch rotors and Brembo four-piston calipers, finished in a Prelude-specific blue. The rear rotors measure 12 inches.
Adaptive dampers are standard, and drivers can toggle between Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual modes, adjusting throttle response, damper stiffness, steering weight, sound tuning, and even the gauge cluster layout. High-performance summer tires are optional.
Honda is offering the Prelude in five exterior colors, including a new Winter Frost Pearl that can be paired with a black roof. Other options include Meteorite Gray, Crystal Black, Rallye Red, and Boost Blue Pearl. Blue accents throughout the exterior—most notably on the Brembo calipers—tie into the interior color themes.
Inside, the Prelude offers either a two-tone Blue/White interior or a Black option, both with blue contrast stitching. The cabin mixes sporty elements like a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and integrated-headrest sport seats. On the tech front it comes standard with 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bose eight-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging, and WiFi hotspot capability.
