The first Honda Prelude made its debut 48 years ago. With its compact size and two-headlight front-end styling, it looked as if it could have been derived from the Civic, but in fact, the sport coupe with a notchback body style had its own platform, though its suspension, brakes, and engine were all borrowed from the Accord. In his review of the car, iconic automotive journalist Brock Yates said: "It is, by any sane measurement, a splendid automobile.”
The model went through five generations, steadily increasing in power, performance, and sophistication, before disappearing amid the great sports coupe decline 25 years ago, primarily due to the growing popularity of SUVs. However, Honda believes that people may be yearning for the enjoyment and personal expression of a sports coupe again, but in a way that thoroughly reflects the times. Michael Hohl Honda offers a preview of this upcoming model – effectively a prelude to the Prelude.
Beneath its slick fastback styling, the 2026 Prelude draws its platform and components from across the Civic model line. The drivetrain is taken directly from the Civic Hybrid, featuring a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that primarily feeds an electric motor generator, which in turn powers another electric motor that drives the front wheels in city driving. Once a steady highway cruising speed is reached, the engine drives the front wheels directly. The system eliminates the need for a transmission. Like the Civic hybrid, the total system is capable of producing 200 horsepower, matching the Civic Si, with 40 more lb-ft of torque (232) for even more foot-stomping fun.
In lieu of no transmission, Honda introduces its S+ Shift system, which allows the paddle shifters to move up and down through eight virtual gear ratios, effectively providing driver-set downshifts and upshifts. In S+ Shift mode, the digital power meter in the instrument cluster becomes a tachometer, displaying the selected virtual gear and engine speed.
The chassis is derived from the Civic Type R, featuring a dual-axis front strut-type suspension, brakes, and adaptive dampers. The tuning is designed to be a little more agreeable for daily driving, while four drive modes of Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual can alter the vehicle’s demeanor depending on mood. The Civic Type-R remains the star on the track, delivering quickness and good reflexes, while also being fun on a winding road. It's the Prelude’s jam, even as it is likely to deliver close to the Civic Hybrid’s 49 combined mpg, as estimated by the EPA.* Official 2026 Prelude EPA estimates are not yet available.
While carrying a historic name, there is very little retro about the Prelude’s appearance. There may be a hint of the fourth generation’s grinning, low, wide front design, and while it still has a trunk like all other Preludes, that generation came closest to a fastback design. The modern Prelude is unabashedly a fastback with the cargo-access practicality of a liftback. Its rakish roofline certainly stands out amid highways full of SUVs and sedans.
Inside, the controls share the Civic dashboard’s bones but with a bespoke design. It is sporty in nature and set to enhance the art of driving with good front visibility and a useful mix of physical knobs and buttons for the climate system, as well as convenient controls on the 3-spoke steering wheel. A true 2+2 coupe, it has a back seat, but its human capacity is limited to small children, and it will most likely serve as a soft receptacle for briefcases, satchels, or daypacks.
Honda likely sees the Prelude as a second vehicle in a household already home to a crossover that handles the heavy lifting for cargo and multiple passengers. The Prelude, in contrast, will provide driving enjoyment for the other contributor to the standard double-income household. This was a common role for sport coupes before SUVs took over the automotive landscape, and Honda believes it is time for the genre’s return. If you think there may be a place for a fun yet efficient sports coupe in your home, experience the Prelude’s return for yourself when it arrives in the Michael Hohl inventory.
* Fuel-economy ratings: 50 city/47 highway/49 combined mpg rating for Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid. Based on 2026 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery-package/condition (hybrid trims) and other factors.
