Honda has officially brought back one of its most iconic nameplates with the debut of the 2026 Honda Prelude. Set to arrive at dealerships later this fall, the sixth-generation Prelude is a stylish two-door sports coupe that combines Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain with the chassis hardware from the Civic Type R.
Hybrid Power with Civic Type R Hardware
For the first time, the Prelude will be offered exclusively as a hybrid. Power comes from a two-motor hybrid system paired with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Combined output is 200 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque.
To dial up the performance, Honda has pulled directly from the Civic Type R parts bin. The Prelude features the dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo four-piston front calipers for serious stopping power. The brakes are even finished in a Prelude-specific blue, tying into the coupe’s exterior accents.
A new S+ Shift drive mode debuts on the Prelude as well. Designed to mimic the feel of a traditional performance transmission, it delivers simulated gear changes, rev-matched downshifts, and even enhanced engine sounds. Four other drive modes—Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual—allow drivers to fine-tune the coupe’s personality.
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Styling and Design
The new Prelude carries a sleek, low-slung silhouette with a sharp nose, wide stance, and a distinctive “double-bubble” roofline. Flush door handles, clean surfaces, and full-width taillights give it a modern, aerodynamic look. Blue styling accents highlight its hybrid identity, while 19-inch Berlina Black wheels wrapped in 235/40R19 tires fill the coupe’s flared fenders.
Buyers will be able to choose from five exterior colors, including a new Winter Frost Pearl that’s offered with a contrasting black roof option. For those wanting a more aggressive look, Honda will also offer a lineup of factory accessories, including a black rear spoiler and unique 19-inch wheels.
Interior and Tech
Inside, the Prelude is designed around the driver, with leather-trimmed sport seats featuring integrated headrests, contrast blue stitching, and a perforated houndstooth pattern. The low cowl and thin A-pillars provide excellent visibility, while the flat-bottom steering wheel and alloy shift paddles reinforce its performance focus.
On the tech front there’s a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, a 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. A WiFi hotspot is also standard.
The Prelude retains a 2+2 seating layout, offering usable rear seats and a liftback design. One thing we notice that is missing, a sunroof.
The all-new 2026 Honda Prelude will arrive in U.S. dealerships in late fall 2025. Pricing has not yet been announced.
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