The return of the Honda Prelude was always bound to stir excitement – not only for fans of the nameplate, which are apparently mostly middle-aged men, but also for the entire industry that’s starting to lack mainstream coupes.
With a Civic Type R-derived suspension and a new S+ Shift system, many expect Honda’s latest hybrid, including us, to combine efficiency with genuine pace. After all, the formula – a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with two electric motors – produces 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. On paper, that places it between Honda’s practical hybrids and its performance icons.
However, Honda hasn’t released official performance figures for the Prelude, leaving its acceleration and top speed a mystery. Thankfully, initial owner tests from Japan are already out, and they are telling us that the Prelude is prioritizing comfort and refinement over speed.
Real-World Testing Reveals Modest Pace
In the video embedded above, an owner measured the Prelude’s 0-62 mph time at around 9.0 seconds in Comfort mode, while Sport mode with Honda’s new S+ Shift system yielded a similar 9.2-second result. For mid-range response, the coupe covered 37-62 mph in about 5.2 seconds – a respectable figure but not one that defines a performance coupe.
Interestingly, Sport mode didn’t produce better acceleration than Comfort mode, despite the addition of simulated gear shifts and enhanced sound feedback. If you’re expecting the Prelude to be rowdy on the road, you’d be disappointed. Even early adopters in Japan consider it a grand tourer rather than a car for exhilarating speeds.
Comparisons Paint a Clear Picture
Placed alongside its stablemates, the Prelude’s performance appears diluted. The Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, which uses a similar setup with the same power output, accelerates to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds in independent tests, making it roughly three seconds quicker despite being a four-door sedan.
Meanwhile, the Civic Type R, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 315 horsepower, does the same sprint in 5.3 seconds and finishes the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds. While the Prelude shares the Type R’s dual-axis strut suspension and Brembo brakes, it channels them into stability and comfort rather than raw pace. Its mission is grand touring rather than track-day thrills.
