Everything We Know About The 2026 Honda Prelude

There hasn’t been a new Honda Prelude for more than two decades. The sixth-gen will return for 2026. This is everything we know about the upcoming model so far.

What Is The Honda Prelude?

Originally developed as a sportier, more stylish alternative to the Honda Accord, the Prelude was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. The Preludes of the past focused on driving dynamics, advanced engineering, and sleek design. Over five generations, it evolved from a compact, lightweight coupe into a technologically advanced, performance-oriented model that competed with sport coupes like the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX.

Known for introducing features like four-wheel steering and dual overhead cam VTEC engines, it always appealed to enthusiasts looking for a front-drive car that could be both practical and engaging to drive

"I think the Prelude is really something where it brings that coupe sportiness, and something that people can identify with, not just the current product but the history of it, and will generate some additional excitement," Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda, told AutoGuide earlier this year.

What Platform Does The 2026 Honda Prelude Use?

The 2026 Prelude will share its basic underpinnings with the Civic, but with several key differences. A wider track and a shorter wheelbase should improve agility, while the structure will be more rigid yet lighter by approximately 10%. Adaptive dampers, stiffer suspension tuning, and a focus on sharp handling should make the Prelude a competent driver’s car.

The Prelude will also reportedly borrow the dual-axis front suspension setup from the Civic Type R, which helps reduce torque steer in high-powered front-wheel-drive cars.

Which Engine Will The Honda Prelude Use?

It will use a version of Honda’s 2.0 hybrid system used in the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. It’s a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with a CVT and two electric motors, producing 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. One electric motor acts as a generator, while the other provides traction to the wheels. The combustion engine only drives the wheels during steady-state highway cruising via a lockup clutch.

Honda also announced the Prelude would get a special S+ Shift mode. When S+ Shift mode is active, programming in the hybrid control unit will rev the engine up and down, consistent with vehicle speed and driver accelerator inputs, while using a torque cut from one of the electric drive motors to simulate the feeling of changing gears. The simulated shifting can happen at the request of the driver via wheel-mounted paddles.

How Will The Honda Prelude’s Interior Look?

Though the Prelude will be built on an updated version of the Civic’s platform, its interior design will feature several subtle differences.

The overall layout resembles the Civic and Acura Integra, including the use of a digital instrument cluster, floating infotainment screen, and similar switchgear, but the dashboard has been restyled for a cleaner look. The center console sits higher than in the Civic, trading the traditional gear lever for a streamlined drive mode selector.

Seating in the Prelude is designed to balance both driver engagement and passenger comfort. The driver's seat offers more bolstering for lateral support during spirited driving, while the passenger seat uses softer cushioning for increased comfort. Both seats offer integrated headrests. The rear will likely see limited use or will be for kids only due to the coupe's sloping roofline and compact dimensions.

A development Prelude was shown to Japanese media in a two-tone color scheme, with the front seats featuring retro-inspired houndstooth fabric and leather accents. The rear seats should fold completely flat to maximize cargo space accessible through the liftback tailgate.

When Will The Honda Prelude Debut?

Scheduled for a late 2025 U.S. release, the sixth-generation Prelude will ideologically slot into the vacant space left by the discontinued Civic and Accord coupes.

Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the 2026 Honda Prelude's official debut later this year.

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