by Honda Prelude’s Return
The Honda Prelude is returning and will appear in US dealerships this autumn. However, buyers will find that the sporty design is not backed by impressive dynamic performance.
Acceleration Test Results
According to a new video from Japan, the car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 9.08 seconds. Another run in sport mode showed 9.10 seconds, but it is unclear whether launch control was used, leaving some uncertainty about the testing conditions.
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Comparison with Other Models
This figure makes the new Prelude more than a second slower than the European Honda Civic Hybrid e:HEV with 180 hp, which, according to the manufacturer, accelerates to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds. For comparison, Car and Driver recorded 6.2 seconds to 60 mph for the 2026 Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, which also has 200 hp, while the non-hybrid Civic Sport sedan with 150 hp showed 8.9 seconds. Even the base Toyota Corolla hatchback showed a better result of 8.3 seconds in similar tests.
Technical Features
The small difference between the acceleration time to 60 and 62 mph, usually about 0.2 seconds, does not change the overall picture. In any case, if these figures are confirmed, they do not look impressive, although the Prelude was not positioned as an incredible sports car. On the contrary, it is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a dual-motor hybrid system, which together provide 200 hp for the front-wheel-drive coupe.
Weight and Efficiency
The Japanese model costs from ¥6,179,800 ($40,585) and weighs 3,219 pounds (1,460 kg). This means it has 28 hp less than the Toyota GR86 and weighs 408 pounds (185 kg) more than the lightest version of the latter. On the positive side, the Prelude has a WLTC fuel consumption rating of 23.6 km/l (55.5 miles per gallon).
Focus on Handling
Although the Prelude may not be fast, Honda has paid a lot of attention to handling. In particular, the car has adaptive dampers and a front double-wishbone suspension borrowed from the Civic Type R. They are complemented by four-piston front Brembo brakes, also shared with the hot hatchback.
Prospects and Criticism
We will learn more in the coming weeks, but some are already blaming the S+ Shift Prelude system for the mediocre dynamics. It is designed to simulate a traditional eight-speed transmission by continuously coordinating between the engine and the high-power motor, including downshifting, rev-matching, and gear holding.
These characteristics may disappoint fans of the original Prelude, which was famous for its agility. However, modern market conditions and environmental requirements force manufacturers to make compromises, and Honda seems to have bet on efficiency and handling instead of pure speed. The success of this strategy will be determined by the buyers’ reaction, especially among those who value driving balance.
