The New Honda Prelude Returns with Type R Elements and Manual Transmission Simulation, But Not with the Power You Expected

Revival of a Legend

After a long wait, the 2026 Honda Prelude has finally debuted in North America. This model revives one of the Japanese brand’s most iconic nameplates, but despite its stylish design and two doors, it is not a sports car. Honda itself characterizes the new Prelude as a grand tourer, which will arrive at dealers in the fall.

Technical Features

The new Prelude is equipped with a hybrid powertrain identical to the one used in the Honda Civic Hybrid. It is based on a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 141 hp at 6000 rpm and 134 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. The electric motor adds 181 hp and 232 lb-ft, but the total output is only 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque.

The new Prelude costs more than the Nissan Z, which has twice the power in Japan.

For comparison, this power figure matches that of the 13-year-old Toyota GT 86, which further emphasizes that the Prelude is not positioned as a sports car.

Quick Facts

The powertrain is not particularly sporty, and the transmission, or rather its absence, also doesn’t spark much interest. As in other Honda hybrids, the electric motor directly drives the front wheels. To provide a certain level of driver engagement, the Linear Shift Control system simulates gear shifts.

Along with the 2026 Prelude, the new S+ Shift mode debuts. This function holds revs, activates steering wheel paddle shifters, and provides rev-matching on downshifts, giving drivers the theatrical elements they might expect from a sports car. Acceleration figures, weight, and fuel economy have not been announced yet.

Components from the Type R

If the Prelude’s powertrain isn’t very sporty, the story with the chassis is different. It includes the same front double-wishbone suspension, as well as the same wide front and rear track as the current Civic Type R, which is considered one of the best front-wheel-drive cars in terms of handling. The adaptive dampers have been recalibrated for a softer tuning, better suiting the grand tourer character.

The brakes are also borrowed directly from the Type R and consist of 13.8-inch discs and four-piston calipers at the front and 12.0-inch discs at the rear.

A difference is that the Prelude does not have the Type R’s massive 265-size tires, instead using smaller 235/40R19 tires on each wheel.

You can’t buy the new Prelude yet, but you can already customize it.

Unique to the Prelude is the Honda Agile Handling Assist system, which provides precise control of the powertrain and brakes to improve handling and driver confidence.

In terms of dimensions, the Prelude has a wheelbase of 102.6 inches (2606 mm) and a length of 178.4 inches (4532 mm). The height is 53.4 inches (1356 mm), and the width is 74.0 inches (1880 mm).

Sporty but Familiar Interior

The Prelude’s interior borrows many elements from other Honda models, such as the Civic, including the flat-bottom steering wheel, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and 9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It is distinguished by Honda’s first use of asymmetric seat bolstering, designed to balance driver focus and passenger comfort. The driver’s seat has firmer padding and pronounced lower thigh support for stability, while the front passenger seat has a wider and more relaxed profile, suited for daily use.

In the rear, the coupe offers 2+2 seating with 32 inches of legroom. The practical liftback opens to the cargo area, which is easily expandable thanks to standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks. Total cargo volume is 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters), slightly more than the 14.8 cubic feet (419 liters) in the Civic Sedan.

All Prelude models will come standard with a premium Bose Centerpoint audio system with eight speakers. The Honda Sensing suite of safety systems is also standard, including collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic monitor, and driver attention monitor.

Pricing details have not been announced yet, but Honda plans to provide more information soon.

The return of the Prelude with new technologies, such as simulated gear shifts and components from the Civic Type R, indicates Honda’s desire to combine grand tourer comfort with elements of sporty driving without resorting to excessive power. This may appeal to fans who appreciate style and innovation but are looking for something different from traditional sports coupes.