After slow-dripping news about the forthcoming 2026 Prelude for months, Honda has finally revealed the all-new sixth gen sports coupe in full for North American eyes, and there is a lot to chew on.
Posted below is the official press release from American Honda, but we thought we’d mention a few of the car’s highlights up top. For a more detailed breakdown, feel free to scroll down.
But here are some of our key takeaways:
- one well-stocked trim for U.S. and Canada
- 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine + two electric motors; 200 hp / 232 lb-ft.
- Honda S+ Shift system; simulates shifting gears, w/ rev matching downshifts, FWD only
- Civic Type R kit standard; Brembo four-piston aluminum front calipers, dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers
- 19-inch Berlina black wheels (P235/40R19 tires)
- four drive modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, 9-inch multimedia touchscreen w/ Google built-in
- five colors for U.S.: white (black roof option available), gray, black, red, and blue; three for Canada: white, black, and red
- on-sale late 2025
- pricing to be announced closer to on-sale
As for positioning, Honda is slotting the 2026 Prelude into the lineup as a replacement for the Civic coupe, which was discontinued prior to the arrival of the 11th gen Civic in 2020. Unlike its predecessors, which were closely related to the mid-size Accord in terms of size and powertrain, the new Prelude shares a platform with the Civic and uses its two-motor hybrid powertrain.
While the two share some important differences, the new Prelude and Civic Si sedan have similar performance. The 2025 Si puts out 200 hp / 192 lb-ft., although it uses a 1.5L turbo four-cylinder engine rather than a hybrid powertrain. The idea, it appears, is to keep dwindling coupe buyers in Honda showrooms.
Ironically, the fifth gen Prelude was killed off in 2001 because Honda was still building Accord and Civic coupes. At the time, the thinking was the Prelude is expendable, plus its sales were down about 40 percent versus the previous generation. Now, with Accord and Civic coupes long gone it returns to capture buyers looking for a Honda two-door.
As it notes in the press release, Honda has reconstituted its 1970s lineup: Accord, Civic, and Prelude. And now they’re all hybrids. It is proof positive that everything comes around again if you wait long enough.
Regardless, we hope the new Prelude has a good long run and we look forward to taking one for a test drive in the coming months.
Full American Honda press release follows.
TORRANCE, Calif., – The highly-anticipated 2026 Honda Prelude made its North American debut today. The new sports coupe will advance the “joy of driving” for a new generation of buyers, as the first model to pair the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the high-performance chassis hardware of the iconic Civic Type R. Prelude will offer precise steering, responsive handling and fun-to-drive feel to deliver an engaging grand touring experience, while remaining comfortable for everyday driving. The 2026 Prelude is set to arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide this late fall.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back such an iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The Prelude’s return demonstrates our commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles and will help to accelerate our hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead.”
The first-ever electrified Prelude is powered by the ultra-smooth, responsive and fuel-efficient Honda two-motor hybrid-electric system found in the award-winning Civic hybrid models. It combines two large and powerful electric motors with a highly efficient 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle direct injection gasoline engine to deliver a sporty driving experience and obtain exceptional fuel economy ratings. A combined system output of 200 horsepower and a robust 232 lb.-ft. of torque gives the new Prelude quick and responsive acceleration off the line and out of corners.
With the innovative new Honda S+ Shift system, Prelude delivers the ultimate electrified Honda driving experience with a responsive and engaging shifting simulation, featuring virtual rev-matched downshifts in S+ mode and enhanced engine sounds to increase driver feel and connection with the vehicle.
The new 2026 Honda Prelude will be available in one extremely well-equipped trim that includes all of these features as standard equipment:
- New Honda S+ Shift system
- Leather-trimmed front sport seats with perforated houndstooth pattern, integrated head restraints and three-way heating
- 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels
- 235/40R19 tires
- Brembo™ four-piston aluminum front calipers (shared with Civic Type R), finished in unique Prelude Blue
- Dual-axis strut front suspension (shared with Civic Type R)
- Adaptive Dampers (shared with Civic Type R, uniquely tuned for Prelude)
- Four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy shift paddles
- Sport pedals
- 2+2 Seating with 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
- 2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility
- WiFi Hotspot capability
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system
- Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Post-Collision Braking System (PCB)
- Blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Sophisticated, Yet Muscular Design
Advanced aerodynamics give the new Honda Prelude a sophisticated yet muscular look with a low, sharp nose, wide stance and smooth silhouette with clean, dynamic surfaces. Beautifully integrated aerodynamics, which include a large front under spoiler and a flat surface across the rear edge of the liftgate, provide an optimal balance of front and rear downforce at higher speeds, adding stability.
Designed in Japan, Prelude is distinct from every angle, highlighted by the sports coupe’s aggressive proportions, a racy “double-bubble” roof and flared fenders that cover large 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels wrapped in 235/40R19 tires. The wide stance of Prelude is accentuated by unique wing-like daytime running lights and the double horizontal lines of its full-width taillights.
The exterior styling features meticulous attention to detail, including a black chrome grille louver, and blue accents at the lower center of the front and rear fascias that emphasize the coupe’s low and sporty stance. That same blue color is also seen on Prelude’s large four-piston front Brembo brake calipers, adding both style and impressive stopping power.
The sophisticated exterior styling of Prelude features clean, dynamic surfaces with flush door handles and an antenna embedded in its liftback glass. As with all Honda passenger cars, Prelude uses laser brazing technology along the roofline, eliminating the need for roof molding for a smooth and clean roofline.
The 2026 Prelude is available in five bold colors, including the new Winter Frost Pearl, which is available with either a bodycolor or black roof option. Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rally Red also are available, along with Boost Blue Pearl.
For customers looking to take the sporty styling of Prelude even further, the sports coupe can be customized with an extensive new line of Honda Genuine Accessories, including uniquely styled 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels, black decklid spoiler, front underbody spoilers, black emblems and door mirror covers.
New Honda S+ Shift
The 6th-generation Prelude marks the debut of Honda S+ Shift, an innovative new drive mode that simulates a performance transmission experience. Honda S+ Shift advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement. By precisely managing engine RPM and integrating paddle shifters, Honda S+ Shift delivers quick simulated gearshift responses through seamless coordination between the engine and high-power motor, including downshift blips, rev matching and gear holding. Honda has announced plans to feature S+ Shift on future hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models.
Responsive Civic Type R Chassis Hardware
The 2026 Honda Prelude is the brand’s first hybrid-electric model to feature the high-performance chassis hardware of the legendary Civic Type R, including the dual-axis strut front suspension, wide front and rear tracks and large brakes originally designed for the iconic hot hatch. With the suspension and brake systems tuned exclusively for Prelude, including the standard Adaptive Damper System, the new sports coupe will deliver a sporty yet comfortable grand touring experience with high levels of driver exhilaration and engagement.
Selectable drive modes enable the driver to optimize the Prelude driving experience, seamlessly switching between Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual driving modes for various conditions with pre-set performance settings controlling powertrain response, steering assist level, suspension damping, engine sound, gauge cluster layout and adaptive cruise-control. The suspension’s distinct damping characteristics in each drive mode, give the driver precise control of the sports coupe’s ride and handling with optimized damping curves. High-performance summer tires that maximize grip and handling will be available.
In addition, the 2026 Prelude includes the first application of the enhanced Honda Agile Handling Assist, which improves handling and driver confidence through integrated control of the powertrain and braking system in accordance with the driver’s steering operation.
Prelude offers exceptional braking performance, sharing its front and rear brakes with the Civic Type R. Lightweight two-piece 13.8-inch diameter front rotors are paired with brawny Brembo™ monobloc four-piston aluminum calipers dressed with both the Prelude and Brembo™ logos and finished in a Prelude-specific blue hue. The rear rotors are 12.0 inches in diameter.
Driver-Focused Cabin
The new Prelude offers an immersive cockpit with a clean and elegant design, low cowl and thin A-pillars for exceptional forward visibility, all crafted around the grand touring driving experience. Ultra-premium front sport seats feature soft-touch leather, racing inspired integrated head-restraints, and asymmetrical bolstering to balance driver support with passenger comfort. The heated front seats are accented with high-contrast blue stitching, a perforated houndstooth pattern, and the Prelude logo embossed in the head-restraint.
The Prelude interior is available in two striking color combinations, a two-tone Blue and White or Black – both featuring high-contrast blue accent stitching to compliment the blue exterior details. Synthetic leather with a “cloud-like” texture wraps the center console and lower dash, where the Prelude-logo is artfully embroidered.
Performance-focused details of the new Prelude’s cockpit include a thick-rimmed flat-bottom steering wheel with high-contrast blue stitching, a position marker at 12 o’clock, and alloy shift paddles mounted to the wheel.
Prelude is the first Honda model with asymmetrical bolstering for the driver and front passenger seats. Firm padding and more prominent lower thigh bolsters provide the driver with a secure seating position, while the passenger enjoys a wider, more relaxed seat for everyday comfort.
The new Prelude offers 2+2 seating with a generous 32.0 inches of rear-seat legroom. Accessible through a lift-back hatch, the Prelude provides ample storage for weekend getaways. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold flat to greatly expand the available space, enough to accommodate larger items including golf bags.
Smart Technology
Technology has been smartly integrated into the cabin of Prelude with a focus on the driver, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch HD color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, Google built-in and a wireless smartphone charger, all standard.
To support performance driving, Prelude's exclusive new digital instrument cluster provides clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays, including a large tachometer and a multi-information display. Google built-in includes apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps and more on Google Play for a helpful, personalized and connected driving experience with a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan.
Every 2026 Honda Prelude also comes with a Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, jointly engineered by Honda and Bose precisely for the interior of the 6th-generation Prelude so drivers and passengers – regardless of their seating position – are placed in the middle of the music, with a clear and spacious listening experience for all audio content.
The new 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio system includes new door-mounted Super65 wide-range speakers, which play lower and louder than conventional 6.5-inch (165mm) speakers, to create a clear sound profile and a large subwoofer located in the cargo area.
Safety for Everyone
Honda is committed to further advancing safety for everyone sharing the road, which is captured in the Honda global safety slogan “Safety for Everyone.” Based on this commitment, the new 6th-generation Honda Prelude is a leader in sports coupe safety performance thanks to advanced active and passive safety technology that is standard equipment. This includes the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, the latest version of the Honda proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) front body structure, next-generation airbag technology designed to cradle the head to offer enhanced front passenger head protection, front knee airbags and rear side airbags – all standard.
On Prelude, the standard Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Driver Attention Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information System (BSI), Auto High-Beam Headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
Every 2026 Prelude also is equipped with Honda’s Post-Collision Braking system (PCB) to help mitigate damage from multi-crash collisions.
Electrification Strategy
Hybrid-electric models represent about one-third of Honda sales, thanks to the success of the CR-V hybrid, Accord hybrid and Civic hybrid and Honda plans to expand hybrid application to represent over 60% of total auto sales in the coming years. The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in the Honda passenger car lineup as hybrids.
Photos courtesy of American Honda
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