2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid-Electric Sports Coupe Revealed
Honda has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Prelude, marking the return of one of the brandās most iconic nameplates. Designed to blend heritage with innovation, the new Prelude introduces electrified performance, advanced styling, and driver-focused technology, all while delivering the timeless joy of driving.
We are thrilled to be bringing back such an iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup. 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.
Electrified Power Meets Performance Heritage
For the first time, Honda has paired its award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the high-performance chassis hardware of the Civic Type R. The result is a grand touring sports coupe engineered for precise steering, responsive handling, and everyday comfort.Ā The hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle direct-injection engine with two powerful electric motors, producing a combined output of 200 hp and 232 lb.-ft. of torque. Drivers can expect smooth, immediate acceleration and exceptional efficiency, underscoring Hondaās commitment to hybrid-electric innovation.
Debut of Honda S+ Shift
The 6th-generation Prelude introduces Honda Sāŗ Shift, a new drive mode that simulates a performance transmission. By blending simulated gearshifts, rev-matched downshifts, and enhanced engine sounds, S+ Shift delivers an engaging experience that strengthens the driverās connection to the car. Paddle shifters further elevate the interaction, offering responsive and immersive control.
Civic Type R Chassis Hardware
The Prelude becomes the first Honda hybrid-electric model to feature Civic Type R chassis components. With dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, wide tracks, and Bremboā¢ four-piston aluminum front calipers finished in Prelude Blue, the car is engineered for high-performance handling.Ā Selectable drive modes (Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual) allow drivers to tailor the Preludeās dynamics to their preferences, adjusting suspension damping, steering feel, throttle response, and even engine sound.
Sophisticated, Aerodynamic Styling
- Double-bubble roof and flared fenders
- Full-width taillights with dual horizontal bars
- Wing-inspired LED daytime running lights
- Flush door handles and roofline laser brazing for a clean silhouette
Driver-Focused Interior
- BoseĀ® Centerpoint premium 8-speaker sound system
- Wireless Apple CarPlayĀ® and Android Autoā¢
- Wireless phone charging
- WiFi hotspot capability
- 2+2 seating with 32 inches of rear legroom
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats with 15.1 cu. ft. of cargo spaceĀ³
Two interior color schemes will be offered: Blue & White or Black, both accented by high-contrast stitching.
Advanced Safety
The 2026 Prelude comes standard with the Honda SensingĀ® suite, offering advanced driver-assistive technologies such as Collision Mitigation Braking Systemā¢ (CMBSā¢), Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Traffic Jam Assist.Ā It also incorporates Hondaās latest ACEā¢ body structure, next-generation airbag technology, and a Post-Collision Braking system for enhanced occupant protection.
Hondaās Electrification Strategy
With the Prelude, Hondaās hybrid-electric lineup expands to four fun-to-drive models, joining the CR-V, Accord, and Civic hybrids. Hybrid-electric vehicles already make up one-third of Hondaās U.S. sales, and the company projects that over 60% of its total auto sales will be hybrid in the coming years.Ā Bringing the Prelude back alongside the Civic and Accord underscores Hondaās vision of a modern electrified lineup built on its most beloved nameplates.
Key Specifications
| POWER UNIT | |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | |
| Engine Type | Atkinson In-Line 4-cylinder |
| Displacement (cc) | 1,993 |
| Horsepower (SAE net hp @ rpm) | 141 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (SAE net lb.-ft. @ rpm) | 134 @ 4,500 |
| Redline (rpm) | 6,250 |
| Valve Train | 16-Valve DOHC Dual-VTC |
| Direct Fuel Injection | ā¬¤ |
| TWO-MOTOR HYBRID SYSTEM | |
| AC Synchronous Permanent-Magnet Electric Drive Motor (horsepower @ rpm) | 181 @ 5,000-6,000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) | 232 @ 0-2,000 |
| Total System HorsepowerĀ¹ | 200 |
| DRIVETRAIN | |
| Front-Wheel Drive | ā¬¤ |
| Direct Drive Unit | ā¬¤ |
| S+ Shift Metal Paddle Shifters | ā¬¤ |
| Ratio Range |
Electric Motor: 2.455 Lock-up: 0.806 |
| Reverse | 2.455 |
| Final Drive | 3.421 |
| FUEL | |
| EPA MPG Ratings (City/Highway/Combined) | TBA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (U.S. gal.) | 10.6 |
| Required Fuel | Regular Unleaded |
| CHASSIS | |
| Dynamic Drive Modes | 4-Mode: Comfort / GT / Sport / Individual |
| Honda S+ Shift | ā¬¤ |
| Dual-Axis Strut Front Suspension | ā¬¤ |
| Multi-Link Rear Suspension | ā¬¤ |
| Adaptive Damper System | ā¬¤ |
| Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS) | ā¬¤ |
| Stabilizer Bar (mm) (front/rear) | 26.5 x 4.6 (tubular) / 18 (solid) |
| Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock | 2.1 |
| Steering Ratio | 11.3 |
| Agile Handling Assist | ā¬¤ |
| Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in.) (front/rear) | 13.8 / 12.0 |
| Electric Servo Brake | ā¬¤ |
| Bremboā¢ Ā² 4-Piston Aluminum Front Brake Calipers | ā¬¤ |
| Wheels (in.) | 19 x 8.5J gloss black alloys |
| Tires |
All Season 235/40R19 96V Summer Tires Available |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| EXTERIOR | |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 102.6 |
| Length (in.) | 178.4 |
| Height (in.) | 53.4 |
| Width (in.) | 74.0 |
| Track (in.) (front/rear) | 64.0 / 63.5 |
| INTERIOR | |
| Headroom (in.) (front/rear) | 37.2 / 33.1 |
| Legroom (in.) (front/rear) | 42.3 / 32.0 |
| Shoulder Room (in.) (front/rear) | 57.1 / 53.2 |
| Hiproom (in.) (front/rear) | 54.2 / 48.7 |
| Cargo Volume (cu ft.)Ā³ | 15.1 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft.) | 84.6 |
| WEIGHT | |
| Curb Weight (lbs.) | TBA |
| Weight Distribution (%) (front/rear) | TBA |
- Total system horsepower as measured by the peak, concurrent output of the two electric motors and gasoline engine.
- Brembo is a registered trademark of Brembo S.p.A. Brembo’s product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Brembo.
- Based on SAE J1100 cargo volume measurement standard plus, where applicable, floor space between seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.