The Honda Prelude, a beloved sporty coupe from the past, might be making a return to the Honda lineup. This possibility is hinted at by a concept car that looks almost ready for production. The new Prelude retains its classic two-door coupe design but is expected to be offered as a hybrid this time. Its sleek styling captures the essence of a modern 21st-century Prelude. While details about the powertrain are limited, it’s anticipated to share components with the Civic and Accord models. Honda promises an enjoyable driving experience with the revived Prelude, and we look forward to learning more as it gets closer to reality.
2026 Honda Prelude Specs & Redesign
So, what’s new for the 2026 model? Well, While the name may sound familiar, the Prelude is set to be a fresh inclusion in Honda’s lineup, playing a role somewhat akin to replacing the discontinued coupe versions of the Civic and Accord.
According to Honda, the upcoming Prelude is set to “embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset.” Tomoyuki Yamagami, the brand’s chief engineer, revealed to Automotive News that the Prelude is designed to be a driver-focused and enjoyable touring car. Enhancements to the two-motor system will prioritize power and handling, with a specific emphasis on shedding the substantial weight associated with the battery infrastructure required for a pure EV.
Despite these improvements, it’s clarified that the upcoming 2026 Prelude is not positioned as a direct track competitor to cars like the Toyota GR86. Yamagami emphasized to CarsGuide that the Prelude is not aiming to be the sportiest or the most agile vehicle specifically designed for circuit racing.
The 2026 Honda Prelude is a two-door coupe. But Yamagami confirmed to CarsGuide that Honda is giving it a more practical 2+2 seating layout. The Honda Prelude 2026 model is not an electric car, Honda PR has made it clear that the Prelude concept is not an electric vehicle but rather a hybrid. The Prelude will have an upgraded version of Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, which is already used in the Accord.
2026 Honda Prelude Engine
All the details Honda has shared about the Prelude concept car so far indicate a hybrid powertrain. This suggests that it might utilize a variation of the hybrid system already present in Honda models like the CR-V, Accord, and the anticipated 2025 Civic hybrid. The Accord, for instance, generates 204 horsepower from its hybrid setup, incorporating a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine. However, considering the Prelude’s performance ambitions, there’s hope for a power output surpassing that figure.
Traditionally configured as a front-wheel drive, we anticipate this to be the standard setup for the Prelude, consistent with its historical configuration. While front-wheel drive is likely, the possibility of an all-wheel-drive option cannot be entirely ruled out. Unfortunately, the expectation is that a manual transmission won’t be offered this time around, marking a departure from the manual options available in previous iterations of the Prelude.
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2026 Honda Prelude Pricing
Depending on the model and extras, the 2026 Honda Prelude is anticipated to cost between $31,000 and $38,000.
| Trims/Models | Price Estimate |
|---|---|
| 2026 Honda Prelude Sport Touring |
$38,000
|
| 2026 Honda Prelude Sport |
$31,000
|
Note: We hope to learn more about the Prelude’s positioning shortly, but for now, we’re simply speculating about its trim levels and pricing.
Release Date & Available in The U.S
The anticipated debut is projected for the 2026 model year, although the precise timing for the production model remains uncertain. However, America is one of the markets being considered for the new Prelude, A Report from CarsGuide stated that Yamagami said that the new Prelude model will function as a “global model” We expect it will be sold in America as soon as early 2025 or in the middle of 2026.
