After a 24-year hiatus, Honda has reintroduced the Prelude. The Japanese automaker's two-door sports coupe marks its return with a first-ever hybrid powertrain. The Prelude will initially be available in Japan and the US.

Honda unveils the 2026 Prelude - a new hybrid coupe. Photo: Honda

The car is equipped with a powertrain similar to the Honda Civic e:HEV.

The car has a 2+2 configuration with a characteristic sporty coupe design.

The 2026 Prelude is revived after a 24-year absence.

LED headlights, integrated with daytime running lights.

Standard 19-inch wheels, accompanied by blue Brembo four-piston brake calipers.

In Japan, the 2026 Prelude is priced at 41,700 USD.

The 2026 Prelude shares most of its specifications across markets, but there are key differences between the Japanese and US versions. Basic features remain the same, including the 19-inch wheels, Prelude Blue Brembo four-piston brake calipers, a double-wishbone front suspension borrowed from the Civic Type R, and specially tuned adaptive dampers.

The 2026 Prelude measures 4,532 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,356 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,606 mm.

Both versions feature a 2+2 configuration with compact rear seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen. This touchscreen integrates Google Maps and supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, paired with an 8-speaker Bose sound system.

The difference between the two markets lies in the equipment. The US version does not feature a panoramic sunroof, cooled front seats, or power-adjustable seats - all of which are available in Japan. Honda's reasoning partially stems from weight reduction, as manually adjustable front seats allow for quicker access to the rear seats compared to power-adjustable ones.

Interior options are similar, with blue-and-white or blue-and-black color schemes, along with asymmetrical sport seat cushions that balance driver support and passenger comfort.

The 2026 Prelude's interior features Honda's signature design. Photo: Honda

Sporty leather seats.

The gear lever cluster with a push-button gear selector.

The Prelude is equipped with the Honda S+ gear shifting system, which creates sound effects when shifting gears.

10.2-inch digital dashboard.

9-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated with Google Maps, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

The car is equipped with 8 Bose speakers.

Dashboard embroidered with the car's name.

Honda has equipped the 2026 Prelude with the same hybrid powertrain as the Civic e:HEV. This includes a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 141 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque. It's combined with an electric motor generating 181 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. The combined output is 200 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. The car uses an e-CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.

To enhance the driving experience, Honda has added the Honda S+ gear shifting system, which uses sound effects and torque simulation to mimic gear changes.

The 2026 Honda Prelude is not yet priced for the US market. In Japan, the new hybrid coupe is priced at 41,700 USD, with deliveries starting in the fourth quarter.

Minh Vu