TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda’s long-awaited 2026 Prelude hybrid-electric sports coupe has begun arriving at U.S. dealerships, expanding the company’s hybrid lineup to four models and reviving one of the brand’s most storied nameplates.
Honda said the new Prelude is the first vehicle to combine its award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system with high-performance chassis components from the Civic Type R.
“The return of Prelude to the Honda lineup demonstrates our commitment to expand hybrid-electric sales and our passenger-car lineup,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “A legendary nameplate like Prelude combined with an award-winning Honda hybrid system and Type R chassis components has created an exciting yet comfortable vehicle our customers will want to drive.”
The 2026 Prelude launches in a single, well-equipped trim starting at $42,000, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Honda said hybrid models now make up about a third of its U.S. sales and that it aims for hybrids to represent more than 60% of total auto sales in the years ahead.
The new coupe marks the debut of Honda’s S+ Shift drive mode, which simulates a performance-transmission experience through coordinated control of engine RPM and the high-power electric motor. The system uses paddle shifters and simulated gear changes, including downshift blips and rev-matching, to increase driver engagement.
Honda plans to expand S+ Shift to future hybrid-electric models.
Powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors, the Prelude produces a combined 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Honda said the hybrid system uses no traditional transmission or CVT; instead, it sends power through a fixed gear ratio aided by a simple lock-up clutch for smooth acceleration and efficient cruising.
The Prelude is rated by the EPA at 46 mpg city, 41 mpg highway and 44 mpg combined.
In a nod to performance enthusiasts, Honda equipped the Prelude with hardware derived from the Civic Type R, including the dual-axis strut front suspension, wide tracks, and large brakes. The coupe also receives an Adaptive Damper System tuned specifically for the new model.
Selectable driving modes — Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual — adjust powertrain response, steering, suspension damping, engine sound, digital gauge layout and adaptive cruise-control behavior.
Braking performance mirrors that of the Type R, with two-piece 13.8-inch front rotors and Brembo four-piston aluminum calipers finished in a Prelude-specific blue. Rear rotors measure 12 inches.
The Prelude will come in five exterior colors, including a new Winter Frost Pearl offered with either a body-color or black roof. Interior options include a Blue-and-White or Black cabin, both featuring blue contrast stitching.
Honda will also offer a range of accessories, including 19-inch Berlina Black wheels, a decklid spoiler, and black exterior accents.
Standard equipment includes leather-trimmed sport seats, a 10.2-inch digital cluster, 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, WiFi hotspot capability and the Honda Sensing safety suite.
Honda says more than 99% of the vehicles it sold in the U.S. in 2024 were built in North America.
