The return of the legendary Honda Prelude has been met with excitement and skepticism. With its hybrid powertrain and lack of manual transmission, many wondered if this new model would capture the essence of the beloved coupe from past generations. -specified model for a spin, we're left with more questions than answers.
While the Prelude's design and interior are certainly premium and sporty, its execution falls short of expectations. The car's positioning is similar to that of past Preludes, but its mechanicals and features feel more like a Civic Hybrid than a true sports coupe. The 2026 Honda Prelude is available only with a hybrid powertrain, making $43,195, which is $10,505 more than the manual-transmission Civic Si.
With its unique blend of fuel-efficient technology and chassis upgrades from the Civic Type R, the Prelude aims to elevate mainstream Hondas to a higher plane. However, its driving experience feels more like that of a refined Civic rather than a sporty coupe. The adaptive dampers feature three settings, but they don't quite make up for the car's soft handling.
Despite this, the Prelude is still a delight on twisty roads and features a curvaceous shape styled differently from the current Accord and Civic. With its unique design cues and retro badging, the Prelude is sure to appeal to enthusiasts. But does it justify its steep price tag?
Only time will tell.
While the 2026 Honda Prelude's design and features are certainly premium and sporty, its execution falls short of expectations due to its lack of manual transmission and limited driving experience. The car's positioning is similar to that of past Preludes, but it feels more like a Civic Hybrid than a true sports coupe.
