The 2026 Honda Prelude made its North American debut as a new sporty coupe designed to elevate the joy of driving and celebrate the revival of a legendary name plate with a new chapter for a new generation of buyers. This model, the 6th generation of the Prelude, combines Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid powertrain, first seen in the Civic Hybrid with the advanced suspension, performance-minded chassis, and superior braking system of the Civic Type R. This sweet blend has been specially tuned “to deliver a grand touring experience” while maintaining the comfort and ease that everyday drivers demand.
How many trims are there?
The new 2026 Honda Prelude arrives with 1 value-laden, feature-heavy trim that includes a laundry list of features as standard equipment:
- New Honda S+ Shift system
- Leather-trimmed front sport seats with perforated houndstooth pattern, integrated head restraints and three-way heating
- 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels
- 235/40R19 tires
- Brembo™ four-piston aluminum front calipers (shared with Civic Type R), finished in unique Prelude Blue
- Dual-axis strut front suspension (shared with Civic Type R)
- Adaptive Dampers (shared with Civic Type R, uniquely tuned for Prelude)
- Four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy shift paddles
- Sport pedals
- 2+2 Seating with 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
- 2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility
- WiFi Hotspot capability
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system
- Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
- Post-Collision Braking System (PCB)
- Blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
When does it arrive?
The 2026 Prelude is set to arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide this late fall.
What do you mean it doesn’t have a transmission?
Like all Honda two-motor hybrids, the new Prelude does not feature a traditional transmission. Instead of a AT or CVT, the 2026 Prelude uses a powertrain that is super-efficient and provides direct drive from the traction motor to the front wheels for smooth and responsive power similar to a more commonly-occurring EV. Linear Shift Control simulates gears, while the new S+ Shift mode takes that to another level, increasing driver engagement and creating the fun-to-drive experience that Honda buyers crave.
What’s new about the 2026 Prelude?
Aside from its sleek new look, the 2026 Prelude is the first hybrid-electric model to make use of the high-performance chassis from the iconic Civic Type R. It brings forward the loves from the beloved hot hatch — dual-axis front suspension, wide front and big brakes and pairs them with a suspension designed specifically for the Prelude with a new Active Damper System that will anchor the vehicle and provide the framework for an exhilarating and completely un-boring driving experience. It is also the first vehicle to apply the brand’s Agile Handling Assist system that integrates control of the powertrain and braking systems in tune with the driver’s steering outputs.
Does it have Apple Car Play and Android Auto?
It does. The 2026 Prelude has a driver-centric cabin laced with smart technology. There’s a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch HD color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, Google built-in and a wireless smartphone charger. Also, the 2026 Prelude brings the sound quality through with the 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system. It’s a joint collab between Honda and Bose to bring an excellent listening experience front and rear passengers.
For information on the 2026 Honda Prelude, visit here.
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