2026 Honda Prelude - Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Maybe the Best Looking Car of the Year

David Colman

Story and Photos by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Honda's first generation Prelude, introduced in 1978, made just 72hp and took 19 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. After lasting for 5 subsequent generations, the original Prelude disappeared from the marketplace in 2001. At the time, it was seen as a stylish 2+2 coupe that had introduced a number of significant advances to sports-minded motoring - such as antilock brakes (ABS), the moonroof, and 4-wheel steering. But by the turn of the century, the Prelude concept had run its course and been dismissed by driving enthusiasts as Honda's Quaalude.

However, the 2026 Prelude, just reintroduced to the market after an absence of a quarter century, will not be confused with any somnolence-inducing drug. Retaining its 2+2 configuration and lift back rear door, the newly re-imagined Prelude uses a sophisticated Hybrid drivetrain to make 200hp, 232lb.-ft. of torque, and 44MPG in overall driving. Since the svelte coupe weighs just At 3,250 lbs., its efficient power-to-weight ratio of 16.25lb/hp generates a 0-60 mph sprint of 6.6 seconds, a standing-start quarter-mile run of 15.4 seconds, and a top speed of 116mph.

Even better than drag strip performance is the new Prelude's corner carving aptitude. Its dual-axis front suspension, which debuted on the 2017 Civic Type R, has been incorporated in the reborn Prelude. This marks the first time Honda has shared Type R componentry with any other Honda model. With grand touring in mind, spring rates have been re-tuned for a sporty yet comfortable ride. Adding to the responsiveness of the Prelude are autocross-worthy Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 radials. These 235/40R19 tires carry a Traction Rating of AA and a Treadwear Rating of TW 340. They are mounted on handsome gloss black 19 x 8.5J alloy rims.

The Civic Type R also contributed its front MacPherson strut/ rear multilink suspension configuration, as well as its adaptive damper system. This platform adjustability results in a wide variety of Drive Mode choices which include Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual Modes. GT is a choice I have not seen before, one which Honda declares "Optimizes the balance between operability and comfort." A final touch to the performance envelope is provided by inclusion of Type R Brembo front brake calipers. Appropriately, these were painted medium blue on our test car, to harmonize with its striking $455 Boost Blue paint.

The interior of the Prelude is show car jazzy. The seating surfaces are trimmed in gray leather, with the bolsters done in off-white. Likewise, the dashboard is split into dual white/gray color bands, with blue and silver stitching to separate them. Silver "Prelude" embroidery on the dash face lends a homey artisan look to the interior. While the switchgear on the dash is pretty much self explanatory. Many physical button choices eliminate the need to utilize the 9-inch color touchscreen. But there are some rather puzzling oversights to cabin layout. The most glaring one is a lack of power control for adjustment of both front seats. In a coupe as small as this, storage of items is often relegated to the compressed +2 rear seat area, or the storage pockets located on the back side of the front seats. But accessing this space means popping the front seat backs forward. This in turn requires repositioning the front seats manually to their former configuration - without the assistance of electronics, or a memory setting. Honda would do well to address this issue by making fully electric front seats optionally available, as well as adding adjustable lumbar to the mix.

Due to the height of the front seat headrests, the driver's view to the rear and side is sharply curtailed. So for safe back-up operations, you will have to depend on the small touchscreen image provided by the multi-view rear camera. Inclement weather will immediately alert you to the fact that the nearly flat rear window lacks - and needs - a wiper. Also on the negative side, Honda no longer offers built-in XMSatellite radio on the Prelude, suggesting owners use Apple CarPlay instead. But doing so renders the steering wheel and fixed controls useless.

You'll be able to accommodate two kiddies in the rear bucket seat receptacles, but no full-size adult is joint compliant enough to climb back there - or out of there. However, the fact that the two 60/40 rear seat backs fold flat adds significantly to the Prelude's aptitude for cargo transport. Drop those seats and you've got 40 cubic feet of storage capacity. With the rear seats erect, available space shrinks to 15 cubic feet.

Looks alone will sell this new Prelude. It's not the fastest car on the road, nor the best handling sports sedan, though it's close enough on both accounts to make it fun to drive. But it's without doubt the best looking. And that attribute will forever define its renewed success.

2026 HONDA PRELUDE

• ENGINE/MOTOR: 2.0 liter inline-4 direct injection + AC Motor
• TORQUE: 232lb.-ft. (Combined)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 46MPG City/41MPG Highway/44MPG Combined)
• PRICE AS TESTED: $43,650

HYPES: Show Car Silhouette, Type R Plumbing GRIPES: Interior Ergonomic Shortcomings

STAR RATING: 8.5 Stars out of 10

©2026 David E Colman