After more than two decades of absence, the legendary Honda Prelude returns at the end of this year. Most likely a 2026 model, this sleek new coupe, previewed by a production-ready concept, has already stirred the pot. How? It’s not what enthusiasts wanted. Instead of a turbocharged hot rod like the mighty Civic Type R, the Prelude is a hybrid. Yup, an electrified front-drive coupe. Woe! Blasphemy! Until you took a look at its predecessors and saw that this car served as Honda’s production test bed for clever bits of tech.
Four-wheel steering first appeared on the third-generation Prelude. Meanwhile, the fifth generation marked the first use of Active Torque Transfer, an early form of torque vectoring. Honda eventually developed this further into the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which is used on select Acura models today. In short, the Prelude helped develop several go-fast technologies you find in performance cars today, including supercars like Honda’s own NSX.
The upcoming sixth-generation model looks to continue this trend with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system. Yes, the same one already used by Civic, Accord, and CR-V. From this perspective, the Prelude follows the path paved by its predecessors. For this reason and Honda’s ability to turn something humble into a magical creation, enthusiasts shouldn’t underestimate this upcoming Prelude. No, it’s not a hair-on-fire coupe-bodied Civic Type R, but I’m going to tell you why it’s the right step even with this very unconventional formula.
Honda Prelude: Class Above Everything
Under the skin, the Prelude shares its bones with the Civic, albeit with a shorter wheelbase. It’s a proven platform that can handle everything from humble economy cars to performance models like the Civic Type R and Integra Type S. To put it simply, Honda leverages existing parts to create the Prelude. From the powertrain to the chassis, its existing components. The newest feature is S+ Shift, which mimics the gear changes of a conventional automatic transmission. It sounds similar to what the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N does, but will it work as well? We’ll have to drive it to find out.
The fact that the Prelude shares so many components with established vehicles is a good thing. We know how good Honda’s current lineup is, especially the three vehicles that the Prelude shares parts with. The Civic continues to set the benchmark as the most well-rounded compact car you can buy. The CR-V offers efficiency, refinement, and family-friendly flexibility. What about the Accord? Still one of the best midsize sedans money can buy. Furthermore, all three punch a class above, especially in terms of driving dynamics and interior build quality.
Innovative Electrified Power
Enthusiasts screamed profanities when Honda revealed that the Prelude is coming with a hybrid powertrain. Not just any hybrid, but one without a transmission. I welcome the change because it’s about time someone offered a hybrid sports coupe that didn’t cost six figures. It’s Honda thinking outside the box and reimagining the performance car for a new generation.
The Prelude aims to bring something distinct to the sports car experience. By relying on a hybrid system that relies on the electric motor 95% of the time for motivation, it operates more like an all-electric vehicle. However, unlike an EV, it also has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine to help at higher speeds or loads. Being FWD, the Prelude brings a different dynamic character to the driving experience. Although it won’t slide around like a rear-drive car, fun remains its focus (it’s still a sports coupe after all).
In short, you can’t judge a book by its cover. The Prelude’s specs may suggest it’s not exciting, but it’s how the vehicle as a whole works that matters. We also need to remember that Honda continues to prove just how capable FWD cars can be. If vehicles like the Civic family are any indication, the Prelude will be a solid option. Underestimating it because it’s a front-drive hybrid just isn’t a good look. It shares its mechanical bits with many class-leading vehicles backed by Honda’s engineering prowess, plus a strong reliability reputation. It has the right components and the company to make this unusual performance car formula work. And if it turns into a winning formula, well, can’t say I told you so.
