Description
After a 25 year hiatus, The Honda Prelude is back. The internet has strong opinions about Honda's new hybrid sports coupe. Too expensive? Not enough horsepower? No manual transmission? Drive the sixth-generation Prelude on winding roads and you might find there’s more to this car than the specifications sheet suggests.
In my 2026 Honda Prelude review, I test Honda's new S+ Shift technology, the 200-horsepower two-motor hybrid powertrain, Civic Type R-derived suspension and Brembo brakes. The result is a sports coupe that delivers engaging driving dynamics while returning an EPA-rated 44 MPG combined.
The big surprise is Honda's S+ Shift system. It simulates an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, complete with paddle shifters, convincing shift sensations, rev-matched downshifts and engine sounds. It's artificial, sure. Real fun? ? Absolutely.
There's plenty more to examine. The Prelude shares its basic hybrid powertrain with the less expensive Civic Hybrid, but adds adaptive dampers, sophisticated chassis hardware, and unique styling that could be the love child of a Porsche 911 and Toyota Prius (the new good looking one).
I also cover the interior, technology, comfort, backseat limitations and the compromises Honda made to bring this legendary nameplate back to American showrooms.
The big question: Is the 2026 Honda Prelude worth more than $44,000 when enthusiasts can buy a Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Volkswagen GTI, Subaru WRX or Mazda MX-5 Miata for less? And can a hybrid sports coupe without a traditional transmission or manual gearbox genuinely be fun to drive?
Watch the review before you decide.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting).
00:00 2026 Honda Prelude Review
1:10 Pricing and Competition
1:54 How S+ Shift Works
3:09 Hybrid Powertrain
5:55 Performance
8:07 Fuel Economy
8:26 Interior / Interface
10:10 Back Seat (Or Lack Of…)
10:42 Cargo
11:35 Summary