After a 25-year absence, the Honda Prelude is back, but this isn’t the high-revving, naturally-aspirated coupe of the past. The reborn Prelude is a hybrid grand tourer, blending efficiency with driver engagement. This isn’t a simple badge revival; Honda aims to prove its “joy of driving” philosophy can thrive in an electrified future.
Pricing and Availability
The Prelude will launch in Australia in mid-2026, priced around $65,000–$70,000 drive-away. This places it above the Toyota GR86 and in a class of its own. The Japanese domestic market price is equivalent to roughly $64,000 AUD, mirroring the Civic Type R Racing Black Package. Expect a single, high-spec trim level loaded with premium features.
Interior Design and Comfort
The interior shares elements with the 11th-generation Civic, but with upgrades to justify the higher price tag. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in are standard. Unique leather-trimmed sports seats with houndstooth accents and aggressive bolstering enhance comfort and support.
The rear seats are best suited for children or storage, given the coupe’s 2+2 configuration. A liftback rear-end provides 428 liters of cargo space, expandable with folding rear seats.
Powertrain and Performance
Forget high-revving VTEC turbo engines. The Prelude uses the same e:HEV hybrid system found in the Civic and CR-V. A 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine (104kW/182Nm) pairs with a two-motor hybrid system (133kW/315Nm). Combined output is 147kW/315Nm, sent to the front wheels.
The standout feature is the S+ Shift system, which simulates an eight-speed automatic transmission. Using steering wheel-mounted paddles, it delivers sharp, distinct gear changes with rev-matched downshifts.
The chassis borrows the dual-axis strut front suspension and adaptive dampers from the Civic Type R, improving stability and reducing torque steer. Brembo four-piston front brakes provide strong stopping power.
Driving Experience
The S+ Shift system is the key to the Prelude’s driving experience. It removes the rubber band feel of traditional CVTs, delivering a convincing automatic transmission feel. The chassis is well-balanced, with minimal body roll and responsive steering.
The Prelude isn’t about raw speed but rather about engaging handling. The dual-axis suspension and adaptive dampers keep the car planted, even under aggressive cornering. The hybrid powertrain delivers instant torque, making it fun to drive.
Standard Features
The 2026 Honda Prelude comes loaded with standard equipment:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Brembo 4-piston front brakes
- Adaptive Damper System
- Dual-axis strut front suspension
- LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Google Built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Heated, leather-trimmed sports seats with houndstooth pattern
- Flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
- Dual-zone climate control
Safety Technology
The Prelude comes standard with Honda Sensing:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Unintended acceleration mitigation
- Post-Collision Braking system
Final Verdict
The reborn Honda Prelude isn’t the raw, analog sports coupe many enthusiasts expected. Instead, it’s a refined hybrid grand tourer that blends efficiency with driver engagement. The S+ Shift system and Civic Type R-derived chassis components deliver a surprisingly engaging driving experience.
The Prelude stands alone in its class, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and performance. It’s for those who want a premium, practical coupe that doesn’t compromise on driving fun. Honda has proven that its “joy of driving” philosophy can survive the transition to electrification
