After countless teases from a Concept to a Prototype, the Prelude makes a return to Honda’s global line-up with one mission: to advance the joy of driving for a new-generation of buyers.
The new sports coupe pairs the Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the high-performance chassis hardware of the iconic Civic Type R. As such, it promises precise steering, responsive handling, and a general fun-to-drive feel in a grand touring package that’s comfortable for everyday driving.
The first-ever electrified Prelude combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle direct injection gasoline engine with a two-motor system for a total output of 200 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. Paired exclusively to this a E-CVT transmission equipped with Honda’s new S+ Shift system. This gives it simulated rev-matched downshifts (in S+ mode) and enhanced engine sounds as well.
The S+ Shift system delivers simulated gearshifts through a seamless coordination between the combustion engine and high-power motor. It does so by precisely managing engine RPM. As a result, the Prelude can do simulated downshift blips, rev matching, and gear holding.
The 2026 Prelude features a “double-bubble” roof and flared fenders that cover 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels wrapped in 235/40R19 tires. The wide stance is accentuated by the wing-like DRLs and the double horizontal lines of its full-width taillights.
The exterior features a black chrome grille louver and blue accents at the lower center of the front and rear fascias. That same blue color is also seen on the large four-piston front Brembo brake calipers, adding both style and impressive stopping power.
Over to the side, it has flush door handles and an antenna embedded in the tailgate glass. And as with most new Honda passenger cars, the Prelude uses laser brazing technology along the roofline, eliminating the need for roof molding for a smooth and clean roofline.
Globally, the Prelude comes in no less than five colors: Winter Frost Pearl (Moonlit White Pearl in Japan), which is available with either a bodycolor or black roof option. Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rally Red, and Boost Blue Pearl.
Underneath, the Prelude is the brand’s first hybrid model to feature the high-performance chassis hardware of the Civic Type R, including the dual-axis strut front suspension, wide front and rear tracks and large brakes (13.8-inch front, 12-inch rear) originally designed for the iconic hot hatch. This is on top of a standard Adaptive Damper System. Moreover, selectable drive modes (Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual) enable the driver to optimize the Prelude’s characteristics—powertrain response, steering assist level, suspension damping, engine sound, gauge cluster layout, and adaptive cruise-control at the touch of a button.
The Prelude also adopts enhanced Honda Agile Handling Assist which improves handling and driver confidence through integrated control of the powertrain and braking system in accordance with the driver’s steering operation.
Inside, the Prelude offers an immersive cockpit with a clean design, low, cowl, and thin A-pillars for exceptional forward visibility. The front sport seats feature soft-touch leather, racing inspired integrated head-restraints, and asymmetrical bolstering to balance driver support with passenger comfort. These seats are also accented with high-contrast blue stitching, a perforated houndstooth pattern, and the Prelude logo embossed in the head restraint.
Two color combinations—Blue and White or Black—are available. Both feature high-contrast blue accent stitching. Synthetic leather with a “cloud-like” texture wraps the center console and lower dash, where the Prelude-logo is artfully embroidered.
Performance-focused details of the new Prelude’s cockpit include a thick-rimmed flat-bottom steering wheel with high-contrast blue stitching, a position marker at 12 o’clock, and alloy shift paddles mounted to the wheel.
The new Prelude offers 2+2 seating with 813 mm of rear seat legroom. Accessible through a liftback hatch, the Prelude provides ample storage for weekend getaways. Standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold flat to greatly expand the available space, enough to accommodate larger items including golf bags.
Technology has been smartly integrated into the cabin of Prelude with a focus on the driver, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster with new graphics, a 9-inch HD color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Google built-in and a wireless smartphone charger. Also standard is an 8-speaker Bose sound system with new door-mounted Super65 wide-range speakers, which play lower and louder than conventional 6.5-inch (165mm) speakers, to create a clear sound profile and a large subwoofer located in the cargo area.
Naturally, Honda Sensing is standard and this brings a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies to the Prelude including: Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor, Blind Spot Information System, Auto High-Beam Headlights, Traffic Jam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keeping Assist System.
The all-new Prelude goes on sale in several global markets towards the end of this year, including the United States and Japan. In Japan, Honda has already announced the price and unfortunately, it won’t come cheap. It starts at 6,179,800 yen (P 2.373 million) which is more expensive than Honda Civic Type R (4.997 million yen), Toyota GR 86 at 3,616,000 yen (P 1.389 million), and the Mazda MX-5 RF at 4,154,700 yen (P 1.595 million). Heck, it’s even more expensive than the base GR Supra (4,995,000 yen). It is about the same caliber as the Nissan Z, price-wise. (6,759,200 yen).
So while the Prelude already starts its life on the backfoot, here’s hoping that Honda Cars Philippines is able to price it competitively if they do decide to bring it in; after all, they did also post the announcement on their very own social media channels.
2026 Honda Prelude General Specs
2026 Honda Prelude General Specs
- Overall Length: 4,520 mm
- Overall Width: 1,880 mm
- Overall Height: 1,355 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,606 mm
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 135 mm
- Curb Weight: 1,460 kg
- Minimum Turning Radius: 5.7 m
- Passenger Capacity: 2+2
- Engine: 2.0-liter e:HEV 4-Cylinder (1,993 cc)
- Valvetrain: DOHC 16-valve w/ Dual Variable Timing Control
- Combustion Engine Output: 141 PS @ 6,000 rpm
- Combustion Engine Torque: 182 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Electric Motor Output: 184 PS
- Electric Motor Torque: 315 Nm
- Combined Output: 200 PS
- Fuel Consumption: 23.6 km/L
i know someone who's waiting for this to arrive in the Philippines. clue, M.D. lol
ReplyDeleteHonda, I know you want this car to be niche, but don't let it be too niche lol
ReplyDelete