The 2026 Honda Prelude, As It Is, Could Be Discontinued, But Something Better Is Coming

Japanese automakers are doing a lot of stuff right at the moment. On one side, you have the Nissan Z, which is the most amount of performance you can get for under $50,000 (although this could change soon). On the other side, you have the next-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, which will feature a larger engine, and then there is Toyota reviving iconic nameplates from its past, chief among them being the now mid-engine GR Celica. Honda plays its role in the Japanese sports car renaissance, and the Prelude is the latest (but not the last) name to return. However, it is not the comeback we expected. 

In its current form, the 2026 Honda Prelude packs some impressive technology, but it isn’t what you would call a performance car bargain. Seemingly underpowered, overpriced, and without a manual transmission, fans wished for something more than a two-door Honda Civic e:HEV. Luckily, Japanese reports confirm that a more performance-oriented Prelude Type-R is in the works, and I suspect it will render the hybrid Prelude obsolete.

My initial expectations were confirmed

Japanese outlet, BestCarWeb, confirmed previous rumors about a Honda Prelude Type-R and even a more affordable Type-S model. This comes with its own implications, such as how will these two models will be priced. At $43,000, the hybrid Prelude is down on power compared to similarly priced sports cars. Thanks to a dedicated dealer, the Nissan Z can be found for around the same price and packs double the power. This also suggests that the Prelude Type-R will be more expensive, while the Type-S could be similarly priced to the hybrid (or even lower).

The confusing name situation

Kirk Kreifels elaborates on the Prelude Type-S and Type-R, suggesting they may be the same model with different names for the different regions. The Type-S designation is mostly seen on Acura models, although in some markets (like Europe), we have seen Honda models with the Type-S designation, positioned below the Type-R variants. However, I suspect the less-powerful non-hybrid Prelude could wear the Si designation, similar to what we see on the current Honda Civic.

When are they coming, and what could this mean for the hybrid Prelude?

According to Japanese reports, the Honda Prelude Type-R will debut in 2027 while the less-powerful non-hybrid variant will arrive a year before. This means that you might be able to get a non-hybrid Prelude as early as 2026. 

The Si (or Type-S) model is expected to receive the 1.5-liter turbo-four, paired with a manual transmission. Alleluya! This means 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet, which should make the Prelude just exciting enough to have fun on the twisties. I expect that this will be the base-model Prelude and will be priced under the hybrid.

All this is exciting, but it looks to me that Honda is shooting itself in the leg. The hybrid Prelude is part of the company’s electrification strategy, but hybrid sports cars still need exciting internal-combustion engines to justify the price tag. I would argue that Porsche did this right with the T-Hybrid powertrain. 

In its current form, the Prelude doesn’t offer that. Moreover, Honda’s focus on electrified models has proven to be a losing strategy, as the company’s financial results suggest. Once the non-hybrid Type-S comes out, I suspect people will flock to that one rather than the hybrid model. And when the Type-R finally arrives, the Prelude hybrid will be rendered obsolete.

The mystery around the Prelude Type-R

The Prelude Type-R is more interesting for a number of reasons. We know it will get the  Civic Type-R’s 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, with over 300 horsepower, but there is more to it. While not yet confirmed, early reports suggest it could be a hybrid. This could mean substantially more power than the Civic Type-R and Integra Type-S hot hatchbacks. 

If it ends up being a hybrid, it will likely get Honda’s e-axle from that Prelude hybrid, meaning all-wheel-drive capabilities. If so, the Prelude Type-R will end up competing with the Nissan Z, next-generation, and Toyota GR Supra. It will likely be priced similarly.

Do you think the Honda Prelude hybrid will still have a place on the market when the more driver-focused models arrive? Or was it a mistake from the start? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Image source: Honda Prelude

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.