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The sixth-generation Honda Prelude is not only a fact, but the latest reports from Japan indicate that not one, but two performance variants will arrive in the next two years, and at least one of them could feature all-wheel drive. The Prelude has always been a front-wheel-drive coupe, and this new iteration stays true to the original formula... kind of.
Many JDM enthusiasts would frown upon the new Prelude for not being more powerful, not offering a manual, or being a hybrid. But there is one thing I noticed about this new Japanese coupe that no one else seems to be noticing, and it has something to do with the car's styling.
The problem with the new Prelude's styling
It's not a problem per se. In fact, I quite like the way the 2026 Honda Prelude looks. Its forward-heavy yet sleek coupe silhouette hints not so subtly at the car's FF layout. If you are somewhat familiar with French manufacturers you would know where I am going with this. To me, the new Honda Prelude looks very similar to the Renault Laguna Coupe.
Similarly, Renault's not-so-sporty coupe, produced between 2008 and 2015 (with a refresh in 2012), is front-wheel-drive only. Yes, you do get a detuned variant of Nissan's VQ35 DE engine (positioned transversely), but that hardly improved performance. Regardless, I can't help but wonder, had Honda taken inspiration from the quirky French coupe? I wouldn't blame them if they had, but I am also not suggesting that this is the case.
New Prelude follows in the footsteps of the Acura Integra by not offering what fans hoped for
Similar to how Toyota has been reviving iconic nameplates from its past, Honda and by extension, Acura, have been looking into their past for inspiration. The Prelude is one such example, and before it, there was the Acura Integra, which is getting a refresh for 2026. The two cars have something in common – they both failed to live up to fans’ expectations.
Initially, the Integra was said to return as an aggressive coupe inspired by the DC2 and DC5 models, but we ended up getting a five-door hatchback, riding on the Civic's bones (as was always the case with the Integra). The Integra Type-S managed to redeem the model's lackluster return, but offering a CVT in a premium model instead of a proper automatic only adds to the letdown.
Meanwhile, the Prelude's hybrid drivetrain is very similar to the Honda Civic e:HEV, which packs a surprising amount of punch, courtesy of a 181-horsepower e-motor that complements the 2.0-liter normally aspirated four-banger.
In the Prelude, the internal-combustion engine will only propel the coupe at cruising speeds the rest of the time; the powerful e-motor would be running the show while the ICE is charging a generator motor, which in turn converts the energy into electricity for the other e-motor. Confused yet? So am I! Just give us the Civic Type-R-powered Prelude already and make it a manual, with optional AWD!
In case you wonder, the internal-combustion engine in the Prelude can turn completely off, but with a 1.05-kWh battery (unlike the Civic e:HEV's 2.2-kWh), don't expect much in the way of electric range.
Final thoughts
Given everything I know so far, it's too early to say whether the sixth-generation Honda Prelude will be a disappointment or not. If it ends up being that, the next-generation Acura NSX, which could share hardware with the upcoming Nissan GT-R, would have the job of redeeming the Prelude's lackluster return.
With an expected starting MSRP of $31,000, it won't be the biggest bang for the buck you can get, but you can certainly do worse. The Prelude's hybrid powertrain is more potent than any Civic or Integra, north of the Type-R/ Type-S models, and it's going to get around 49 MPG combined (EPA) if the Civic e:HEV numbers are anything to go by.
My hope is that the upcoming Type-S and Type-R models we recently heard about (first link in the article), will hit closer to home with enthusiasts who are looking for a purer driving experience.
I am curious to know what you think of the new, 2026 Honda Prelude and its styling? Would you get one, or do you think there are better alternatives out there? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota 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.
Image sources: Honda Prelude Press release
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Comments
Honda builds good cars not…
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Honda builds good cars not great cards they have walked away from producing cars that are stylish and performance. They have in all models grown fat and under powered
I have been a strong defender of Honda as I have owned at least one of each model
My Honda Pilot Elite is no better that the first one I purchased I owned a Ridgeline Ok but not a truck and no power. Civics and Accords offer nothing new just flaming up of older models. CVT transmissions are terrible
I had to replace cylinder head twice because of cracks. Do I like Hondas? Yes but come on guys build one with some pizzas
Add cameras back in the cars and SUV
PIT THE V6 back and dump the turbo
I agree. I've always liked…
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In reply to Honda builds good cars not… by Douglas Hermann (not verified)
I agree. I've always liked Honda and Japanese cars in general, but it's getting increasingly difficult to find an exciting new model. I am especially pissed off about Honda's decision to ditch the 2.0 turbo Accord. Those were great cars.
Things are going downhill fast, and I can't for the love of God understand why Honda doesn't just make a Prelude 2.0 turbo manual?