The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid return isn’t exactly what most would expect from a name that was used as a sports coupe. What does this new Honda offer?

Honda is bringing back the Prelude this fall after a 25-year absence, but this time it’s a hybrid. The 2026 model combines the Civic Hybrid’s 200-horsepower powertrain with high-performance Civic Type R chassis components. That means dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers, Brembo four-piston front brakes, and wider front and rear tracks, all tuned for comfortable grand touring rather than pure track performance.

The Honda S+ Shift simulated transmission adds a level of driving fun

The two-motor hybrid system produces 232 pound-feet of torque and achieves an estimated 46 city and 41 highway mpg. Power routes through a single-speed transmission without a manual option, which disappointed some purists. Honda’s answer is the new S+ Shift system, which simulates gear changes with rev-matched downshifts and enhanced engine sounds to make the driving experience feel more engaging. Paddle shifters let you control the simulated shifts.

Four drive modes come standard: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual. The car also features one-pedal driving capability, where lifting off the accelerator triggers strong regenerative braking.

The 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid return includes impressive style

Outside, the Prelude gets sleek styling with pop-out door handles, a liftback design, and flush surfaces. Five colors are available, including the new Winter Frost Pearl, which can be ordered with either a body-color or black roof. Meteorite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Rallye Red, and Boost Blue Pearl round out the options.

Inside, the cabin features leather-trimmed sport seats with a perforated houndstooth pattern and three-way heating. Materials approach Acura quality with attractive blue stitching throughout. The driver gets a firmer, more bolstered seat while the passenger seat is wider.

It’s an affordable Japanese sports car

Honda positions the Prelude as a grand touring coupe rather than a hardcore sports car. When asked why power wasn’t increased beyond the Civic Hybrid’s output, Honda reps said the car benchmarks for the Prelude vs the Porsche 718 Cayman in handling and agility, not straight-line speed. The Prelude arrives at dealerships late fall 2025 with one extremely well-equipped trim level starting around $30,000 to $35,000. Four-wheel steering, a signature feature of earlier Preludes, won’t return.

The 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid return brings back a weekend toy

The Honda Prelude’s comeback after 26 years brings a hybrid sports coupe to the 2026 model year that could be a lot of fun on the weekends. Instead of making this car a pure sports car with the Civic Type R powertrain, it has the hybrid powertrain from the Civic Hybrid. This makes for a more practical choice, ensuring drivers can enjoy the Prelude as a regular daily driving machine and a fun weekend toy when they want to take it out for some fun when the workweek is over. This means the Prelude has the same power output as the Civic Si, but delivers more torque, making it a more powerful choice for Honda shoppers.

The S+ Shift tech makes a huge difference

The new S+ Shift system brings the sensation of an eight-speed automatic with the right up and downshift feeling despite the actual transmission being a single-speed model. The system pairs torque dips with rev-matching sounds and uses an active sound controller to make the car sound and feel like it is making the changes that you’re used to when driving a conventional sports coupe.

Now that the 2025 Honda Prelude hybrid returns to the market after being gone for a quarter-century, it shows up with some incredible tech. The S+ Shift tech allows for a more engaging driving experience, giving you the right shift feeling from behind the wheel. Toss in the light, crisp steering and solid handling, you’ll have a sports coupe that can be tossed around through the curves on a short track, or through the winding and twisting of a canyon run.

The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid returns as a fun and active car

If you want a sports coupe that doesn’t take things too seriously, but has advanced tech and an impressive hybrid system, the new Prelude could be the car for you. This is a great way to blend the driving dynamics of the Type R with the power of the Civic Hybrid while giving it a name that brings a blast from the past. The new Prelude could be the perfect car at the right price for you to have a comfortable and enjoyable daily commute and a fun and active ride for some weekend joyriding.

Will you consider the new 2026 Honda Prelude when shopping for your next ride?