2026 Honda Prelude review: We need more affordable coupes like this

Honda's latest offering, the 2026 Prelude, is generating a buzz, but the company is keen to clarify that it should not be classified as a sports car. This sleek coupe, which technically falls under the three-door hatch category, may appear less impressive when compared to its competitors on paper. Models like the Mazda MX-5 and Subaru BRZ boast lighter frames and more powerful engines, with the BRZ delivering more than the Prelude’s 200 horsepower (149 kW). Weighing in at 3,261 lbs (1,479 kg), the Prelude matches the Volkswagen Golf GTI but lags behind in power—20 percent less, to be exact—and lacks the rear seating space for adults that the GTI provides. However, after spending a week behind the wheel of the vibrant blue Prelude, it’s clear that specifications alone don’t tell the whole story. This might just be one of the standout vehicles we experience this year. Historically, the Prelude has never fit the mold of a traditional sports car. Instead, it has served as a platform for Honda to showcase its technological innovations, introducing features like fuel injection, four-wheel steering, and variable valve timing over its five previous generations. The sixth iteration highlights Honda’s S+ shift, which injects a sense of sportiness into its four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The Prelude’s driving dynamics are primarily powered by a 181 hp (135 kW) electric traction motor, which generates an impressive 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque. This motor draws energy from either a 1 kWh battery for electric-only drives or a 2.0 L Atkinson cycle engine that works in tandem with a generator to convert engine output into electrical energy. In a notable feature, the gasoline engine can also directly drive the front wheels at highway speeds for improved efficiency. This focus on fuel economy yields an impressive combined rating of 44 mpg (5.3 L/100 km), allowing for a remarkable range of 466 miles (750 km) on a full tank—ideal for long-distance travels. If drivers stick to the Comfort driving mode and avoid using the paddles or the S+ button, the Prelude can resemble a slightly less efficient two-door version of a Toyota Prius, particularly from the front. This design choice raises eyebrows, as the similarity between the two models is striking, leaving fans wondering how Honda avoided any legal repercussions for its aesthetic choices.