The 2026 Honda Prelude, the first new generation in 25 years, has arrived as a hybrid grand-touring coupé priced at just over $43,000. Rather than chasing the raucous VTEC character of the Civic Type R or Acura NSX, this generation makes its case through clever hybrid engineering, continuing a Prelude tradition of technical firsts that stretches back to F1-derived fuel injection and four-wheel steering in earlier decades.

At its core is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system and a 1.05kWh battery, sending power to the front wheels via battery, generator or both, with a clutch linking the engine directly to the wheels only at motorway speeds. Combined output is 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, giving a 0–60mph time of just over six seconds, while curb weight stays at 3,261 pounds and EPA economy reaches 46mpg city and 44mpg combined. Honda has also added chassis reinforcements, the Civic Type R's front suspension, adaptive dampers and a thicker rear sway bar, alongside emissions improvements including a 24% cut in NOx and 22% cut in hydrocarbons.