Honda Prelude
The four-wheel-steered icon returns as a hybrid coupe.
28 reviewers · 50 videos · 9 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its handling and daily drivability, but split on performance and fun to drive.
across 28 reviewers
"200 horsepower is more than enough power. But fortunately, with the hybrid system, we get over 230 pound feet of torque."
MotorWeek · ▶ 6:52"The challenge, like I said, is when you're higher speed coming out of a bend and you are laying into the throttle, it doesn't have the torque. It's just not there"
Raitis Rides · ▶ 5:33"I don't think I've had this much fun in a hybrid outside of a Porsche 911 GTS."
Tedward · ▶ 15:48"If you're expecting the Prelude to be a sports car, you will be let down."
Realistick · ▶ 0:24"it's like it's not that much for what you get and they're reliable they really are"
Zygrene · ▶ 12:03"I cannot recommend this car as it is."
Throttle House · ▶ 16:18Performance
3.0/528 of 28 reviewerssplit“The challenge, like I said, is when you're higher speed coming out of a bend and you are laying into the throttle, it doesn't have the torque. It's just not there”
critical · Raitis Rides · ▶ 5:33“Straight line performance is pretty underwhelming. It makes good torque, but there's really no top end to speak of.”
critical · Zygrene · ▶ 4:44“it also has the highest as tested price. And it's also the slowest.”
critical · Edmunds Cars · ▶ 27:13Handling
4.5/528 of 28 reviewersstrong consensus“The chassis is having an actual conversation with you, and most cars at this price will simply deliver you a monotonous monologue.”
positive · Brian Makse · ▶ 6:45“This Prelude can hustle on a back road. It's fun.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 10:53“it gives you the opportunity to consistently stay in power and just really exercise this chassis in a way that Oh my goodness.”
positive · Tedward · ▶ 21:44Fun to drive
3.5/528 of 28 reviewerssplit“I don't think I've had this much fun in a hybrid outside of a Porsche 911 GTS.”
positive · Tedward · ▶ 15:48“What I think Honda has done here is build a hybrid that is genuinely fun to drive.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 1:57“oh man this is the most fun I've had in a car in a long time on this road which is just crazy”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 7:43Daily drivability
4.0/528 of 28 reviewersconsensus“if I needed to sit in these seats for more than a couple of hours, the Honda is the clear choice.”
positive · Edmunds Cars · ▶ 21:46“I would happily get into this every morning and commute with this car... it's comfortable, it's luxurious, it's got an awesome sound system.”
positive · TopherDrives · ▶ 23:25“It's more fun than any Civic Hybrid, and it's a lot more comfortable and easier to live with and drive than a Civic Type R.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 18:22Value
3.0/528 of 28 reviewerssplit“I cannot recommend this car as it is.”
critical · Throttle House · ▶ 16:18“it has not only the highest base price of this entire group, it also has the highest as tested price.”
mixed · Edmunds Cars · ▶ 27:06“it's like it's not that much for what you get and they're reliable they really are”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 12:03Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Road & Track
In a Crossover-Focused World, the 2026 Honda Prelude Is an Oddity
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe 2026 Prelude is a dynamically gifted chassis hampered by a disconnected, artificial hybrid powertrain that fails to deliver the excitement expected of a sports coupe.
- Best for
- Buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and sharp-handling daily driver who prioritize chassis balance over raw powertrain engagement.
- Watch out
- Artificial powertrain response · Performance derating under hard use · High price point · Lack of power-adjustable seats
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2026 Honda Prelude vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI: Defying Convention
◆Worth itThe Volkswagen Golf GTI remains the superior all-around sports car, offering a more engaging experience and better practicality than the Honda Prelude.
- Best for
- Drivers who prioritize a balanced, practical, and characterful hot hatch experience.
- Watch out
- Prelude's fake gear-shifting software · Prelude's cramped rear seat · GTI's touch-sensitive controls · GTI's drab interior
Quotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2026 Honda Prelude First Test: Sharp Handling, Hybrid Efficiency, Mixed Personality
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe 2026 Prelude is a stylish, capable handler that feels held back by its hybrid powertrain and digital mediation, making it an intriguing but imperfect spiritual successor.
- Best for
- buyers who prioritize style, efficiency, and handling over raw engagement and manual-transmission purity.
- Watch out
- unconvincing S+ Shift simulation · lack of steering feedback · traction control cannot be fully defeated · hollow-sounding doors and interior details
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
Tested: 1993 Honda Prelude Goes VTEC
◆Worth itThe Prelude VTEC is a significant performance upgrade that makes an already excellent sports coupe even more engaging to drive.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking a balanced, high-revving sports coupe for spirited driving.
- Watch out
- Cramped rear seat · Disappointing interior panel quality · All-season tires limit dry-weather grip
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
Honda Prelude vs. VW Golf GTI: Which Is the Accessible Performance Champion?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe Golf GTI is the superior performance champion due to its more complete and reliable powertrain, while the Prelude is a stylish but flawed driver's car.
- Best for
- The GTI is for those wanting a versatile hot hatch; the Prelude is for those prioritizing chassis feel and style over powertrain performance.
- Watch out
- Prelude hybrid power derating · Prelude fake engine sound · GTI infotainment slider controls
Quotes worth your time - Car and Driver
Unreality Bites: 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid Test
◆Worth itThe 2026 Prelude successfully captures the spirit of its predecessors with excellent handling and a refined character, even if the hybrid powertrain and simulated shifts are a departure from tradition.
- Best for
- buyers who appreciate classic coupe styling and hybrid efficiency with a focus on handling.
- Watch out
- Simulated shifts feel artificial · Manual seats at a high price point · High base price
Quotes worth your time - Road & Track
Honda Prelude vs. VW Golf GTI: Which Is the Accessible Performance Champion?
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe Golf GTI is the more complete and reliable performance package, while the Prelude is a stylish, well-built coupe that fails to deliver on its performance promise.
- Best for
- The GTI is for those wanting a versatile hot hatch; the Prelude is for those prioritizing style and chassis feel over powertrain engagement.
- Watch out
- Prelude hybrid power derating · Prelude fake shift system · GTI infotainment slider controls
2,868 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Road & Track
The 2026 Honda Prelude Is One of the Best-Handling Front-Drive Cars Ever Built
◆Worth itThe 2026 Prelude is a surprisingly capable and engaging coupe that successfully channels the spirit of its ancestors through modern hybrid technology.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and sharp-handling coupe for daily driving.
- Watch out
- Recessed door handles are frustrating · S+ simulated gears lack true manual engagement · Modest power output for the price
1,778 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time