Honda Prelude SN
The four-wheel-steered icon returns as a hybrid coupe.
39 reviewers · 70 videos · 16 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its handling, but split on performance and fun to drive.
across 39 reviewers
"This is still faster than the last Civic Si and Acura Integra with a 6-speed manual that I tested"
Redline Reviews · ▶ 32:24"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"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."
TopherDrives · ▶ 23:25"the actual C-pillar which is the third post is so big that you can't see anything when you turn the head for the rear quarter view"
AutomotivePress · ▶ 11:57"I've been getting like 45 miles per gallon out of this thing. And that's on regular fuel, too."
Tedward · ▶ 8:41"I cannot recommend this car as it is."
Throttle House · ▶ 16:18Performance
3.0/539 of 39 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“Is this car fast? And the simple answer is no, it is not. From a dig, if you're looking for a straight line vehicle, that is not this car.”
critical · Savagegeese · ▶ 18:20Handling
4.5/539 of 39 reviewersstrong consensus“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 · ▶ 21:44“this thing handles amazing because it does have the Type R suspension.”
positive · TheStraightPipes · ▶ 1:13“This Prelude can hustle on a back road. It's fun.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 10:53Fun to drive
4.0/539 of 39 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“this is also the most fun hybrid I have driven, full stop.”
positive · Top Gear Philippines · ▶ 17:08Daily drivability
4.0/539 of 39 reviewerssplit“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 · ▶ 18:22“if I needed to sit in these seats for more than a couple of hours, the Honda is the clear choice.”
positive · Edmunds Cars · ▶ 21:46Value
3.0/538 of 39 reviewerssplit“I cannot recommend this car as it is.”
critical · Throttle House · ▶ 16:18“it's just too expensive... it's half a million more expensive and at this price point, it's a little hard to justify this quality of an interior.”
critical · Top Gear Philippines · ▶ 13:59“Base price for this vehicle is a lot more expensive than I thought at $42,000... that's where it makes it tough to recommend the Prelude.”
critical · Redline Reviews · ▶ 27:30Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Carscoops
Honda’s New Prelude Is Great, But We All Know What It’s Missing | Review
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe new Prelude is a competent and comfortable sports tourer that succeeds as a daily driver but lacks the high-performance soul enthusiasts expect from the nameplate.
- Best for
- Commuters who want a stylish, efficient, and engaging daily driver rather than a track-focused sports car.
- Watch out
- Underwhelming acceleration · Uninspiring hybrid powertrain · Useless rear seats · Generic interior switchgear
Quotes worth your time - The Drive
2026 Honda Prelude Long-Term Test: First Impressions
◆Worth it, with caveatsThe 2026 Prelude is a dynamically brilliant sports coupe that suffers from a lack of expected luxury features at its premium price point.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize handling and fuel efficiency over interior luxury and comfort amenities.
- Watch out
- No adjustable lumbar support · No heated steering wheel · No power seats · Soft suspension in Comfort mode
Quotes worth your time - 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

























































