2026 Honda Prelude Review: I Didn’t Want to Like It

I never thought I’d say this… The 2026 Honda Prelude exceeded my expectations. As a teenager in 1986, I wanted a second generation Honda Prelude with the pop up headlights, but it was beyond my parents’ budget. Instead, they bought me a used 1981 Prelude, and that car changed my life. It introduced me to automotive repair, led me into the automotive business and eventually became the reason I review new vehicles today. So when Honda announced the Prelude was returning, I was excited… until I learned it would be a hybrid with no manual transmission. After spending a week behind the wheel, I realized Honda wasn’t trying to recreate the old Prelude. They were building something different. The question is… Is it worth $43,650? In this review, I cover: ✔ My personal Prelude story and why this review is different ✔ Real world driving impressions ✔ 200 horsepower two motor hybrid performance ✔ Honda’s new S+ Shift system explained ✔ Civic Type R suspension and Brembo brakes ✔ Fuel economy and everyday usability ✔ Front seat comfort and Bose audio system ✔ Rear seat space and hatchback practicality ✔ My biggest complaints ✔ Dealer Secret buyers need to know before purchasing ✔ Buyer Alert about the optional summer tires ✔ Comparison with the Civic Si, Acura Integra, Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, Mustang EcoBoost, Mazda MX 5 Miata and BMW 230i ✔ Would I spend my own money? ✔ AutoNsider Decision The 2026 Honda Prelude isn’t a traditional sports car. Honda calls it a balanced sporty coupe built around the Grand Touring experience. After driving it, I understand exactly why. If you’re shopping for a fun daily driver that combines style, efficiency and impressive handling, this review is for you. If you enjoy honest automotive buying advice from someone who has sold vehicles, serviced vehicles, managed dealership fixed operations, worked in automotive manufacturing and reviewed hundreds of new vehicles, subscribe to The AutoNsider. Before you spend your money… know what’s really on the inside. ⸻ Vehicle Tested 2026 Honda Prelude Boost Blue Pearl White Interior 2.0L Direct Injection Hybrid 200 Horsepower 46 City / 41 Highway / 44 Combined MPG MSRP: $42,000 As Tested: $43,650 Chapters 00:00 The Prelude I Really Wanted 01:22 Why the Prelude Matters 02:48 Exterior Design and First Impressions 04:18 Driving Impressions 06:08 The Hybrid System Explained 07:42 S+ Shift and Drive Modes 09:08 Interior, Technology and Comfort 10:25 Rear Seat and Hatch Practicality 11:20 Dealer Secret Before You Buy 12:10 Buyer Alert 13:02 Prelude vs. the Competition 14:08 Would I Spend My Own Money? 14:38 AutoNsider Decision 14:50 One for the Road Subscribe for weekly new vehicle reviews, buying advice and automotive industry insight. 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe #HondaPrelude #2026HondaPrelude #Honda #CarReview #Hybrid #SportsCoupe #AutoNsider #CarBuyingAdvice #HondaHybrid #NewCars