The 2026 Honda Prelude Is Part Civic Hybrid and Part Type R. Here’s What It’s Like to Drive

The combination of a 2.0-liter inline-four engine and two electric motors sends 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque to the Prelude’s front wheels. Honda doesn’t have an official 0-60 mph estimate just yet, but a Civic Hybrid will do that sprint in about 6.5 seconds, so I’m betting the Prelude will come in closer to 6 flat. Strong fuel economy should also be part of the deal; a Civic Hybrid can stretch to nearly 50 mpg, though considering the ‘Lude’s sportier bent, a still very respectable 40-ish-mpg rating seems likely.

But remember, this isn’t just a two-door Civic Hybrid. A huge chunk of the Prelude’s appeal comes from its liberal use of Type R bits — like the front suspension hardware, 13.8-inch Brembo front brakes and adaptive dampers. Driver-selectable Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual modes alter things like the engine and throttle response, as well as the steering weight and suspension damping.

S+ Shift is pretty cool

Launching the Prelude starts with an assertive shot of electric torque before the 2.0-liter engine fires up. Power builds progressively in both GT and Sport modes (I didn’t try Comfort), and the continuously variable transmission does a good job holding the engine low in its power band to avoid a high-revving cacophony of four-cylinder drone. The Prelude should be as pleasant and responsive as a Civic Hybrid in day-to-day errand-running.