Worth the wait – Honda Prelude 2026
by Metropol | June 24, 2026 8:35 am
One of Honda’s most iconic coupes is back in production after a 25-year hiatus. Metropol writer Ben Selby discovers what’s different.
While the nostalgia is real, this sixth generation Honda Prelude is a bit of a departure from its predecessors, especially underneath. Power comes from a 2.0L e:HEV Dual Motor Hybrid Four Cylinder petrol engine mated to a e:CVT transmission with drive going through the front wheels.
On the open road, the latest Prelude’s focus as a laid-back and immensely capable GT car becomes apparent. The ride is supple and well sorted, tyre roar is minimal, a nigh-on perfect driving position allows you to sit comfortably and with fuel consumption averages around the 5L/100km mark as I had, the distances can be devoured with fabulous frugality.
The style is textbook coupe. I love the classic ‘Prelude’ emblem at the rear below the modern block lettering Honda logo and full width rear light bar. It echoes heritage while staring the future right in the face.
The cabin inside shares much with its Civic counterpart, but with distinctly Prelude touches. The raised centre console with drive selector buttons is within easy reach, as are the rest of the switchgear and infotainment controls. Headroom is decent too. Rear seats aren’t the best for full-size adults, so unless you intend to take the wee ones for a drive, it’s probably best to drop the back seats entirely. Do this and the boot swells to 633L of cargo space.
The Prelude shares the same dual-axis front suspension geometry as the FL5 Civic Type R, along with beefier Brembo sports brakes, sharper steering and a wider front track. Standard tech includes a 9-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera and a decent sounding BOSE stereo. Standard also is Honda’s enhanced sensing safety suite with features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and rear cross traffic alert.
Sneak silently through suburbia on EV mode, and thanks to slim A-pillars, visibility when turning out of junctions is also good.
One of the most unique aspects of the driving experience is Honda’s S+ Shift feature. Normally, whether you are in comfort, GT, sport or individual mode, the shift paddles control the severity of the regenerative braking system to recharge the battery. However, active S+ Shift and flicking down and up engages a simulated sensation of shifting gears yourself, complete with a slightly subdued but nonetheless raspy sounding engine note.
Also, the Type R tweaks underneath all add up to make a lithe and plucky feeling coupe in the corners. Coaxing it through each bend requires little effort and with minimal body roll, the Prelude stays well planted and precise.
Honda’s new Prelude left this motoring scribe thoroughly impressed. Worth the wait? You bet.
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FACT FILE
2026 Honda Prelude
Price: $69,990 + ORC
Engine: 2.0L e:HEV Dual Motor Hybrid Four Cylinder Petrol engine
Transmission: 8-speed e:CVT
Engine/Electric Motor Power: 104kW/135kW
Engine/Electric Motor Torque: 182Nm/315Nm
Combined Fuel Consumption: 4.2L/100km
Wheels: 19-inch Black Alloys
Boot Space: 264L (rear seats up)/663L (rear seats down)
Weight: 1468kg
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/worth-the-wait-honda-prelude-2026/