5 Reasons I May Buy the 2026 Honda Prelude and 3 Things I Don’t Like

In late 2025, Honda will reintroduce its iconic Prelude to the American market. I’m a long-time Honda owner. I have a Honda Accord V6 that has served me well. The Accord is well into its golden years now, and it is time for me to buy a new one for the first time. I have my eye on one of two models. I plan to buy either a Toyota GR86 or the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude. As a current happy Honda owner, I am leaning toward Honda. Here is what interests me about the new Prelude and what makes me want one. I’ll also list a few things that I don't like.

2026 Honda Prelude Like #1 - Looks, Style, Size
I am a single guy and don't need a sedan, so I am considering two-door coupes. Of all the vehicles on the market today within a reasonable price range, the new Prelude looks the best to me in terms of the media images I have seen. It appears to be the right size as well. I don’t need the size of my Accord and would prefer a more compact and sporty-looking car.

2026 Honda Prelude Like #2 - Fuel Savings
The new Prelude is a hybrid-electric vehicle. I’m as green as the next guy, and the savings on gas are important to me. A GR86 uses premium fuel, further separating the two choices. I’d expect a Honda Prelude Hybrid to earn a 40 MPG rating or better and to save me around a thousand dollars in fuel costs each year, give or take. That’s money I can definitely use for better things.

2026 Honda Prelude Like #3 - Modern Infotainment
Honda’s newest infotainment systems are fantastic, based on those I have seen in media vehicles. With Google Built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay, I expect the 2026 Prelude to have the best system in its class.

2026 Honda Prelude Like #4 Honda Ergonomics and feel
I’m a fan of Honda, and here’s why. Honda has the best ergonomics in the business. Things are where they should be, and they work. I expect the 2026 Prelude to be no exception. Hondas also drive fun. My Accord V6 does 0-60 MPH in about 5.5. Seconds. Pretty quick for a mainstream car. I would anticipate the new Prelude being fun to drive and quick as well.

2026 Honda Prelude Like #5 - Reliability
Finally, Honda has earned a reputation as a reliable car you can count on. I’m pretty new to the workforce, and I can’t spare any personal days away from work to deal with hassles. I need a very dependable car and expect Honda’s new Prelude to be very high in quality.

Now let's keep it real and examine some things that I don't like about the Honda Prelude.

2026 Honda Prelude Dislike #1 - A Year Away
I’m ready to buy this spring. I may grow impatient and buy the first GR86 I find on a lot come April. Honda has been teasing us for a year now with Prelude press releases. It is starting to feel like an EV in the sense that it is here but not really here.

2026 Honda Prelude Dislike #2 - Fake Sounds
I’m not a big fan of artificial noises from hybrids. The GR86 sounds very cool when being pushed around. The Prelude is unlikely to deliver the same experience.

2026 Honda Prelude Dislike #3 - Fake Shifting
Honda plans to launch the Prelude with what it terms “Honda S+ Shift, an innovative new drive mode that further advances Linear Shift Control.” This sounds like an artificial way to simulate shifts. You know what has real shifts? The GR86.

With nearly a year to wait for the new Prelude to go on sale, I may end up with a competitor’s product. However, if I can wait it out, I will give the Prelude my first look, and if it meets my expectations, I will buy one in late 2025. As a first-time buyer, I know that the Civic is a vehicle that offers a lot for the money, but the looks don't wow me. I don’t need four doors, and the Si is not available as a hybrid. My hope is that the new Prelude will meld the best of the Civic Si with Honda’s outstanding hybrid-electric powertrain in a sleek coupe package. Watch Torque News for more updates on my purchasing journey.

Ean Goreham is a long-time behind-the-scenes contributor to Torque News. He holds a B.A. in Communications and is a fan of Formula 1 Racing. In his spare time, Ean enjoys performing as a member of a professional drumline at Boston Celtics and New England Patriots games and during concerts. His favorite online driving experiences are Need For Speed, Forza Horizon 5, Assetto Corso, and Wreckfest. You can also reach Ean on LInkedIn to follow his writings and comments about cars.