From Business Insider · Ben Shimkus · · 2m
Honda's new Prelude may matter more to Honda than buyers
The 2026 Prelude is a stylish hybrid coupe that makes little sense on paper but could draw shoppers into dealerships.
In brief
The 2026 Prelude is a stylish hybrid coupe that makes little sense on paper but could draw shoppers into dealerships. Honda revived the Prelude after 25 years as a forty-three thousand six hundred fifty dollar hybrid coupe aimed at a niche market, betting it will attract customers to showrooms even if few buy it…
Honda brings back the Prelude
Honda's new Prelude arrives at dealerships for the first time in 25 years. The original coupe was discontinued in 2001 and was popular in the 1990s with enthusiasts who liked tuner cars.
The new Prelude costs forty-three thousand dollars
The 2026 Prelude has a sticker price of forty-three thousand six hundred fifty dollars, including destination. Optional summer tires pushed the suggested price to forty-four thousand eight hundred fifty dollars.
It doesn't fit obvious buyers
On paper the Prelude makes almost no sense. Prelude purists may bristle at the hybrid powertrain and price. Young shoppers have cheaper coupe options. Drivers chasing performance can get more power elsewhere.
Honda calls it a sporty grand tourer
Honda aims for a niche market: comfortable and efficient for long drives while maintaining visual appeal different from typical cars.
It has two hundred horsepower and good fuel economy
The Prelude uses a two-motor hybrid system good for two hundred horsepower and an EPA-estimated forty-four miles per gallon combined.
Speed is not its strength
The Prelude is not particularly fast. It has enough power for merging onto highways and feels sprightlier at speed, but lacks immediate shove compared to similarly priced performance cars or some electric vehicles like the…
The backseat is nearly useless
The second row is difficult to enter because of the sloping roofline, has virtually no headroom, and will only fit riders with calves as thick as a sheet of paper.It is effectively an expensive two-seater.
Honda may not need high sales
Dealers said supply is limited and there is already a waitlist. One dealer said the Prelude could draw curious shoppers into the showroom, even if many ultimately leave in something like the popular CR-V.
At a glance
Honda revived the Prelude after 25 years as a forty-three thousand six hundred fifty dollar hybrid coupe aimed at a niche market, betting it will attract customers to showrooms even if few buy it.
