MotorTrend tests 2026 Honda Prelude

MotorTrend published its first instrumented test of the 2026 Honda Prelude on May 11, giving the revived Honda coupe a mixed early verdict after months of anticipation around the nameplate’s return. The review said the hybrid coupe delivered “real grip” and good fuel economy, but stopped short of treating it as a full-blooded sports coupe. Honda’s own retail site now lists the 2026 Prelude Hybrid with a starting MSRP of $42,000 and an EPA rating of 46 city and 41 highway mpg. ### What did MotorTrend actually test? Bob Hernandez’s May 11 “First Test” for MotorTrend was the outlet’s first instrumented road test of the new Prelude, not just an early drive impression. MotorTrend framed the car as a “front-drive hybrid with a tech-heavy personality” and said the key question was whether the new model could bridge the gap between the Civic Si and Civic Type R, or whether it was simply a stylish coupe with a famous badge. (motortrend.com) MotorTrend’s homepage and First Tests index both showed the Prelude piece among the publication’s newest reviews this week. The article was accompanied by a photo gallery and test data, according to the review page. ### How quick was the 2026 Prelude in MotorTrend’s numbers? MotorTrend recorded a 6.4-second run to 60 mph and a 15.2-second quarter mile at 90.7 mph for the Prelude. The publication said both figures were one tick slower than the Civic Hybrid, which shares the Prelude’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder hybrid system rated at 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. (motortrend.com) The same test said the Prelude still beat older and adjacent Honda benchmarks. (motortrend.com) MotorTrend wrote that the new car was quicker than the 1997 Prelude Type SH it previously tested and faster to 60 mph than the last Civic Si it tested. ### Why did the handling get more praise than the powertrain? MotorTrend’s review listed “Solid handling,” “Strong brakes,” and “Good fuel economy” among the Prelude’s strengths. (motortrend.com) The outlet said the coupe showed “sharp handling” and hybrid efficiency, but described the overall package as having a “mixed personality.” Honda’s published specifications help explain why reviewers focused on chassis hardware as much as output. (motortrend.com) The company says the Prelude uses dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, adaptive dampers, variable-ratio steering, 19-inch wheels, and four-piston Brembo front brake calipers. ### What is S+ Shift, and why did it matter in the test? Honda says S+ Shift is designed to simulate a traditional dual-clutch automatic transmission through sound and shift feel in the hybrid Prelude. (motortrend.com) The feature is one of the car’s headline attempts to add a sportier layer to a powertrain that otherwise uses Honda’s direct-drive two-motor hybrid setup. MotorTrend said the system was less convincing in practice. (automobiles.honda.com) The review wrote that S+ Shift added “some theater,” but said the effect did not fully mimic a conventional transmission and that the car was at least a second slower to 60 mph when the feature was used in testing. ### Where does this leave the new Prelude in Honda’s lineup? Honda has pitched the Prelude as a hybrid coupe that blends efficiency with performance hardware rather than as a stripped-down throwback. (automobiles.honda.com) The company’s consumer site describes it as a “grand touring vehicle” and says the model combines a 200-hp two-motor hybrid system with Type R chassis components. MotorTrend’s test lands in the middle of that positioning. (motortrend.com) The publication did not dismiss the car’s capability, but its numbers and comments suggested the Prelude is being judged against both Honda’s current hybrids and the older enthusiast reputation attached to the name. ### What can shoppers check next? Honda’s U.S. retail page now lists the 2026 Prelude Hybrid at a starting MSRP of $42,000 and includes inventory search, trim visuals, and the full gallery. (automobiles.honda.com) Honda’s November 18, 2025 specifications release remains the company’s detailed source for dimensions, powertrain output, fuel economy, and chassis hardware as the model reaches buyers. (motortrend.com)