The 2026 Honda Prelude is positioned in the compact sport coupe segment as a two-door hatchback coupe with seating for four passengers. Vehicles often cross-shopped against it include the rear-wheel-drive Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ, or the Mazda MX-5 Miata for models with limited rear seating. This Prelude is a complete redesign, the first new version for the U.S. since 2001, equipped with a hybrid powertrain and Civic Type R-derived suspension tuning in its two trims. The powertrain is a front-wheel-drive two-motor hybrid system that pairs a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with electric motors for 200 total system horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, using a direct-drive unit with S+ Shift paddle shifters.
The infotainment system centers on a 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in for Google Assistant voice commands, Google Maps navigation, and Google Play apps, in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration. A Bose 8-speaker sound system with subwoofer is included, along with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Honda Sensing driver-assist suite features adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, traffic jam assist, blind-spot information system, rear cross-traffic monitor, and parking sensors at all four corners. The HondaLink app supports remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks via a trial subscription that becomes paid, with Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a three-year unlimited data plan for Google built-in services.
What You're Really Signing Up For
- Automatic consent to data collection and sharing on purchase
- Extensive vehicle tracking and third-party data sharing
- Flush door handles create daily usability hassles
- Remote features locked behind HondaLink subscription
- Vague privacy policy hides full data practices
Top Reported Issues
The most frequently mentioned problems by owners
Extensive data collection
Honda's connected vehicle technologies automatically collect personal identifiers, precise geolocati...
Data sharing with third parties
Honda shares or sells collected data including geolocation, personal identifiers, and inferences to ...
S+ mode no true manual
The 2026 Honda Prelude's S+ Shift drive mode simulates manual shifting via steering wheel paddles bu...
Automatic consent on purchase
Consent for data collection, use, storage, and sharing is obtained automatically when purchasing or ...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the 2026 Honda Prelude
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