2026 Honda Prelude: Price & Features

Introduction to the 2026 Honda Prelude

Honda Australia has unveiled the full specifications for the sixth-generation Prelude as part of its local launch. Priced from $65,000 drive-away, the Prelude is available in a single unnamed trim level, with buyers able to choose from five exterior colours and a range of accessories.

The two-door, 2+2 Prelude shares its platform with the standard Civic, as well as a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. However, it is slightly smaller in all physical dimensions and rides on a shorter wheelbase (2605mm vs 2735mm). Chassis components, including a dual-axis front suspension setup and adaptive dampers, have been borrowed from the Civic Type R hot hatch.

Prelude stock is already available at dealers, and Honda Australia expects to sell 500 examples of this niche newcomer this year. The Prelude nameplate was last sold by Honda Australia in 2001, when it was priced at $50,209 before on-road costs – equivalent to $95,980 in 2025 dollars, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s inflation calculator.

Pricing Details

Model	Drive-away pricing
2026 Honda Prelude e:HEV	$65,000

Drivetrains and Efficiency

The sixth-generation Prelude is still front-wheel drive and powered by a four-cylinder engine, as all previous generations were, but now features a hybrid system.

Specifications

Honda Prelude e:HEV
Engine	2.0L 4cyl
Engine outputs	104kW, 186Nm
Electric motor outputs	135kW, 315Nm
System outputs	135kW, 315Nm
Transmission	e-CVT with S+ Shift
Drive type	Front-wheel drive
Weight	1468kg
0-100km/h (claimed)	8.2 seconds
Fuel economy (claimed)	4.3L/100km
Fuel tank capacity	40L
Fuel requirement	91-octane regular unleaded
CO2 emissions	98g/km
Emissions standard	Euro 6d

Sourced from the current Civic hatch, the Prelude’s powertrain comprises a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a two-motor hybrid system. Total system outputs are 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, sent exclusively to the front wheels.

There’s no mechanical transmission in the Prelude. Instead, Honda has introduced ‘S+ Shift’, which simulates an eight-speed automatic transmission by offering the same “sharp gear shifting feel” you’d experience in a traditional automatic through steering wheel-mounted paddles. To give the Prelude an even more sporting character, Honda has also incorporated Active Sound Control, which is said to produce a “powerful engine sound in sync with engine RPM”.

Dimensions

Dimensions	Honda Prelude
Length	4522mm
Width	1880mm
Height	1355mm
Wheelbase	2605mm
Cargo capacity	264L (rear seats up), 760L (rear seats folded, measured to roof)

Servicing and Warranty

Honda vehicles are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, while the hybrid battery is covered by a separate eight-year warranty. However, Prelude owners can access three additional years of warranty and roadside assistance by servicing their vehicle at a Honda dealer.

The Prelude requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, with each round of maintenance costing $199 for the first five years.

Safety Features

The Prelude hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but it will come standard with the full Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies.

Standard safety equipment includes:

10 airbags – driver, front passenger, front side, rear side, front knee, full-length curtain
Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
Lane-keep assist
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Traffic Jam Assist
Traffic sign recognition
Unintended acceleration mitigation
Post-Collision Braking system
Reversing camera
Front and rear parking sensors