3 Reasons Why I Would Never Buy the New Honda Prelude

The non-enthusiast's sports car?

Let me start out by saying that I have yet to drive the new Honda Prelude. I definitely want to get behind the wheel of it, as I do with just about every brand new model that hits the market, especially sports cars. The return of the Honda Prelude should be exciting news for enthusiasts, and I include myself in that group. After all, the original Prelude built a reputation as a stylish, driver-focused coupe that offered a unique alternative to mainstream sports cars, perhaps too unique. Honda's decision to revive the nameplate after more than two decades has generated plenty of buzz.

But after looking closely at what the new Prelude brings to the table, I can't help feeling disappointed before I even get to experience it. While it may wear a legendary nameplate, the new model seems to miss some of the qualities that made the original so special. While that may be a result of advances in technology and changing times, it could also be too far of a deviation from what makes a Prelude a Prelude. It makes me think that Honda may have lost its way in more than one way. Here are three reasons why I would never buy the new Honda Prelude.

1. The Specs are Good but not Great

The new Prelude isn't really the performance coupe many enthusiasts were expecting. Honda has positioned the car as a sporty grand tourer rather than a hardcore sports car. The output is decent but not anywhere near what it could've been. The Prelude delivers 200 horsepower from the Civic Hybrid's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and single electric motorpaired with an e-CVT with Honda S+ Shift, which is designed to simulate performance gear changes.

The hybrid powertrain comes from Honda's own stable, originally used in a car that costs tens of thousands less. While Honda promises a more engaging driving experience than a typical hybrid, the Prelude appears focused on efficiency and everyday driving instead of outright performance. I would dare to say that the Civic Hybrid is almost as engaging as the Prelude. On top of that, the Toyota GR86 is quicker than the Preluce to 60 mph (by half a second: 6.5 vs. 6.0 secs).

There's nothing wrong with building an efficient coupe, but reviving the Prelude name naturally creates expectations based on past iterations. Many enthusiasts were hoping for something closer to a modern Integra Type S or Civic Type R coupe. Instead, the Prelude appears designed to prioritize fuel economy and refinement rather than raw performance. Reviews have said the new Prelude

2. The Price is Difficult to Justify

The 2026 Prelude isn't cheap. The base price is $42,000. And then there are the dealer markups. While currently they're not as bad as six months ago (some dealers were charging $60k), the lack of supply is keeping prices high. A dealer might get a couple of them in the course of a year, so they can afford to drive prices upward. Some buyers on Reddit have paid $5k over MSRP as recently as a month ago.

That takes the Prelude to $47k before taxes and fees. Once a vehicle approaches $50k, even sports cars, shoppers have some alternatives. Consider the Ford Mustang GT ($46,560) with its burbly V8 engine and manual transmission. Even Honda's own Civic Type R ($47,395) with 315 horsepower and a manual. Go outside of that segment, and buyers can find performance-oriented sports cars, luxury sedans, and even entry-level performance SUVs with more power and greater practicality.

The Prelude's hybrid technology contributes to its higher price tag, but many enthusiasts shopping for a coupe are willing to sacrifice a few miles per gallon in exchange for stronger acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. Do buyers of sports cars actually prioritize fuel economy? It seems the Prelude wants to have its cake and eat it too, but something's gotta give when it comes to miles-per-gallon. Who wants to pay nearly $50k for the same output as the Civic Type R, which costs almost $20k less? If the final price ends up close to competitors that offer significantly more performance, the Prelude could find itself stuck in an uncomfortable middle ground.

3. No Manual Transmission Option

The most disappointing aspect of the new Prelude is the absence of a manual transmission. Honda has built some of the best manual gearboxes in the industry. Cars like the Civic Si, Civic Type R, Integra Type S, and countless performance Hondas from the brand's past have earned loyal followings largely because of their engaging manual transmissions. There's no substitute for a manual transmission when it comes to driver engagement. Three pedals and never having to look to see what gear you're in contribute to ear-to-ear grins.

That's why the Prelude's automatic-only setup feels like a missed opportunity. Honda has developed a new S+ Shift system designed to simulate gear changes and provide a more engaging experience. It's meant to simulate gear ratios and also provide fake engine sounds. The Prelude features something called Active Sound Control (ASC), a system that pipes artificial engine noise into the cabin through the car's speakers. Talk about the opposite of purist.

The original Prelude earned its reputation by offering a genuinely engaging driving experience. For many enthusiasts, a manual transmission is a key part of that formula. Without one, the new Prelude feels less like a spiritual successor and more like a stylish hybrid coupe that's borrowed a legendary badge. It feels contrived.

Final Thoughts

I love a great model revival. The GR Supra (with the manual transmission) is superb to drive (and shift). But the new Prelude seems wanting. The new Prelude just doesn't do it for me. It's not just the specs, either. It's the mindset of Honda that thinks it can faux its way to enthusiasts' hearts.

Buyers of the Prelude are older. They don't want to shift for themselves. They want efficiency and comfort. I'm 56 and have zero desire to buy a Prelude. If I'm buying a sporty coupe, I want something that delivers a stronger performance-focused personality. I'd rather buy a Toyota GR86 that has more power, a manual transmission, and costs far less. I'm sure the new Prelude is a good car. But based on what I know so far, it isn't a car I'd put in my garage.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 1:00 PM.