Is the 2026 Honda Prelude electric?

Not yet. Honda has not announced a 2026 Prelude, and there is no official information confirming an electric version or any revival of the model. The Prelude name carries nostalgia for a family of two-door coupes from the 1980s–1990s, but Honda has not disclosed any plans to bring it back in 2026 or beyond. This article surveys what is known, what remains uncertain, and how to watch for future developments.

Current status of a potential 2026 Prelude

The following points summarize publicly available information as of today. The absence of an official announcement leaves room for speculation but does not confirm any plans.

• There is no official confirmation or announcement from Honda about a 2026 Prelude.


• The Prelude name historically refers to a two-door coupe that last saw a new generation in the early 2000s; there is no confirmed modern variant.


• Honda is prioritizing electric-vehicle development through models like the Prologue, plus future BEV offerings; a Prelude revival has not been disclosed.


• If Honda eventually unveils a Prelude revival, it would be subject to market demand, regulatory pressures, and engineering feasibility; specifics remain undisclosed.

In short, the status of a 2026 Prelude remains unconfirmed. Until Honda makes an official statement, any discussion about whether it would be electric is speculative.

Honda's current EV strategy and lineup

Panorama of how Honda is pursuing electrification helps frame any potential revival of the Prelude. The following items outline the core elements of Honda's publicly stated strategy.

• The Prologue, Honda's electric SUV for North America, represents the brand's initial major BEV offering in the U.S. and Canada, developed with GM on Ultium architecture.


• Honda plans to expand its BEV lineup through the next several years, including additional SUVs and other segments, with emphasis on practical, mass-market electric vehicles.


• Hybrid technology and fuel-cell options remain part of Honda's broader electrification strategy, alongside battery electric vehicles.


• No official indication has been given that a sports coupe or revival of the Prelude name will be electric or released in the near term.

These points indicate that while Honda is moving toward electrification, there is no official word on reviving the Prelude as either a conventional or electric model. The company’s public EV push is directed at established, scalable products rather than heritage-name revivals.

Why a hypothetical Prelude revival would matter

A revived Prelude—if it happened—would carry brand nostalgia and potentially broaden Honda’s performance image in the EV era. Yet it would face modern realities of the auto market.

• Market demand for niche sports coupes has changed, with buyers often prioritizing practical SUVs and crossovers rather than two-door sports cars.


• Electrification requirements and performance targets would shape any potential Prelude, including range, charging, weight, and handling characteristics.


• Cost, supply chain, and platform decisions would determine whether a Prelude revival would be viable as an EV or a hybrid.


• An official announcement would likely accompany a broader marketing push and demonstrations at auto shows or investor events.

Until such an announcement, the status remains speculative and contingent on Honda's strategic priorities and market conditions.

What to watch for and how to verify

Readers should look for official signals from Honda and credible automotive outlets. The following checklist helps separate rumor from reality.

• Monitor Honda press releases, investor presentations, and the company's official channels for any mention of a Prelude revival or a new sports-oriented model.


• Watch major auto shows and Honda's booth reveals for any surprise announcements or concept studies bearing the Prelude name.


• Check reputable automotive journalists and publications for corroborated reporting, not speculation from forums or social media.


• Be mindful of trademark filings or patents; these can signal prospective branding, though they do not confirm production plans.

News, if and when it arrives, will likely be accompanied by official technical details, timing, and regional availability.

Summary

At present, there is no official confirmation of a 2026 Honda Prelude, electric or otherwise. Honda's public EV strategy centers on the Prologue and a growing lineup of electric offerings, with a revival of the Prelude remaining speculative. For now, enthusiasts should watch for formal announcements rather than rely on rumors.

How much is the 2026 Honda Prelude?

The 2026 Honda Prelude starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $43,195, which includes the destination charge. There is also a 2-Tone Coupe model that costs $44,350.
 

• Base Model: The starting price for the standard 2026 Honda Prelude Coupe is $43,195. 
• 2-Tone Coupe Model: The 2-Tone Coupe is priced at $44,350. 

Is the 2026 Honda Prelude gas or electric?

The 2026 Honda Prelude is a hybrid vehicle, not purely gas or electric. It combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, which provides a total system output of 200 horsepower. The car can run on electric power and also uses the gas engine for both recharging the battery and directly driving the wheels, depending on driving conditions.
 
This video provides an overview of the 2026 Honda Prelude, highlighting its hybrid powertrain and other features: 1mKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 4, 2025
Hybrid powertrain details

• Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine
• Electric Motors: Two electric motors
• Total System Output: 200 horsepower
• Transmission: A direct-drive system with a "Honda S+ Shift" feature that simulates gear shifts
• Fuel: Requires regular unleaded gasoline 

This video explains the operation of the 2026 Honda Prelude's hybrid system, including the direct-drive unit and the "S+ Shift" feature: 1mJavier MotaYouTube · Nov 5, 2025

When can I order a 2026 Honda Prelude?

The 2026 Honda Prelude has an official release date of November 18, 2025, and is now on sale. Deliveries are expected to begin arriving at dealerships shortly after, with availability throughout late 2025 and into 2026.
 

• Release Date: The official launch was on November 18, 2025. 
• Availability: Dealership arrivals are expected in late 2025 and early 2026. 
• Ordering: You can secure a place for a test drive by signing up for updates or reserving a vehicle through a local dealership. 

Will the new Honda Prelude be electric?

The new Prelude is the first model to pair the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with high-performance chassis hardware from the iconic Civic Type R.