What engines do Honda Preludes have?
They use inline-four engines ranging from about 1.6 to 2.2 liters, with the standout 2.2L H22A VTEC powering late-model Preludes.
Across its five generations, the Prelude’s engine lineup varied by year and market. Early cars relied on smaller, simpler inline-fours, while later models moved to larger, more capable units, culminating in the 2.2-liter H-series VTEC engines in the final years.
Engine lineup by generation and era
The Prelude evolved from entry-level inline-fours to more performance-oriented powerplants. The following describes the common patterns you would encounter, depending on production year and region.
- Early generations (roughly 1978–1993) used smaller inline-four engines, typically around 1.6–1.8 liters, focused on everyday usability rather than high output.
- Mid-generation models expanded to around 2.0 liters for improved performance while maintaining a focus on reliability and balance.
- Late-generation Prelude models (roughly 1997–2001 in many markets) commonly used a 2.2-liter DOHC VTEC engine in higher trims, renowned for stronger performance and a broad power band.
Note: exact engine availability, tuning, and displacement varied by country, trim level, and model year, so some markets saw different configurations from the ones described above.
Notable engines in the Prelude lineup
H22A 2.2L DOHC VTEC
The most famous Prelude engine, the 2.2-liter H22A is a DOHC four-cylinder with Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing system. In late-model Preludes, this engine powered the sportier trims (such as SH variants), delivering stronger performance and a wider torque curve for a front-wheel-drive coupe.
Earlier non-VTEC inline-four engines
Across the early generations, the Prelude relied on smaller, non‑VTEC inline-fours for base and mid-range configurations. These engines prioritized everyday drivability and simplicity, offering solid reliability without the advanced variable valve technology of the later H-series.
Summary
Throughout its production from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, the Honda Prelude offered a progression of inline-four engines from roughly 1.6 to 2.2 liters. The most notable and widely remembered engine is the 2.2L H22A DOHC VTEC used in the late-model Preludes, but engine choices did vary by generation, trim, and market. The trend over the car’s life was toward larger, more capable, and more technically advanced engines, culminating in the VTEC-powered 2.2L units in the final years.
