What transmission does the Prelude have?
In brief, the Honda Prelude has been offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model year and trim.
The question covers several generations of the Prelude (from the late 1970s through 2001). Availability of manual versus automatic gearboxes varied by year, market, and trim, with sportier variants generally favoring the manual. The following overview outlines the broad patterns you’re likely to encounter when evaluating different Prelude models.
Transmission options across the Prelude lineage
Note: exact configurations depend on the year and trim. Here are the common options that appeared over the car’s production run:
- Manual transmissions: A 5-speed gearbox was the typical manual option on most trims, valued by enthusiasts for control and engagement.
- Automatic transmissions: A 4-speed automatic was widely available on many base or comfort-oriented trims, offering convenient, smooth shifting.
In the late-1990s fifth-generation Prelude, the sporty Type SH was usually shipped with a 5-speed manual and Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS); automatic transmission was not offered on that grade.
Notes for buyers and collectors
For a specific Prelude, check the exact year, market (US, Europe, Japan), and trim to confirm the gearbox. Documentation like the VIN, build sheet, or owner’s manual provides the definitive answer.
Summary
Across its production span, the Prelude commonly paired a 5-speed manual with a 4-speed automatic. The high-performance Type SH of the late 1990s-early 2000s was manual-only and featured ATTS. Always verify year/trim to know the exact transmission for a given car.
What drivetrain is a Prelude?
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission: Direct Drive with Honda S+ Shift. Drive Modes: Comfort – GT – Sport – Individual. Brakes: Brembo™ 4-Piston Front Calipers – 13.8″ Rotors.
What transmission will the new Prelude have?
The new Honda S+ Shift, alongside four unique drive modes, maximizes driver-vehicle synchronization, simulating a traditional dual clutch automatic transmission. From the sound of the engine to the feel of each shift, every sense is engaged behind the wheel of the hybrid Prelude.
How many gears does a Prelude have?
2026 Honda Prelude Powertrain
Like the Type R and the Civic, it's front-wheel drive (FWD) only. It features a single-speed transmission, but Honda's S+ Shift system simulates eight gears by electronically increasing and decreasing engine speed.
Does the Prelude have a CVT?
No, the new 2026 Honda Prelude does not have a traditional continuously variable transmission (CVT). It uses a hybrid system that Honda refers to as an "eCVT," but it's actually a direct-drive unit where the electric motor primarily drives the wheels, and a clutch allows the gas engine to be connected to the wheels for more direct power at certain speeds.
- Hybrid Direct Drive: The system uses electric motors for propulsion, with the gas engine acting as a generator to charge the battery.
- Fixed-Ratio Drive: Unlike a conventional transmission, it uses a fixed ratio to send power directly to the wheels through the electric motor, but with the ability to lock the engine to the wheels when needed.
- Simulated Gears: The car includes paddle shifters to simulate gear shifts and an "S+ Shift" feature that mimics the feel and sound of a traditional transmission, even though it has no physical gears.
