2027 Honda Prelude

MSRP: From ~$42,805

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Overview

The 2027 Honda Prelude hybrid sports coupe is back for its second model year without any changes, but it’s not the Prelude of blessed memory. The latest interpretation of the much-loved nameplate is a hybrid, using the same 200-hp 2-motor hybrid system as the Civic Hybrid. The 2.0L naturally aspirated gas engine acts as a electricity generator most of the time, so the Prelude works like a range-extender EV in town but a parallel hybrid on the highway. Unique selling points to boost its sports aspirations is its Civic Type R front running gear and brakes, so it’s certainly a sharp handler, but better than the similarly priced Nissan Z or Ford Mustang?

What’s New for 2027

The 2027 Honda Prelude’s price is expected to increase slightly, but it should still come in below $43,000. The car only launched last year and is still brand-new, so no other changes are expected. There’s a new Prelude Limited Edition with an exterior and interior appearance package applied in Japan (below), but so far, there’s no word on this variant reaching local shores.

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Exterior

The 2027 Prelude is a stylish enough coupe without rewriting the rulebook, with aerodynamic lines, a sloping roofline, and a short rear deck. There’s maybe a bit too much Prius in the nose, but it’s all thoroughly modern, with available two-tone paintwork jazzing it up a bit, but this configuration is only available in Winter Frost Pearl/black, and also adds black mirrors. You get the obligatory full-width rear LED light bar, and slim-line LED headlights you’d expect on a modern car. It’s a practical car too, with a hatchback for added versatility. The Berlina Black alloy wheels measure 19 inches.

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Interior

The cabin materials fit the price, and it looks suitably smart without being luxurious. You get heated front seats, standard leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, and dual-zone climate control, but no electric seat adjustment. Cabin space is good up front, but severely restricted in the back, with the scant scalp clearance making the rear quarters a kids-only zone. Despite being a hatchback, trunk volume is an unimpressive 15.1 cu-ft – nearly 10 cu-ft down on a Civic Hatchback, but the rear seats do fold to expand the space.

The cabin architecture is based on that of the Civic too, with the same 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and Google-based 9.0-inch touchscreen found in the top Civics, complete with Google Services (including Maps for navigation), wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Alexa, and 8-speaker Bose audio.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

The only differences between the two trims are cosmetic.

*MSRP is ~$43,345, but it’s only available with $655 Winter Frost Pearl paintwork, so the total is ~$44,000.

2027 Honda Prelude Key Specs

Powertrain Options

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Proper sport-coupe character with Type R running gear
• 44-mpg combined EPA fuel economy
• Practical hatchback layout
• Fairly well-equipped at base price
• Premium cabin with Bose audio

Cons:

• FWD hybrid only
• 200 hp trails all its price rivals
• No manual transmission
• Small rear seats
• Subpar trunk for a hatchback

Verdict

The Prelude has made a bittersweet return as a FWD hybrid coupe that has more in common with a Civic under the skin than price rivals that produce up to double its 200 hp. It’s not a proper sports car, though the Type R hardware makes it surprisingly fun to drive. This will offer little consolation for the buyer looking at a Mustang EcoBoost at nearly $10K less.

Getting to the bottom of the Prelude’s attributes will, therefore, require a rather different approach, as it’s outgunned on paper. See it as a supremely economical GT that’s fun to drive, and it makes some sense, but the price will put it out of the running for all but the most dedicated fans.

Competitors

• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Toyota GR86
• Subaru BRZ
• Nissan Z
• Ford Mustang