Honda Australia has released full specifications for the sixth-generation Prelude as part of the hybrid coupe’s local launch.
Priced from $65,000 drive-away, the Prelude arrives in a single unnamed trim level, with buyers able to choose from five exterior colours and a small set of accessories.
The two-door, 2+2 Prelude is built on the same platform as the standard Civic with which it also shares a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, but is slightly smaller in all physical dimensions and rides on a shorter wheelbase (2605mm vs 2735mm).
Chassis components, including a dual-axis front suspension setup and adaptive dampers, have been pinched from the Civic Type R hot hatch.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Prelude stock is already sitting in dealers, and Honda Australia expects to sell 500 examples of the niche newcomer this year.
The Prelude nameplate was last sold by Honda Australia in 2001, when it was priced at $50,209 before on-road costs – equivalent to $95,980 in 2025 dollars, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s inflation calculator.
Pricing
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
|
2026 Honda Prelude e:HEV |
$65,000 |
Drivetrains and Efficiency
The sixth-generation Prelude is still front-wheel drive and powered by a four-cylinder engine as all the previous generations were, but it now features a hybrid system.
| Specifications | Honda Prelude e:HEV |
|---|---|
| Engine |
2.0L 4cyl |
| Engine outputs |
104kW 186Nm |
| Electric motor outputs |
135kW 315Nm |
| System outputs |
135kW 315Nm |
| Transmission |
e-CVT with S+ Shift |
| Drive type |
Front-wheel drive |
| Weight |
1468kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) |
8.2 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) |
4.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity |
40L |
| Fuel requirement |
91-octane regular unleaded |
| CO2 emissions |
98g/km |
| Emissions standard |
Euro 6d |
Sourced from the current Civic hatch, the Prelude’s powertrain comprises a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a two-motor hybrid system.
Total system outputs are 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, sent exclusively to the front wheels.
There’s no mechanical transmission in the Prelude. Instead, Honda has introduced ‘S+ Shift’, which simulates an eight-speed automatic transmission by offering the same “sharp gear shifting feel” you’d experience in a traditional automatic through steering wheel-mounted paddles.
To give the Prelude an even more sporting character, Honda has also incorporated Active Sound Control, which is said to produce a “powerful engine sound in sync with engine RPM”.
Dimensions
| Dimensions | Honda Prelude |
|---|---|
| Length |
4522mm |
| Width |
1880mm |
| Height |
1355mm |
| Wheelbase |
2605mm |
| Cargo capacity |
264L (rear seats up) 760L (rear seats folded, measured to roof) |
Servicing and Warranty
Honda vehicles are backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, while the hybrid battery is covered by a separate eight-year warranty.
However, Prelude owners can access three additional years of warranty and roadside assistance by servicing their vehicle at a Honda dealer.
The Prelude requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, with each round of maintenance costing $199 for the first five years.
Safety
The Prelude hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, but it will come standard with the full Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- 10 airbags – driver, front passenger, front side, rear side, front knee, full-length curtain
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Unintended acceleration mitigation
- Post-Collision Braking system
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
Standard Equipment
2026 Honda Prelude e:HEV equipment highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Brembo 4-piston front brakes
- Adaptive dampers
- LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- LED daytime running lights
- LED tail-lights
- Heated, power-folding electric side mirrors
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Google Built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless phone charger
- 8-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Heated, leather-trimmed front sports seats with houndstooth pattern
- Flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
- Dual-zone climate control
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Fabric rear seats
- Rear privacy glass
Options
A range of accessories will be available to Prelude buyers, including cosmetic, comfort and convenience enhancements.
2026 Honda Prelude accessories:
- Weathershield set: $370
- Car cover: $490
- Carpet mat set: $250
- Tailgate spoiler: $990
- Door mirror garnish set – black: $100
- Front under spoiler: $990
- Mud guard set – front and rear: $399
- Illuminated door sill garnish set: $990
Colours
Five exterior colours – all free of charge – are offered for the Prelude at launch.
2026 Honda Prelude colours:
- Meteoroid Grey
- Racing Blue
- Moonlit White
- Crystal Black
- Rallye Red