2027 Honda Prelude

Price Range: $42,400 - $42,900

Excellent

You can think of the 2027 Honda Prelude as a Civic-based two-door that's loaded with standard equipment, exclusive details, and suspension and braking components from the high-performance Civic Type R. The result is an appealing hybrid-powered coupe that's fuel-efficient, stylish and enjoyable to drive. But we're less enthusiastic about its high price and slow acceleration relative to the competition.Read full review

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Honda Prelude for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$41,895

5 for sale near you

Edmunds suggested price is based on sales in VA thru 10/26/26, including destination fee, but not other dealer fees. Final assembly in Japan.

Pros

Stylish design
Sporty handling
High fuel efficiency
Comes well equipped with features

Cons

Not as quick as rival sport compacts
Small back seat
High price
No available manual transmission

What's new

Honda made no changes to the 2027 Prelude
Part of the sixth Prelude generation launched for 2026

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

Updated: 11/8/2026

Honda used to sell two-door coupe versions of the Civic and Accord. They've been gone for a while, but you could consider the 2027 Honda Prelude a replacement for them. It shares its hybrid powertrain with those mainstream models, packaged in a distinctive body with 2+2 seating and a large, practical cargo area. The Prelude's hybrid powertrain won't give you blazing speed, but it's decently quick around town, and the EPA-estimated 44 mpg is a big bonus. We've also found that it's fun to drive around corners thanks to the suspension components that Honda installed from its racy Civic Type R. There is a lot to like about this stylish, well-equipped coupe. Check out our test team's Expert Rating for our full rundown on what we like and don't like about the 2027 Prelude.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Reese Counts

Excellent

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2027 Honda Prelude on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7/10

How does it drive? The Prelude is one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars we've ever driven. The adaptive suspension, more powerful brakes, and more precise steering from the Civic Type R all add to the driving experience. Traction is rarely an issue. The Prelude pulled 1.02 g on our skidpad, among the best we've seen in this class and better than nearly every rival. The Prelude isn't meant to be quite as sporty as the Civic Type R, so the suspension is slightly more compliant. That makes for better ride quality over bumps than the Civic Type R and some other coupes and hot hatches offer.

The Prelude's hybrid powertrain is the biggest disappointment. While it works well for a regular Civic, it feels underwhelming in the Prelude. At our test track, our test Prelude accelerated from 0 to 60 mph mph in 7.2 seconds. That's no quicker than hybrid-powered Civic and slower than cars like the Volkswagen GTI, Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 twins.

Honda doesn't offer many driver aids for the Prelude, and what's here feels a bit limited and not overly refined. We appreciate adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist, but there's no surround-view camera system or rear automatic braking.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is it? Much of the interior borrows from the Honda Civic, but Honda's changes make the Prelude feel like more than just a two-door Civic. The front seats have been upgraded, and while they aren't quite as snug and sporty as those in the Civic Type R, they do a great job of keeping you in place in fast corners. There's not much adjustment, but the padding is soft and supportive. We can't say the same for the rear. While there are two back seats, they're cramped and best used for small children. There are anchors if you want to use a child seat, though the tight space might make installing one difficult. And while front passengers won't have any trouble getting inside, anyone getting in the rear will have to duck and squeeze.

The dashboard is straight from the Civic, which is a good thing, as we like the layout and general control scheme. It's easy to see and reach everything, and we appreciate that Honda still uses physical controls for features like volume and air conditioning. The air conditioning and standard heated seats both work well, and they kept our drivers comfortable after several hours behind the wheel.

In-cabin tech

7/10

How’s the tech? The Prelude comes standard with Honda's Google-based infotainment system. It's the same system found in the top-level versions of the Civic, and while it doesn't do anything fancy or stand out in any particular way, it's quick, responsive, and easy to navigate. The 9-inch touchscreen is also just the right size for a car like this. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, and both feature wireless connectivity. There are USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad too. Some rivals offer extra USB charging or features like a digital key, but the Prelude's tech has no major flaws.

Storage & cargo

9.4/10

How’s storage and cargo? The Prelude's sleek profile hides a hatchback cargo area, giving it a bigger trunk than two-door rivals from Mazda, Subaru and Toyota have. With 15.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats (and even more with them folded down), the Prelude's cargo area is better than you might expect from a small coupe. The long hatch makes it easy to drop stuff inside, and the long cargo area provides decent space. It's not tall, but few coupes offer this much utility in the rear.

The cabin storage is good, too, especially given the limited storage found in other coupes. The center console and door pockets aren't massive, but they offer decent space. The cupholders don't feel like afterthoughts either.

Value

6.8/10

Is it a good value? The Prelude is significantly more expensive than a Mazda Miata or Toyota GR86, and that high price has dampened the car's appeal for some members of our test team. But on the upside, Honda gives you nearly everything standard, including leather upholstery and a Bose audio system. Build quality is excellent, and the interior upgrades like additional leather trim and reduced road noise make the Prelude feel more premium than both rivals and other Hondas.

Honda includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The drivetrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles. Both are average for this class.

MPG

9/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Prelude's biggest leg up on the competition is easily its fuel economy. With an EPA estimate of 44 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the Prelude easily gets the best fuel economy in its class. Even lightweight rivals with four-cylinder engines like the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata can't come close to the Prelude's efficiency ratings. And it's not just good on paper. We've matched these figures in our real-world driving as well. It's not the most powerful coupe in its class, but the Prelude is definitely fuel-efficient.

X factor

9/10

While we were disappointed with the Prelude's lack of speed, we did find it to be a lot of fun to drive on twisty roads. It feels like a Civic Type R with a less powerful engine, thanks to precise steering and excellent handling. This is among the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars we've ever driven. Sure, it's not as quick as other coupes or sport compacts, but in return you get excellent fuel economy and reduced engine noise. We think it's a good-looking car, too, even if the front end reminded some of us of the Toyota Prius.

Save as much as $1,700 with Edmunds

2027 Honda Prelude pricing in Richmond, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2027 Honda Prelude for November

The 2027 Honda Prelude is moving fast, with new cars turning in just 14 days, so expect only modest discounts and be ready to act quickly on a good VIN.

Buyers are paying about $300 below sticker on average, and there are no general customer rebates right now, so the Edmunds Suggested Price is just a hair under MSRP. The base Hybrid looks like the better value, with about $500 off versus only about $100 off for the Two-Tone.
There are 559 new Preludes nationwide, which is decent but not abundant for a fresh model. The base Hybrid dominates supply at 527 units, while the Two-Tone is scarce at just 32, so you will have more negotiating room and color choice on the base trim.
Demand is stronger than average for new vehicles here. The Prelude turns in 14 days versus 18 days for the average model, which usually limits dealer flexibility.
If you are leasing, expect roughly $546 a month with about $4,300 due at signing on a 36-month, 12,000-mile lease.

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2027 Honda Prelude trim level differences

The 2027 Honda Prelude is a compact two-door sport coupe with a small two-passenger back seat and a roofline tapering into a liftback-style trunk opening. Honda offers the car in a single trim level, and every Prelude has a hybrid powertrain featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. Combined output is 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Compare the 2027 Honda Prelude trim levels in-depth.

Which Prelude trim level does Edmunds recommend?

It's easy to pick a Prelude because it comes one way. You can upgrade the car with a couple of extra-cost paint colors or add a two-tone treatment with a black roof. Dealer-installed accessories are also available for the car, such as a cargo cover to keep prying eyes from seeing what's in the trunk.

Competitors to consider

The sporty coupe segment isn't exactly overflowing with choices, making the Prelude a rarity. Add its hybrid powertrain, and this Honda effectively has no direct rivals. Still, there are alternatives. The Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 are smaller than the Prelude but have traditional rear-wheel-drive layouts and offer a manual transmission. Ford's Mustang is also a viable alternative. You can get a nicely equipped four-cylinder Mustang for about the same price as a Prelude or spend a bit more and get V8-powered Mustang GT.

What it's like to live with

Edmunds is performing an extended test of the Prelude to see what it's like to live with one. So far, we're impressed with this sport coupe's stylish design, responsive steering, nimble handling and fuel economy. But there are also some flaws that seem easy for Honda to fix. Learn more by checking out the Edmunds One-Year Road Test of the Honda Prelude.

Honda Prelude Reviews

Owner Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

5(100%)

4(0%)

3(0%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

See all 3 reviews of the Honda Prelude

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2027 Honda Prelude videos

What Was Honda Thinking? New Honda Prelude vs. Ford Mustang vs. Subaru BRZ vs. Mazda Miata

NOTE: This video is about the 2026 Honda Prelude, but since the 2027 Honda Prelude is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.

Is the new 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid the stylish sports car we've been waiting for, or just a Civic in a fancy suit? We pit it against the Mustang, BRZ and Miata to find out.

2027 Honda Prelude Features & Specs

Trim:

Hybrid

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,400
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	44 MPG
Cost to Drive	$110/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2027 Honda Prelude has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2027 Honda Prelude

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 1 years / 12,000 miles

Where the Honda Prelude ranks:

#1 in Coupes

Honda Prelude
Starting at $42,400
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1
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Starting at $36,140
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Safety

Key safety features on the Prelude include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

Research other Prelude years

2027
2026

FAQ

Is the Honda Prelude a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2027 Prelude both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2027 Prelude gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Prelude has 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Honda Prelude. Learn more

What's new in the 2027 Honda Prelude?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2027 Honda Prelude:

Honda made no changes to the 2027 Prelude
Part of the sixth Prelude generation launched for 2026

Learn more

Is the Honda Prelude reliable?

To determine whether the Honda Prelude is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Prelude. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Prelude's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2027 Honda Prelude a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2027 Honda Prelude is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2027 Prelude and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2027 Prelude gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 3 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2027 Prelude is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2027 Honda Prelude?

The least-expensive 2027 Honda Prelude is the 2027 Honda Prelude Hybrid 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $42,400.

Other versions include:

Hybrid 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $42,400
Hybrid Two-Tone 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT) which starts at $42,900

Learn more

What are the different models of Honda Prelude?

If you're interested in the Honda Prelude, the next question is, which Prelude model is right for you? Prelude variants include Hybrid 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT), and Hybrid Two-Tone 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid EVT). For a full list of Prelude models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$110/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

2027 Honda Prelude

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Buying Tips for the 2027 Honda Prelude for November

2027 Honda Prelude trim level differences

Which Prelude trim level does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

What it's like to live with

Honda Prelude Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2027 Honda Prelude videos

2027 Honda Prelude Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Honda Prelude ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Prelude include:

FAQ

Is the Honda Prelude a good car?

What's new in the 2027 Honda Prelude?

Is the Honda Prelude reliable?

Is the 2027 Honda Prelude a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2027 Honda Prelude?

What are the different models of Honda Prelude?

Cost to Drive