2026 Honda Prelude: Hybrid MPG, Price & Specifications
— NHTSA, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
Among mid-range Coupes, the 2026 Honda Prelude scores well across fuel cost and reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $42,000 - $42,500
- EPA Combined MPG
- 44 MPG
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,350 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 7 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $4,000 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $902 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.72
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $42,000 to $42,500, the 2026 Honda Prelude trades pure efficiency for driving experience. The data below shows the cost of that trade-off across safety, fuel, and ownership.
- Fuel cost $1,043 per year below mid-range Coupes average
- Avg repair cost $269 per year below Coupe average
- Zero recalls on file (Coupe average: 0.9)
2026 Honda Prelude at a Glance
Published crash-test coverage is incomplete for the 2026 Honda Prelude. Within the currently available data, the clearest positive signals are lower estimated fuel cost and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost.
- fuel cost
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among hybrid Coupes. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,350.
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.5/5 from RepairPal.
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $7,578 below the similar-vehicle average.
Cautions in the data
- Crash-test coverage is incomplete: NHTSA and IIHS data is not available for this model yet.
Similar vehicles to compare
NHTSA tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.
Crash tests show how a vehicle handles impacts in a lab. The recall record shows what has gone wrong after thousands of 2026 Honda Preludes have been driven on real roads.
Does the 2026 Honda Prelude Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Honda Prelude. For context, the average Coupe has 0.9 recall campaigns. Recalls can be issued at any time as new issues are identified. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Honda Prelude Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Honda Prelude. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
More power usually means more fuel. The 2026 Honda Prelude's EPA estimates below show how much that performance costs you at the pump.
What Is the 2026 Honda Prelude Fuel Economy?
The most fuel-efficient 2026 Honda Prelude trim achieves 44 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,350. That is $1,043 less per year than the $2,393 average for mid-range Coupes. Actual fuel economy depends on driving conditions and habits. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | 44 MPG | 46 | 41 | $1,350 per year |
| Hybrid Two-Tone | 44 MPG | 46 | 41 | $1,350 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $6,750 based on EPA data.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating: 7 out of 10.
Spirited driving means more tire wear, higher insurance, and faster depreciation. The AAA ownership estimates below show what those costs add up to for the Medium Sedan (Hybrid) class.
What Does the 2026 Honda Prelude Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Honda Prelude ranges from $80,285 to $80,785 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium Sedan (Hybrid) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,551 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,571 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,535 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $721 per year |
| Financing | $1,001 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,479 per year |
The difference between the base and top trim is not just price. Horsepower, suspension tuning, and tire specifications all change. The comparison below quantifies those differences.
How Do the 2026 Honda Prelude Trims Compare?
The 2026 Honda Prelude is available in 2 trims, with base prices ranging from $42,000 to $42,500. All trims use a Hybrid powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.
Hybrid
| Base MSRP | $42,000 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 44 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $80,285 |
Hybrid Two-Tone
| Base MSRP | $42,500 |
|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 44 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,350 per year |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Est. 5-Year Cost | $80,785 |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Picking a trim covers the upfront decision. The next question is what happens after year one. RepairPal tracks how often this model needs repairs and what they cost.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Honda Prelude?
RepairPal rates the 2026 Honda Prelude at 4.5 out of 5.0 for reliability, above average for mid-range Coupes. This means lower expected repair frequency and cost compared to similar vehicles. Source: RepairPal.
RepairPal rates what repairs cost out of pocket. The warranty determines what Honda covers at no cost. Here are the published terms.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Honda Prelude Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Honda's published coverage for the 2026 Prelude. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Honda Prelude Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Honda Prelude. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Sports car
| Engine | 2L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 122.7 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $210 |
| Transmission | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 10.6 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 466 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 178.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 74.0 in |
| Height | 53.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.6 in |
| Curb Weight | 3,261 lbs |
All data shown for the 2026 Honda Prelude comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The fuel and insurance costs above reflect the trade-off that comes with a performance-oriented vehicle. Data is refreshed periodically.
Data coverage & source links
The following data categories are not yet available for the 2026 Honda Prelude: NHTSA has not yet published crash test results for this vehicle. IIHS has not yet tested this vehicle for crashworthiness. Learn how we collect, verify, and present vehicle data.
Verify this data
2026 Honda Prelude FAQ
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Honda Prelude?
The 2026 Honda Prelude competes with 2026 Ford Mustang, 2026 Subaru BRZ, and 2026 Toyota GR86 based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. Browse all 2026 Coupes.
How much does a 2026 Honda Prelude cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Honda Prelude include about $790 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $113 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $903 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Honda Prelude a hybrid?
Yes, the entire 2026 Honda Prelude lineup uses a hybrid powertrain across all 2 trims. The most efficient trim has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,350. Hybrid powertrains combine a gas engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.
Where is Honda based?
Honda is a Japan-based automaker. The 2026 Honda Prelude may be assembled in a different country than where Honda is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Honda models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Honda vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Honda lineup on our Honda models page.
How much horsepower does the 2026 Honda Prelude have?
The 2026 Honda Prelude offers up to 200 horsepower in its top trim. Horsepower varies by trim and powertrain option. See the trim comparison table above for a side-by-side view of power, fuel economy, and price across all 2 configurations.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.