### Introduction The 2026 Honda Prelude is a car that has left me feeling perplexed. On one hand, it's a beautiful, fun-to-drive, and well-handling liftback that checks all the right boxes. On the other hand, its hybrid powertrain and S+ Shift system feel like mismatched parts that don't quite come together to create a cohesive driving experience. After spending some time with the Prelude on the scenic roads near Palomar Mountain in Southern California, I'm left wondering if Honda has created a car that's more confusing than compelling. ### Design and Features The Prelude's design is certainly one of its strongest suits. It looks amazing, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile that's sure to turn heads. Inside, the cabin is comfortable and well-appointed, with plenty of premium materials and features that make it feel like a more expensive car. But despite its many positives, the Prelude's design and features can't quite ...
### Introduction
The 2026 Honda Prelude is a car that has left me feeling perplexed. On one hand, it’s a beautiful, fun-to-drive, and well-handling liftback that checks all the right boxes. On the other hand, its hybrid powertrain and S+ Shift system feel like mismatched parts that don’t quite come together to create a cohesive driving experience. After spending some time with the Prelude on the scenic roads near Palomar Mountain in Southern California, I’m left wondering if Honda has created a car that’s more confusing than compelling.
### Design and Features
The Prelude’s design is certainly one of its strongest suits. It looks amazing, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile that’s sure to turn heads. Inside, the cabin is comfortable and well-appointed, with plenty of premium materials and features that make it feel like a more expensive car. But despite its many positives, the Prelude’s design and features can’t quite make up for its driving experience.
### Performance and Dynamics
The Prelude’s hybrid powertrain is a major point of contention for me. On paper, it sounds like a great idea – combining the efficiency of a hybrid with the performance of a more powerful engine. But in reality, it feels like a compromise. The Prelude’s 2.0-liter engine is fine, but it’s not exactly thrilling, and the hybrid system does little to elevate the driving experience. And then there’s the S+ Shift system, which is supposed to provide simulated shifts and more engaging dynamics. In practice, it’s mostly pointless – it’s a feature that’s more annoying than useful.
### Verdict
The 2026 Honda Prelude is an enjoyable but strange car that feels mismatched and underbaked. While it’s a beautiful and well-handling liftback, its hybrid powertrain and S+ Shift system are major drawbacks. If you’re in the market for a fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive car, there are plenty of other options out there that are better suited to your needs. But if you’re looking for a car that’s more exciting and engaging, the Prelude is probably not the way to go.
### Conclusion
In the end, the 2026 Honda Prelude is a car that’s hard to pin down. It’s a car that’s both wonderful and frustrating, enjoyable and underwhelming. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not convinced that this is the best use of Honda’s resources. The Prelude is a car that feels like a missed opportunity – a chance to create something truly special, but instead, it feels like a compromise.
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