2026 Honda Prelude Charms but Doesn't Pencil Out
First glance: It's so beautiful, I almost forgive everything
To be honest, when this matte blue Prelude slowly stopped on the street corner, my Adam's apple moved-the lines, the proportions, they were like ghosts from a poster from the 1990s. Honda's designers didn't take advantage of this time. The low-lying front, through-going daytime running lights, and slip-back lines were as smooth as a knife cutting butter. I walked around it three times, like seeing a crush for the first time in my youth. But do you know what it feels like? It is beautiful, but there is a small voice in my heart saying: This product is probably beautiful but not useful.
Get in the cockpit: Well... the feeling of cheapness is as pungent as morning caffeine
The moment the door was opened, there was a "clang" sound, and the door was as light as a piece of paper. Sit in, wow-that big plastic! The center console is hard and feels like the texture of a toy car in the 1990s. The seat was quite comfortable, but the UI response of the infotainment screen was half a beat slow, so I pressed it three times before switching to CarPlay. What's even more devastating is the back head space? Don't joke, my 1.75-meter-tall colleague sat in with his hair pressed directly against the ceiling. When he came out, he looked like he had just been imprisoned. This car is essentially a 2+2, and the back row can only be used for children or your backpack.
Open it up: the soul has it, but the body is protesting
At the moment of ignition, the sound of the engine stirred my sleeping dopamine-Oh, is this a serious VTEC sound? Honda actually equipped the hybrid system with a simulated sound wave, and the simulation was not bad, a bit like singing in a canyon. Accelerate? The electric torque in the front section comes quite well, about 6 seconds from 0 to 60 yards, which is enough for you to play in front of the traffic lights. But here's the problem: the suspension is as hard as jeans without a belt, and you can turn your spine into a notepad after a speed bump. The steering is accurate, but the touch is a little fake, like playing a video game. The most important thing is that the engine of this hybrid system roars like it is asking for help during rapid acceleration, but fuel consumption? I measured 34mpg, which is a bit worse than the official propaganda of 40-brother, I'm not driving hard.
Accounting: $42750? I'm afraid you're not kidding me
Okay, now let's talk about something that hurts our feelings. The basic style starts at $37250. The one I tried with a Tech kit and a slightly better stereo was priced directly at 42750. Do you understand what this price means? You can buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata RF-lighter, purer, more fun, and convertible. Or add some money to the Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ for rear-drive, manual, and drifts. Even the second-hand BMW M2 is in this range. Where's Prelude? It is a front-drive hybrid coupe with small space, cheap interiors, and no fuel consumption savings. The only advantage is the face and Honda's reliability. But "I spent an extra $7000 because it looked good"-do you believe that?
But... I still can't let it go
I know it's completely uncost-effective from a rational perspective. But every time I lock the car and look back at its butt, the arc of the taillight and the light band that runs through it, I feel soft. It's like the kind of stray cat you bring home to keep-it's disobedient, it grabs the sofa, and eats too much, but you just can't bear to send it away. Prelude is a sentimental car for those who still want to experience the spirit of Honda in the 1990s in 2026. But feelings have to be eaten. Honda, can you be more sober about pricing?
One last word: Wait for the upgrade or just give up?
I heard that a manual version may be launched in 2027 (although it may be a simulation of manual work, it is enjoyable), or an increase in pure battery life. If Honda can make the interior look like a human being and reduce the price to less than 38,000 yuan, this car will be really promising. But now? Unless you are poisoned by that face like me, or you drive it to attend a car club to enjoy the attention of you-otherwise, don't let your wallet suffer. Life is difficult enough, don't buy a car that you regret every day just for an elegant curve. Of course, if you do buy it, remember to let me open it again. I promise not to complain about the interior.
