DecodedCars2026 Honda Prelude
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- PRELUDE
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 44 combined · 46 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- 178.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,261 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 83% better than the average 2026 subcompact car (24 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Honda Prelude is a subcompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,261 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (46 city / 41 highway), 83% better than the 2026 subcompact car average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $1,500 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRELUDE | 178.3 in | 74 in | 53.5 in | 102.8 in | 64.2 / 63.4 in | 3,261 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelude Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 46 / 41 / 44 | +83% | $1,500 | 203 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Honda Prelude.
Similar 2026 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Honda Prelude (this car) | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra | 54 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Honda Prelude.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Honda Prelude is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2026 Honda Prelude in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Other Prelude years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Prelude | 44 | 178.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →