Honda’s two-motor hybrid powertrain moves the all-new Prelude. Even though it’s only delivering 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, the instant torque from the electric motor powering the front wheels makes it feel a bit quicker than those numbers suggest. However, if you’re looking to tune a Honda Prelude for increased power, this won’t be the generation to do it with.
Every Prelude get four drive modes: Sport, GT, Comfort, and Individual. Each drive mode feels distinct. Thanks to an adaptive suspension compliments of the Civic Type R, the Prelude feels wonderful to drive. The suspension tuning specific to Prelude gives it an enjoyable, easy driving, GT feel.
The Prelude benefits from Honda’s enhanced Handling Assist software. This system now operates under braking in addition to during acceleration. This gives you even more grip in turns and helps mitigate understeer. This car behaves itself quite nicely both heading into turns and coming out of them. It feels confident and stable. In the canyons, the Honda Prelude provides a pleasing and engaging driving experience.
As it’s a hybrid, the Prelude offers up regenerative capacity though its braking system. There are seven levels. That number deserves an exclamation point because it feels like overkill. The steering and brakes also come compliments of the Civic Type R but are tuned to suit the more subdued touring personality of the Prelude.
Honda believes the new S+ Shift feature to be the abracadabra in this magic show. We’re not so convinced. S+ Shift simulates a transmission, which you do not get with Honda’s smooth direct-drive hybrid. It simulates eight gears (we’d suggest six, max) and performs a virtual rev matching. Bigger exhaust sounds get pumped into the cabin. Honda’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder doesn’t make a displeasing sound, but it’s not something that needs to be amplified. None of these physically change driving engagement. They act as entertaining spectacle and theater, the novelty of which might soon wear off for an owner.
One advantage S+ Shift offers is adaptation to driving inputs. As the car adapts to g-forces around turns due to braking, throttle, and steering inputs, the Prelude will “downshift” quickly. Often it “shifts” more than one gear for more power when the driver gets back on throttle. This makes twisty roads delightful to drive.
For even more fun, you can get the Honda Prelude with Continental summer tires on 19-inch wheels. As for what you’re seeing on the road, you’ll be grateful for Honda’s safety features suite, Honda Sensing, because the liftback B-pillars are formidable.
The Prelude’s gas mileage numbers are another endorsement if you’re looking for ways to rationalize your purchase. With 46 city, 41 highway and 44 combined mpg, you’re looking at fun and practicality.
