What Was Honda Thinking? New Honda Prelude vs. Ford Mustang vs. Subaru BRZ vs. Mazda Miata

Is the new 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid the stylish sports car we’ve been waiting for, or just a Civic in a fancy suit? We pit it against the Mustang, BRZ and Miata to find out.

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Honda Prelude Edmunds review — https://www.edmunds.com/honda/prelude/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube_description
Ford Mustang Edmunds review — https://www.edmunds.com/ford/mustang/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube_description
Mazda Miata Edmunds review — https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mx-5-miata/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube_description
Ford Mustang Edmunds review — https://www.edmunds.com/ford/mustang/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube_description

00:00 Intro
01:18 The Numbers
05:54 Driving Impressions
12:10 Interior, Tech, & Comfort
15:58 Value
17:19 Edmunds’ Take

The Honda Prelude is back after a 25-year hiatus, but it’s not exactly what enthusiasts might expect. Now arriving as the 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid, this coupe shares its powertrain with the Civic Hybrid but adds the sophisticated front suspension of a Civic Type R. In our Honda Prelude review, we found that while the Prelude’s horsepower might seem modest, its real-world performance is more nuanced.
During testing, the Honda Prelude 0-60 time clocked in at 7.2 seconds in Sport mode — quicker than a standard Civic Hybrid but trailing significantly behind the Ford Mustang, Subaru BRZ and Mazda Miata. However, the Prelude shone on the skidpad, pulling a massive 1.02 g, proving it has serious grip. On the track, the 2026 Honda Prelude feels more like a front-wheel-drive grand tourer than a hardcore sports car, offering simulated gear shifts that add engagement to its hybrid car efficiency.
While the 2026 Subaru BRZ remains the best pure driver’s car and the 2026 Mazda Miata is a delight for those who don’t need space, the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost struggles without its performance package. The Prelude’s biggest hurdle is its price; at over $43,000, it’s the most expensive and slowest car in this group. Yet, with an EPA-estimated 44 mpg combined, it offers a level of everyday practicality and efficiency that no other rival can touch.

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Disclaimer: This video’s description was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by the Edmunds editorial team. The video itself was created entirely without the use of artificial intelligence.

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