- Honda has launched a new ad campaign promoting the 2026 Prelude.
- It’s narrated by John Cena and focuses on Honda’s fun-to-drive lineup.
- The Prelude is currently arriving at dealerships, where it will cost $42,000.
The Honda Prelude gave a lot of people sticker shock as it starts at $42,000 before a $1,195 destination fee. That’s far more expensive than stronger rivals including the Ford Mustang, Toyota GR86, and Subaru BRZ. In fact, the hybrid coupe is only a few thousand dollars cheaper than the 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) Civic Type R.
This will likely make the Prelude a tough sell, but that hasn’t stopped the company from rolling out a new ad campaign known as Engineered for Fun. It debuted during last night’s NBA game on NBC and promotes Honda’s lineup of “exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles.”
More: Honda Didn’t Expect Boomers To Overrun Prelude Orders But Here We Are
While the Prelude is the star, the campaign also features lesser known models such as the CRF450RX motocross bike and Talon 1000R side-by-side. They’re joined by the Passport TrailSport as well as the 0 Series Saloon prototype.
However, the Prelude is the primary focus and the ad “uses facial expression analysis technology to showcase the exhilarating experience behind the wheel.” As part of this effort, we can see readings for joy, excitement, and exhilaration.
The ad starts off slow, but finishes strong as it puts the Prelude in a good light. As a refresher, the car features a hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a combined output of 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 232 lb-ft (314 Nm) of torque.
That’s nothing to write home about, but the coupe also comes equipped with adaptive dampers, Brembo front brakes, and a dual-axis strut front suspension sourced from the Civic Type R.
While the price tag is steep, the Prelude comes in one well-equipped trim that includes heated leather sport seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system.
They’re joined by a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment system, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems.
Yes, it is as fun as it looks. Excited to drive the new Prelude and to be the voice of @Honda. pic.twitter.com/adU1wH8h6q
— John Cena (@JohnCena) November 18, 2025