Compare the2026 Subaru BRZ VS 2027 Honda Prelude

Both the BRZ and the Prelude have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru second in overall reliability. Honda is ranked fourth.

The BRZ’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 28 more horsepower (228 vs. 200) than the Prelude’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the BRZ lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Prelude doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The BRZ has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Prelude (13.2 vs. 10.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The BRZ’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Prelude are solid, not vented.

The BRZ has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Prelude’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The BRZ’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (55.5% to 44.5%) than the Prelude’s (63% to 37%). This gives the BRZ more stable handling and braking.

The BRZ Limited handles at .99 G’s, while the Prelude pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the BRZ’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Prelude’s (35.4 feet vs. 38 feet).

The Subaru BRZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 pounds less than the Honda Prelude.

The BRZ is 10.5 inches shorter than the Prelude, making the BRZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The engine in the BRZ is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Prelude. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Honda. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 15% lower rating, Honda is ranked 7th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the BRZ’s exterior PIN entry system. The Prelude doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the BRZ has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Prelude doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The BRZ has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Prelude doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Compared to the Honda Prelude, the Subaru BRZ eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its optional integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

The BRZ is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access too more content and better coverage than the Prelude, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the BRZ offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the Prelude.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the BRZ equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The Prelude, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Subaru BRZ empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

Compared to the Honda Prelude’s traditional radio, the Subaru BRZ equipped with standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru BRZ, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BRZ was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 4 more times in the last 14 years. The Prelude has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The Subaru BRZ outsold the Honda Prelude by over 14 to one during 2025.