The 2001 Prelude uses a 2.2-liter inline-4 VTEC engine from Honda’s H-series family, delivering about 200 horsepower in base form and around 210 horsepower in the Type SH variant.
In the fifth-generation Prelude, Honda offered two main variants of the 2.2-liter engine. The base Prelude employed the H22A4 configuration, producing roughly 200 hp, while the sport-focused Type SH used the H22A2 variant to push output to about 210 hp. Both engines are naturally aspirated, DOHC with VTEC, and were paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission depending on market and trim.
Engine family and specs
Key specifications for the 2001 Prelude engine across trims:
- Engine code: H22A (H22A4 in US base trim; H22A2 in the SH variant)
- Displacement: 2.2 L (approximately 2,194 cc)
- Configuration: Inline-4
- Valvetrain: DOHC with VTEC
- Power: about 200 hp (base) and about 210 hp (SH)
- Torque: roughly 156–159 lb-ft depending on variant
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Redline: around 7,000 rpm
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (varies by market/trim)
Note: horsepower figures vary by market and emissions tuning. The SH variant typically offered higher output and enhanced performance hardware compared with the base model.
Trim differences
To understand how the engine translates to performance, here is a quick look at the two main trims from the 2001 Prelude:
- Base Prelude: H22A4, about 200 hp, roughly 156–159 lb-ft of torque; available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Prelude Type SH: H22A2, about 210 hp; enhanced handling with features like a differential and sport-tuned suspension; typically paired with a 5-speed manual
These variations reflect Honda’s approach to offering a rev-happy, capable VTEC engine in a relatively affordable sports coupe, with the SH trim emphasizing higher power and sharper handling.
Summary
The 2001 Honda Prelude is powered by the 2.2-liter H22A VTEC inline-4, delivering 200 horsepower in the base model and 210 horsepower in the Type SH. It remains a rev-happy, naturally aspirated engine known for smooth power delivery, paired with various transmission options depending on trim.