Not currently. The Honda Prelude has historically been front-wheel drive with an optional four-wheel-steering setup in some generations, and Honda has not announced any all-wheel-drive version or revival of the Prelude with AWD.
The following explores the question in more detail, including the Prelude’s drivetrain history, why AWD has not appeared, and what would be required for a future AWD version—whether from Honda or through aftermarket work.
Prelude history and drivetrain layout
The Prelude lineage ran from 1978 to 2001. Across its five generations, Honda kept the car as a front-wheel-drive platform, with torque steered by design rather than a dedicated AWD system. In the later generations, Honda offered four-wheel steering (4WS) as an advanced handling feature on some trims, but this did not provide power to the rear wheels. The model was ultimately discontinued after the 2001 5th-generation run, and Honda has not indicated any revival that would include AWD.
Four-wheel steering explained
Four-wheel steering alters the steering angle of the rear wheels to improve agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds. It is a chassis technology, not a transfer of drive power to the rear axle. This is a common point of confusion when people discuss AWD and 4WS in the Prelude.
Key historical facts about the drivetrain include:
- All Prelude generations used front-wheel drive; there was no factory AWD option.
- 4WS was available on some 4th- and 5th-generation models, but it did not add rear-wheel propulsion.
- The Prelude’s production ended in 2001, with no official revival announced to date.
- There have been rumors about a revival, but no credible official details about AWD have been released.
Overall, the Prelude’s history shows that AWD was never offered from the factory, and there is no confirmed plan for an AWD Prelude in the near term.
Could Honda revive the Prelude with AWD?
Any move to an AWD Prelude would require substantial engineering, investment, and strategic justification. Several feasibility factors come into play, from platform compatibility to market demand and regulatory considerations.
Feasibility factors
Here are the major considerations that would shape such a decision:
- Platform and drivetrain compatibility: Incorporating AWD would likely require a new or heavily modified platform to accommodate a rear-driven system and appropriate suspension tuning.
- Powertrain integration: An AWD system would need to be matched with a suitable engine and transmission, with reliable power transfer and safeguards against torque steer or driveline binding.
- Engineering and cost: The development, testing, and certification costs for a new AWD Prelude would be substantial, with uncertain return on investment.
- Market demand: Honda would assess whether there is sufficient consumer interest to justify the engineering and marketing investments for a Prelude return, especially in a market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
- Regulatory and safety testing: Any AWD system would undergo extensive regulatory testing for crash safety, emissions, and performance standards before sales could begin.
- Alternatives: Honda has pursued AWD in other models (e.g., some SUVs and performance variants), but bringing AWD to a legacy coupe would require a strategic justification distinct from those models.
In practice, while aftermarket shops can attempt conversions to AWD, such projects are complex, expensive, and risky in terms of reliability and resale value. Factory AWD would demand a major engineering program and a convincing business case, which, as of now, does not exist for a Prelude revival.
Summary
As of today, there is no confirmed plan for an all-wheel-drive Honda Prelude. The original Prelude lineup was front-wheel drive, with four-wheel steering offered as a chassis feature on some models, but not as propulsion. A factory AWD Prelude would require a substantial reengineering of the car’s platform and drivetrain, along with strong market justification. For enthusiasts seeking AWD in a Honda, attention is better placed on other models that already offer AWD or on future concept vehicles that Honda may announce. The Prelude remains a classic, but an AWD return has not been announced.