Honda Prelude
44 MPG The 2026 Honda Prelude is EPA-rated at 44 MPG combined (46 city / 41 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 341 gallons, $1091 a year in fuel, or $0.073 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–2026 run it averages 23.1 MPG, improving by 20.2 MPG over 18 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.057 | $568 | $852 | $1136 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.068 | $682 | $1023 | $1364 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.073 | $727 | $1091 | $1455 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.080 | $795 | $1193 | $1591 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.091 | $909 | $1364 | $1818 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.102 | $1023 | $1534 | $2045 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44 MPG | 46 | 41 | $1400 | 203 | 1 |
| 2001 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2000 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1999 | 21 MPG | 19.5 | 24 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 1998 | 21.5 MPG | 19.5 | 24.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1996 | 21.4 MPG | 19.4 | 24.4 | $3320 | 416 | 5 |
| 1995 | 21.6 MPG | 19.6 | 25 | $3300 | 412 | 5 |
| 1994 | 21.6 MPG | 19.6 | 25 | $3300 | 412 | 5 |
| 1993 | 22.2 MPG | 19.7 | 25.8 | $3158 | 402 | 6 |
| 1992 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 25.8 | $3188 | 405 | 4 |
| 1991 | 21 MPG | 18.8 | 24.3 | $2967 | 424 | 6 |
| 1990 | 21 MPG | 18.8 | 24.3 | $2967 | 424 | 6 |
| 1989 | 20.8 MPG | 19 | 24.5 | $3000 | 429 | 4 |
| 1988 | 21.3 MPG | 19.3 | 24.5 | $2938 | 419 | 4 |
| 1987 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 28 | $2600 | 371 | 4 |
| 1986 | 23.5 MPG | 21.3 | 27.5 | $2650 | 378 | 4 |
| 1985 | 22.8 MPG | 20.8 | 26.6 | $2740 | 391 | 5 |
| 1984 | 23.8 MPG | 21.3 | 28 | $2625 | 375 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Honda Prelude ranks 5 on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Geo Metro XFI (47), Toyota Mirai (72), MINI Cooper SE Hardtop 2 door (110), Mitsubishi i-MiEV (112).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 203 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 3.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Honda Prelude get?
The 2026 Honda Prelude is rated at 44 MPG combined by the EPA — 46 city and 41 highway. Across all 18 model years in the database it averages 23.1 MPG, ranging from 20 to 44 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Honda Prelude cost in fuel per year?
At 44 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 341 gallons — roughly $1091 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.073 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $1400.
Has the Honda Prelude become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 23.8 MPG in 1984 to 44 in 2026 — an improvement of 20.2 MPG, or 85% across 18 model years.
Is the Honda Prelude efficient for its class?
It ranks 5 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.1 MPG. That is 19.9 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.