Compare the2026 Subaru BRZVS 2026 Honda Prelude

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The BRZ Limited Auto has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Prelude doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The BRZ has standard MySubaru Connected Services, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Prelude doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the BRZ and the Prelude have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Honda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first 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 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.

The BRZ Limited Auto has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Prelude doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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.

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 13 years. The Prelude has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.