2027 Honda Prelude vs 2027 Subaru BRZ: Sport Coupe Comparison

Shop 2027 Honda Prelude Inventory Value Your Trade Schedule a Test Drive

The 2027 Honda Prelude hybrid hits 44 combined MPG while the 2027 Subaru BRZ returns 22 combined MPG on premium fuel. The BRZ posts 228 hp from a naturally aspirated engine, while the Prelude delivers 200 hp through a refined e:HEV hybrid system. This page lays out every key spec side by side so you can find the right coupe at Burleson Honda.

The Short Answer

The 2027 Honda Prelude is the right pick for a driver who wants a stylish coupe that doubles as a practical daily driver, with fuel efficiency that cuts stops at the pump nearly in half. The 2027 Subaru BRZ is built for the driver who prioritizes rear-wheel-drive handling, a manual gearbox, and raw engine response above all else. Neither car loses on its own terms, but they serve very different priorities behind the wheel.

Specs Head-to-Head

Spec2027 Honda Prelude2027 Subaru BRZ
Engine2.0L 4-cyl e:HEV two-motor hybrid2.4L BOXER 4-cyl naturally aspirated
Total System Horsepower200 hp228 hp
Torque232 lb-ft (electric motor, 0-2,000 rpm)184 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
Transmissione-CVT with S+ Shift paddle shifters6-speed manual (auto optional on Limited)
DrivetrainFront-wheel driveRear-wheel drive
EPA City / Hwy / Combined MPG46 / 41 / 4420 / 27 / 22 (manual)
Fuel RequiredRegular unleadedPremium unleaded (93 octane)
Seating44
Cargo Volume15.1 cu ft6.3 cu ft
Length178.4 in167.9 in
Wheelbase102.6 in101.4 in
Curb Weight3,261 lbs2,842 lbs (manual)
Basic Warranty3 yr / 36,000 mi3 yr / 36,000 mi
Powertrain Warranty5 yr / 60,000 mi5 yr / 60,000 mi

EPA fuel economy ratings for both vehicles

Performance and Powertrain

2027 Honda Prelude and 2027 Subaru BRZ performance comparison

The Prelude's e:HEV system produces 232 lb-ft of torque from zero rpm through the electric motor, which means power arrives without any wait. Honda's S+ Shift system uses paddle shifters and four drive modes (Comfort, GT, Sport, Individual) to simulate a dual-clutch experience over the e-CVT. Adaptive suspension dampers adjust in real time, and Brembo four-piston front calipers with two-piece rotors handle the stops.

The BRZ fights from a different corner. Its 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER flat-four spins to a 7,000 rpm redline and delivers 228 hp with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission on both the Limited and tS trims. The tS adds STI-tuned Hitachi dampers and a Brembo braking system with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. A TORSEN limited-slip rear differential is standard across the lineup. A 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available on the Limited trim only, and that variant returns up to 30 highway MPG on premium fuel.

The BRZ is lighter by roughly 400 pounds and is rear-wheel drive, which makes it the sharper car on a winding road. The Prelude counters with torque that arrives at a standstill, a far more comfortable ride in Comfort or GT mode, and a powertrain that never requires premium fuel.

2027 Honda Prelude powertrain details

Interior, Space, and Cargo

2027 Honda Prelude and 2027 Subaru BRZ interior comparison

The Prelude carries 15.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, which is more than double the BRZ's 6.3 cubic feet. Front legroom is nearly identical at 42.3 inches in the Prelude versus 41.5 inches in the BRZ, but rear legroom tells a bigger story: the Prelude offers 32.0 inches compared to 29.9 inches in the BRZ. Front headroom is nearly the same (37.2 vs 37.0 inches), though the Prelude sits 1.8 inches taller overall.

Inside the Prelude, leather-trimmed sport seats with blue accent stitching, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and white ambient lighting set the tone. Dual-zone automatic climate control and a wireless charging pad come standard, along with heated front seats.

The BRZ cabin pairs Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery with color-matched accent stitching (red on Limited, blue on tS) and a 7-inch configurable digital gauge cluster. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also standard. The tS cluster adds an STI design with red metallic accents and g-force, engine power curve, and oil temperature readouts.

For anyone who carries gear or passengers regularly, the Prelude's cargo advantage is significant. The BRZ suits drivers who prioritize the driving experience and can accept a smaller trunk.

Technology and Safety

2027 Honda Prelude and Subaru BRZ technology comparison

Technology

The Prelude runs a 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in (including Google Gemini), wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a Bose eight-speaker system with subwoofer. The Google integration includes a three-month unlimited data plan for in-vehicle apps. Alexa Built-In, HondaLink connected services, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and two USB-C ports round out the tech list. Remote start comes standard.

The BRZ uses an 8.0-inch Subaru Multimedia Plus System with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio setup, and SiriusXM with a trial subscription. There is no wireless phone charging, no remote start, and no Google built-in integration listed in the verified specs.

2027 Honda Prelude and Subaru BRZ safety comparison

Safety

On safety, Honda Sensing is fully standard on the Prelude and covers collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, blind-spot information, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. Front and rear parking sensors (four sensors each) are included.

Subaru EyeSight on the BRZ covers adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lane keep assist. Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard. Rear automatic braking (on automatic transmission models) is optional on the Limited and not available on the tS. The tS instead gets rear clearance sonar sensors as standard. Both cars carry a full airbag complement.

The Prelude's wireless projection, Google integration, and more comprehensive standard parking sensor coverage give it a tech edge for daily use. The BRZ tS's available Track Mode in its stability control system and STI suspension tuning point toward spirited driving on real roads and track days.

Honda Sensing safety suite overview

Value and Ownership

Both coupes share identical warranty terms: three years/36,000 miles basic coverage and five years/60,000 miles powertrain coverage. The BRZ also includes a one-year/12,000-mile wear item warranty covering brake pads, wiper blades, clutch linings, and transmitter batteries, plus a five-year unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty.

The Prelude's 44 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel creates a clear long-term cost advantage. The BRZ manual requires premium 93-octane fuel and returns 22 combined MPG, meaning fuel costs are roughly double per mile driven. Over 15,000 miles a year at typical Texas pump prices, that difference adds up to a meaningful amount in favor of the Prelude.

The Prelude also includes Honda's Maintenance Program, covering the first year or 12,000 miles of scheduled maintenance at no cost. No equivalent program was listed for the BRZ in the verified specs.

Standard content in the Prelude, including Brembo brakes, adaptive dampers, Bose audio, Google built-in, wireless charging, and remote start, leaves very little to add. The BRZ tS bundles its STI suspension and Brembo brakes at the top of that lineup as well, so both cars deliver meaningful hardware at their respective entry points.

Burleson Honda new Honda inventory

Which One Should You Buy

Buy the 2027 Honda Prelude if

you want a sport coupe that works just as well on a Monday morning commute as it does on a Saturday drive. The 46-city MPG on regular fuel, 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, wireless tech, Google built-in, and a 232 lb-ft electric torque curve make it the more usable car by a wide margin. It suits buyers in Burleson and across the DFW area who want something genuinely sporty without the compromises of a track-focused coupe.

Buy the 2027 Subaru BRZ if

you want the purest rear-wheel-drive experience available in this class. The close-ratio manual, TORSEN LSD, 7,000 rpm redline, and STI tuning on the tS are built for a specific kind of driver who will use every rev. Accept the smaller trunk, the premium fuel requirement, and the stiffer ride in exchange for genuine sports car dynamics.

Both cars are genuinely compelling. The right answer depends entirely on what you value most in the driver's seat.

Compare the 2027 Prelude at Burleson Honda, See One in Person

The 2027 Honda Prelude is available now at Burleson Honda, serving drivers throughout the greater DFW area. If you want to sit in one, run a quick test drive, or check current inventory against what you have in your driveway, the team at Burleson Honda is ready to help you make the call with confidence.

Shop 2027 Honda Prelude Inventory Value Your Trade Schedule a Test Drive

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2027 Honda Prelude get better fuel economy than the 2027 Subaru BRZ?

Yes, by a significant margin. The Prelude returns 46 city / 41 highway / 44 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. The BRZ returns 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG (manual transmission) and requires premium 93-octane fuel.

Which car has more cargo space, the Prelude or the BRZ?

The Prelude carries 15.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats. The BRZ offers 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space, making the Prelude the more practical choice for anyone who hauls gear.

Does the 2027 Honda Prelude have a manual transmission option?

No. The Prelude uses an e-CVT paired with Honda S+ Shift paddle shifters that simulate a dual-clutch experience through four drive modes. The BRZ offers a 6-speed close-ratio manual on all trims.

Which car is rear-wheel drive?

The 2027 Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive on all trims. The 2027 Honda Prelude is front-wheel drive.

Does the 2027 Prelude include wireless Apple CarPlay?

Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are both standard on the 2027 Honda Prelude. The BRZ uses wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration through its multimedia system.

Does the BRZ require premium gasoline?

Yes. The 2027 Subaru BRZ requires premium unleaded gasoline (93 octane) on all trims. The Prelude runs on regular unleaded, which reduces ongoing fuel costs.

What safety systems come standard on the 2027 Honda Prelude?

Honda Sensing is fully standard and includes collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane keeping assist, blind-spot information, rear cross-traffic monitoring, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and eight front and rear parking sensors.

Are the warranties the same on both cars?

Both the 2027 Prelude and 2027 BRZ carry a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The BRZ adds a 1-year/12,000-mile wear item warranty and a 5-year unlimited-mileage rust perforation warranty.