After more than 20 years, the Honda Prelude is back, with fresh style and hybrid power. This famous two-door coupe, loved by fans since the 1980s, is now heading into the future. It’s expected to hit the roads in late 2025.
Honda first stopped making the Prelude in 2001. But now, they’re blending old-school looks with new technology. According to NewsBytes, the new model features a 2.0-liter engine plus electric motors, giving it between 200 and 240 horsepower. That means better fuel economy and strong performance.
On the outside, the Prelude keeps its sporty shape but adds modern touches like LED lights and bold colors such as Rallye Red and Crystal Black Pearl. Inside, it’s all high-tech with leather seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a powerful Bose sound system.
A standout feature is Honda’s new S+ Shift mode. It mimics manual gear changes and adjusts engine sounds to boost driving excitement. As The Economic Times explains, this system is built to “stimulate all of the driver’s senses.”
Honda’s Sensing 360 suite adds safety features like Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. This helps drivers stay safe on busy roads or relaxed on long drives.
Three trims will be available: EX, Touring, and Elite. Pricing isn’t official yet, but experts expect it to range from $49,000 to $60,000. Touring is likely to offer the best mix of features and value.
MotorTrend also states that, the new Prelude shares its platform with the Civic Hybrid but features changes like a shorter wheelbase and adaptive suspension for better control. It’s sporty, but still smooth.
Drivers can choose from Comfort, GT, Sport, and the exciting new S+ mode. As Pontos Auto reports, the car adapts to road conditions, giving a great ride even on rough streets.
Inside, sporty bucket seats with contrast stitching give support and style. The gear selector and mode switches are easy to reach, giving the cabin a driver-focused look.
The Prelude is also part of Honda’s clean-energy goals. As iDriveSoCal says, the brand is celebrating 25 years of hybrids and aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Performance is impressive: early estimates say 0–60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and a top speed around 112 mph. It competes with sporty rivals but offers better fuel efficiency.
And here’s a fun nod to history, Honda first introduced the Prelude in 1978. It was one of the first cars to feature four-wheel steering and helped shape Honda’s sporty image. Now, the 2026 model brings that legacy into a new era.
Honda’s smart engineering history
The Honda Prelude has always been more than just a cool car, it’s been a way for Honda to show off new ideas. In the past, it introduced smart features like four-wheel steering and VTEC, which made it fun to drive and helped shape Honda’s sporty image.
Now, the new 2026 Prelude continues that tradition. Its hybrid engine and S+ Shift mode bring strong power and a fun driving feel, while also saving fuel. As iDriveSoCal explains, Honda wants to keep driving exciting even as more cars become electric.
This new Prelude mixes old memories with new technology, proving that smart engineering can also be fun.
