After a 25-year hiatus, Honda is bringing back a legendary nameplate that has long been missed in the automotive world: the Prelude. Set to hit U.S. showrooms in late 2025 as a 2026 model, the all-new Prelude will combine nostalgia with modern technology by embracing a hybrid powertrain. This marks Honda’s second successful revival of a beloved model, following the Acura Integra’s return in 2022.
A Hybrid Approach
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The Prelude’s revival feels like a long time coming, especially for Honda enthusiasts who remember the car’s legacy as a sleek and stylish coupe. This time around, the Prelude will feature Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, similar to the setup in the current Civic and Accord hybrids. While full specifications have yet to be confirmed, this powertrain choice aligns with Honda’s push toward electrification, offering improved efficiency without compromising on driving dynamics.
Notably, Honda isn’t marketing the Prelude as a hardcore sports car or a Toyota GR86 rival. Instead, it’s shaping up to be a well-balanced, stylish coupe that prioritizes an engaging, sporty experience with hybrid efficiency. Given the current market’s sparse offerings of affordable two-doors, the Prelude’s arrival is refreshing news for coupe fans.
A Design That’s True to the Concept
Honda first teased the return of the Prelude at the 2023 LA Auto Show, where the concept car immediately captured attention. With its sleek lines, aggressive stance, and unmistakably sporty proportions, it hinted at a coupe that honors the past while looking distinctly modern. If the production version stays true to this concept—which Honda says it will—it’ll be a head-turner when it reaches dealerships.
Honda used the LA Auto Show as a litmus test to gauge customer interest in the Prelude, and clearly, the response was positive enough to green-light U.S. production. Nostalgia, combined with smart modern design, remains a winning formula—something we’ve already seen with the Acura Integra’s successful revival.
A New Level of Driving Engagement
One of the most intriguing features confirmed for the new Prelude is Honda’s S+ Shift technology. This system builds on Honda’s existing Linear Shift Control, which is designed to replicate the feel of a conventional automatic transmission in hybrid cars. For context, Honda’s two-motor hybrid system eliminates the need for a traditional gearbox, with one of the electric motors directly driving the wheels most of the time. At higher speeds, a lockup clutch allows the engine to assist, creating a seamless and efficient driving experience.
S+ Shift takes this further, aiming to deliver a sportier, more engaging experience that’s worthy of the Prelude name. While Honda has yet to reveal exactly how S+ Shift works, it’s clear the automaker is targeting driving enthusiasts who want something more dynamic from a hybrid coupe. It’s an exciting development that promises to set the Prelude apart from other hybrids in its class.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While Honda’s announcement has sparked plenty of excitement, there are still a few key details missing. For starters, Honda hasn’t confirmed where the Prelude will be built, what its price range will look like, or specific performance numbers. Given that it shares much of its underpinnings with the Civic hybrid, we can expect competitive fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
Pricing will be particularly interesting. If Honda positions the Prelude competitively—likely starting in the mid-to-upper $30,000 range—it could become one of the most attractive options for buyers looking for a stylish, affordable two-door car in an increasingly SUV-dominated market.
The return of the Honda Prelude is more than just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a strategic move that aligns with Honda’s electrified future while offering enthusiasts something fresh. Affordable coupes have become a rarity, and the Prelude’s blend of sporty design, hybrid efficiency, and driving engagement fills a void that has been missing in the market for years.
Honda’s decision to bring back this iconic nameplate also shows its understanding of the emotional connection that buyers have with cars. Much like the Acura Integra, the Prelude is about more than just numbers or utility—it’s about passion, style, and driving enjoyment.
