After more than 20 years away, the Honda Prelude is finally making its comeback. But instead of simply reviving an old formula, Honda has reimagined i
After more than 20 years away, the Honda Prelude is finally making its comeback. But instead of simply reviving an old formula, Honda has reimagined its iconic sports coupe for a new era — one that balances hybrid technology, everyday usability, and the timeless joy of driving.
A Bold Reintroduction
Set to hit Japanese dealerships in September 2025 and reach other markets in 2026, the Prelude is being positioned as something special: not just another sporty coupe, but a “specialty model” that blends efficiency and emotion. Honda wants this car to capture the spirit of driving in an age where hybrids and EVs are taking over.
Price and Positioning
Here’s where things get interesting. The Prelude won’t be cheap. In Japan, pricing starts above the equivalent of $40,000, making it more expensive than some performance rivals like the Nissan Z or even certain trims of the Toyota GR Supra. Honda clearly isn’t trying to compete on price — the Prelude is being marketed as a premium hybrid coupe with exclusivity and heritage built into the package.
Hybrid Heart, Type R Soul
Under the hood, the new Prelude shares its hybrid system with the Civic. That means a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors, good for around 200 horsepower and more than 230 lb-ft of torque. Not massive numbers on paper, but the secret sauce is how it’s tuned.
Honda has borrowed suspension hardware, braking components, and chassis geometry from the Civic Type R, then retuned them for a balance of sportiness and comfort. The result should be a car that feels planted in corners but forgiving enough for everyday driving.
There’s also a unique “S+ Shift” mode. Instead of leaving the hybrid system’s direct drive untouched, Honda has programmed it to mimic an eight-speed gearbox. With paddle shifters, simulated rev-matching, and sporty sound effects, drivers can enjoy the rhythm of shifting even if the transmission itself isn’t traditional.
Design That Nods to the Past
The Prelude’s exterior is sleek and flowing, inspired by the idea of gliders. A sharp front fascia with wing-like headlights, flush door handles, and a clean roofline give it a premium, sculpted look. Blue accents along the lower body subtly hint at its hybrid powertrain, while the stance keeps the low-slung coupe DNA alive.
Inside, Honda has gone for a driver-focused cockpit. Expect supportive seats, a mix of premium materials, and details like embroidered logos and two-tone trim options. Tech-wise, the Prelude comes equipped with a digital cluster, modern infotainment with smartphone integration, and comforts like dual-zone climate control and heated seats.
The practicality factor hasn’t been ignored either. Thanks to a hatchback-style rear and fold-down seats, cargo space is surprisingly generous for a coupe — making the Prelude easier to live with than many of its rivals.
The Enthusiast’s Dilemma
Not everything about the new Prelude is being met with universal praise. Some purists are disappointed by the lack of a manual transmission or a higher horsepower figure. Others question whether the relatively high price will hurt its chances in a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers.
Still, the Prelude is shaping up to be more than just a nostalgic badge. It’s Honda’s attempt to bring excitement back to a segment that has nearly disappeared, while also proving that hybrids don’t have to be boring.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Prelude is bold, ambitious, and a little risky. Honda isn’t playing it safe — it’s betting that drivers still crave style, engagement, and heritage even in a hybrid package.
Whether this new Prelude becomes a cult classic or simply a curious experiment will depend on how it drives in the real world and whether buyers are ready to embrace a coupe that’s both old-school and future-minded.
One thing is certain: the Prelude is back, and that alone is enough to get enthusiasts talking.
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