Honda is officially bringing back the 2026 Honda Prelude, its beloved moon roof-loving sports coupe, with a scheduled launch in late 2026. While we don’t have all the details, the buzz around this compact coupe is undeniable. Early images reveal a stylish design, and some intriguing specs about its powertrain are starting to emerge.
The Prelude nameplate, which Honda retired in 2001, first hit the roads in 1978 and spanned five generations. The first-generation Prelude packed a modest 72 horsepower from a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. By its fifth generation, it boasted 200 horsepower from a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine in the U.S. market. A Japan-exclusive Type S model delivered an even more impressive 217 horsepower.
What’s New for the Sixth-Generation Prelude?
The upcoming 2026 Honda Prelude features a hybrid powertrain, marking a significant evolution. It will incorporate Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, similar to what’s found in the Civic Hybrid, which pairs a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors. This setup produces 200 horsepower in the Civic Hybrid, while the Accord Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid manage 204 horsepower. For the Prelude, enthusiasts are hoping for an output of 225 to 250 horsepower, potentially with a base Prelude model and a sportier Prelude SI variant.
Table of Contents
S+ Shift Technology: Enhanced Driving Engagement
A highlight of the new Prelude is Honda’s S+ Shift technology, which aims to maximize driver engagement. Though it’s unlikely that a manual transmission will be offered—a disappointment for purists—the two-motor hybrid system features a direct-drive setup. This configuration balances the feel of a traditional automatic transmission with the efficiency of a CVT.
Interior and Features
The new 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to share its cabin design philosophy with the current Civic and Accord models, offering a polished and modern interior. With a focus on comfort and a slightly sporty edge, the Prelude aims to deliver a well-rounded driving experience. While it won’t rival the performance of the Civic Type R, the Prelude is shaping up to be an excellent daily driver with a hint of sportiness.
A Breath of Fresh Air
In an era dominated by SUVs, the return of a sporty coupe like the Prelude is a welcome change. Honda continues to impress across its lineup, and the Prelude’s comeback is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering exciting and versatile vehicles. Stay tuned as more details emerge about the 2026 Honda Prelude a modern tribute to a classic.
The 1960s coupe, Honda Prelude, will be brought back to life as a hybrid vehicle, and an arrival date has already been confirmed.
Ever since Honda unveiled a new 2026 Honda Prelude concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show in October 2023, there has been speculation about a triumphant return of the unmistakable 1960s coupe. In the middle of this year, the Japanese manufacturer said it would become a production vehicle, and now it has announced a date for its grand presentation.
Honda said the new Prelude will be a hybrid model and debut first in Europe in early 2026. It also confirmed the incorporation of a new technology called “S-Shift” that will further enhance driving pleasure. In reality, the brand does not see this as a rebirth but rather as the birth of a new generation of the coupe.
With its 23-year history, between 1978 and 2001, during which it completed five generations, this would be, in effect, its sixth commercial cycle. It promises a significant evolution to adapt to current market trends and aims to consolidate itself as an electrified sports car segment leader.
What else does Honda anticipate about the 2026 Prelude?
In the teaser, Honda highlighted the features of the S-Shift technology, which will be incorporated for the first time in the new 2026 Prelude. As explained by the Japanese manufacturer, the Honda S+ Shift technology will simulate the sound and feel of rapid automatic gear changes to provide the model’s exhilarating driving pleasure.
The Honda Prelude is an iconic model, and its latest addition promises to strengthen that legacy with our signature hybrid performance and the latest dynamic technology. These features aim to provide exceptional efficiency, performance, and driving fun.
2026 Honda Prelude between nostalgia and avant-garde
The Prelude Hybrid promises to appeal to classic sports car enthusiasts and those looking for efficient technology. Arriving in 2025, the Honda Prelude will attempt to reaffirm its ability to combine design, performance and sustainability while seeking to captivate new generations of drivers.
Its sale in the United States is only confirmed for the end of 2025. Honda, which has not had a new model in its product line for approximately 20 years, will bring this vehicle to Mexico in 2026. Therefore, it would keep company with its younger brother, the Honda Civic Hybrid.
Automatic transmission with gear simulator and sound
In today’s automotive landscape, selling a sports car is hard. A big part of the Prelude’s essence was the price. A car that you could have a lot of fun with without breaking the bank. If the sixth generation wants to be as successful as the previous ones, it must meet this requirement and be fun to drive. This is where Honda will be paying close attention.
We already know that the Japanese coupe will have a 210-horsepower hybrid system. It’s not an outrageously high figure, but it doesn’t always mean more. We live in an age of prominent power figures, but you don’t need a lot of power to have fun. It’s quite the opposite.
Two hundred well-presented horses are worth more than 500 that you can never use. Weight is key in this formula. Although Honda has been brief on details and figures, it has clarified that the Prelude will be equipped with an automatic transmission system called Honda S+ Shift, which will enhance “driving pleasure. A CVT automatic transmission “will simulate the sound and sensation of rapid automatic gear changes.
The CVT is far from being recognized as the sportiest automatic transmission in the world, but if there is anyone to trust, it is the Japanese. Honda has some experience in these matters.
The return of the Honda Prelude will be a reality in 2026. It has already been confirmed for the European market as a sports coupe with a hybrid powertrain.
The 2026 Honda Prelude is one of those cars that generates buzz from when the first rumors emerge until it finally hits the market. And it marks the return of a Honda legend 25 years after its sales ended. It will hit the market in 2026 as a hybrid sports coupe, and, for the moment, this is all that is known about the new Prelude.
As I said, the Prelude marked an era in the Japanese manufacturer’s history. It was launched in 1978 and, after five generations, ended its commercial life in 2001. Honda had no intention of launching a sixth generation of a niche car like the Prelude, but everything changed at the end of last year.
And one of the most advanced cars of the moment is back. The 2026 Honda Prelude will return to the brand’s European dealerships in over a year. The first contact with this model occurred in October 2023, when the Hamamatsu manufacturer presented a curious prototype at the Japan Motor Show.
There had been much speculation that the 2026 Honda Prelude would be equipped with the same hybrid powertrain as the Honda Civic e: HEV. This powertrain combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors for a total power of 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque, managed by a CVT-type automatic transmission.
The Civic has an average consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and claims a range of up to 840 kilometers. Of course, it has the DGT’s ECO environmental badge. However, this propulsion system does not seem equipped for the new Prelude. We will know more details as its launch approaches.
The iconic Honda Prelude announces its return in 2026 as a hybrid model.
Since its first appearance as a prototype at the Tokyo Auto Show in October 2023, the return of the Honda Prelude has raised great expectations. This iconic coupé, which marked an era in the sixties, already had rumors of possible series production. In the middle of this year, Honda officially confirmed that the model would reach the market, recently accompanied by announcing a definitive presentation date.
The Honda Prelude, produced between 1978 and 2001, spans five generations. This upcoming model, the sixth in its history, will seek to redefine its place in the electrified sports car segment. Honda plans to position it as a benchmark in performance, technology, and efficiency, which are key elements for next-generation vehicles.
One of the model’s main attractions will be S-Shift technology, which will be introduced with the 2026 Prelude. This system, developed by Honda, will simulate both the sound and the sensation of rapid gear changes in an automatic transmission, providing a dynamic and exciting driving experience. According to the brand, this approach seeks to capture the sporty spirit that has always characterized the Prelude.
Hans De Jaeger, Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, highlighted the historic importance of this model, noting: “The Honda Prelude is an iconic vehicle, and this new version reinforces its legacy by integrating our advanced hybrid system and the latest technology. The aim is to offer a perfect combination of efficiency, performance and driving pleasure.
As part of Honda’s hybrid strategy, the new Prelude will have the e: HEV system, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. This mechanical combination allows for different power outputs depending on the model. For example, the Honda Civic reaches 184 horsepower, giving an idea of ​​the performance expected from this next-generation sports coupe.
The new Honda Prelude is distinguished by incorporating a CVT-type transmission that, thanks to the ‘S+ Shift’ technology, offers a unique experience.
Despite sharing a platform with the Civic, the Prelude features several specific tweaks that improve its performance. The wheelbase has been reduced, contributing to excellent maneuverability, while wider axles and increased structural rigidity offer outstanding stability, especially when cornering. Additionally, the vehicle’s weight has been reduced by 10%, improving its efficiency and overall performance.