Honda has reintroduced the Prelude to North America as a hybrid-electric sports coupé due at US dealers in late autumn 2026.
The sixth-generation model pairs the brand’s two-motor hybrid system with Civic Type R chassis hardware to deliver grand-touring comfort with sharper steering and handling.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors, producing a combined 200hp (149kW) and 315Nm.
A new S+ Shift mode simulates a performance gearbox with virtual rev-matched downshifts, gear holding and enhanced engine sound, operated via steering-wheel paddles.
Four drive modes namely Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual adjust powertrain response, steering assistance, adaptive damping, engine sound and instrument display.
Under the skin, the Prelude adopts the Type R’s dual-axis strut front suspension, wide tracks and large brakes.
Standard adaptive dampers are uniquely tuned, while Brembo four-piston aluminium front calipers clamp lightweight two-piece 350mm rotors; the rear rotors measure 305mm. High-performance summer tyres will be offered.
Equipment is fixed to a single, well-specified trim. Highlights include leather-trimmed front sport seats with integrated head restraints and three-stage heating, 19-inch Berlina Black wheels on 235/40 R19 tyres, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy paddles, sport pedals, and 2+2 seating with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench.
A 10.2-inch digital cluster and 9-inch HD touchscreen are standard with Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, wireless charging and an eight-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system using new door-mounted Super65 drivers and a cargo-area subwoofer.
Styling is clean and aerodynamic, with a low nose, wide stance, flush door handles and a “double-bubble” roof. Integrated aero elements, including a large front under-spoiler and a flat rear liftgate edge, balance downforce.
Blue detailing accents the fascias and Brembo calipers. Five exterior colours are offered, led by new Winter Frost Pearl with optional black roof.
Cabin design prioritises visibility and support. Honda debuts asymmetrical front-seat bolstering: firmer, more prominent lower-thigh support for the driver and a wider cushion for the front passenger.
Rear legroom is 813mm, and the liftback opens to a practical load space for weekend luggage.
Standard safety covers Honda Sensing with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, plus post-collision braking.
The Prelude also introduces an enhanced Agile Handling Assist that integrates powertrain and braking control to bolster turn-in and stability.
Honda said the Prelude would help lift hybrid penetration beyond 60% of its future sales, joining the Civic and Accord hybrids in a renewed passenger-car line-up.
