Nearly two years after its surprise revival at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Honda Prelude is back this time nearly ready for production. Honda calls the upcoming sixth-generation model the “ideal sports car,” and while that may sound like a bold marketing claim, the car’s features and positioning suggest a calculated mix of performance, practicality, and everyday usability. As the Prelude prepares to launch in Japan this September, here’s everything you need to know about its design, performance expectations, features, and global rollout plans.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Honda Prelude (6th Generation) |
| Type | Hybrid Sports Coupe |
| Engine | 2.0L NA Gasoline + Dual Electric Motors (Expected ~200 hp) |
| Transmission | Automatic only, with S+ paddle shift simulation |
| Suspension | Dual-axis front (from Civic Type R) |
| Brakes | Brembo front brakes |
| Interior Highlights | Two-tone front seats, black rear bench, underfloor cargo, liftgate |
| Launch (Japan) | September 2025 |
| Launch (U.S. & Europe) | Early 2026 (U.S.), Late 2026 (Europe) |
| Expected Price | Over $31,645 USD |
| Variants Expected | Standard initially; Type S and Type R may follow |
| Official Website | Honda Prelude Official Site – Link to be updated when available |
A Quick History: Prelude’s Long-Awaited Comeback
Honda originally introduced the Prelude nameplate in the late 1970s as a compact sports coupe known for balanced handling and refined engineering. After five generations, the model was discontinued in 2001. Fast forward to 2023, and Honda shocked fans by unveiling a Prelude concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This vision of a sporty hybrid coupe evolved further and was showcased in near-production form at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Now, the Prelude is entering its final pre-production phase with a domestic market launch in Japan scheduled for September 2025, followed by U.S. and European availability in 2026.
Design and Platform: More Than a Civic Coupe
Despite the resemblance, Honda insists the Prelude is not just a coupe-ified version of the Civic Hybrid. According to the automaker, the vehicle features “large-diameter tires and an optimized wheelbase,” suggesting unique chassis tuning and handling dynamics. Its design draws inspiration from a glider aircraft, aiming for a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that signals Honda’s direction for future electrified performance models.
While the sloping roofline adds visual flair, interior photos suggest some compromises in practicality particularly in the rear seats. The two-tone front cabin design does not extend to the back, which features an all-black bench seat, likely a cost-cutting measure.
Hybrid Powertrain and Performance Hardware
Although Honda hasn’t released complete technical specifications yet, the new Prelude is expected to be based on the Civic Hybrid’s powertrain. That means a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors, producing around 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet (315 Nm) of torque.
However, the Prelude is being positioned as sportier than the Civic Hybrid, and there’s hope for modest performance upgrades. It will also benefit from Civic Type R hardware, including:
-
Dual-axis front suspension for improved steering precision
-
Brembo front brakes for enhanced stopping power
-
S+ Shift mode with paddle shifters to simulate gear changes
Notably, the car will not feature a manual transmission. Instead, drivers will interact through paddle shifters for a simulated sporty feel similar in concept to Hyundai’s “N Grin Shift” but implemented with a traditional gasoline engine rather than a CVT setup.
Practical Features Meet Everyday Usability
While it’s not built to be a track monster, the Prelude will offer a compelling balance between sportiness and practicality. Unlike the Civic Type R or the premium Acura Integra, the Prelude will be more focused on real-world usability. Practical highlights include:
-
Split-folding rear seats
-
Underfloor cargo storage
-
Liftgate access for added versatility
This design strategy supports Honda’s vision of the Prelude as a sporty yet usable hybrid coupe.
Global Rollout and Future Variants
The sixth-generation Prelude is a true global model. Honda plans to launch the vehicle with consistent design and specifications across all markets. Japan will see the Prelude hit showrooms in September 2025, while the U.S. launch is set for early 2026, followed by Europe later that year.
There are already rumors from Japan about hotter variants in the pipeline, including Type S and even Type R versions. However, these are unlikely to debut any time soon. Honda is focusing on the standard Prelude first, and it wouldn’t make business sense to fragment the model lineup so early in its life cycle.
Pricing Expectations
The Prelude will likely be priced above the 2026 Civic Hybrid Hatchback, which starts at $31,645 (USD). Given the added performance hardware and hybrid powertrain, a premium price tag is expected, though official pricing details have not yet been released.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the 2025 Honda Prelude electric?
A: No, the new Prelude is a hybrid, combining a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with dual electric motors.
Q: Will the new Prelude have a manual transmission?
A: No. It will feature paddle shifters for simulated gear changes, but only an automatic transmission is available.
Q: Is the Prelude based on the Civic?
A: It shares components with the Civic Hybrid and Civic Type R but features a unique wheelbase, body design, and suspension tuning.
Q: Will there be a sportier version like a Type R?
A: Rumors suggest a Type S or Type R version may be in development, but no official confirmation has been made.
Q: When will the Prelude be available in the U.S.?
A: Early 2026.
Q: How much will the new Prelude cost?
A: While official pricing is unknown, it will likely exceed the Civic Hybrid Hatchback’s starting price of $31,645.
Click HERE for more
