First launched in 1978, the Prelude became a benchmark for compact two-door performance vehicles, known for its precision handling, responsive engines, and innovative features that often debuted on this model before trickling down to other Hondas. After the sixth generation ended production in 2001, the Prelude name qdisappeared from global lineups, leaving enthusiasts and collectors to lament the absence of a modern successor. Now, after nearly a quarter-century, Honda is resurrecting the Prelude with a fully hybrid powertrain that combines its storied performance heritage with modern sustainability and efficiency.
The new Prelude, revealed in Japan in September 2025 and previewed in Europe, represents a significant departure from the rear-wheel-drive manual coupes of the past. In Japan, the front-wheel-drive hybrid features Honda’s e:HEV two-motor system, delivering approximately 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
Its design emphasizes a low, wide stance, sculpted bodywork, and a fluid roofline that Honda calls “Unlimited Glide,” evoking the sensation of a glider in motion. The car also introduces Honda’s “S+ Shift” system, a technology that simulates gear shifts and engine revs to enhance engagement for drivers accustomed to traditional manual transmissions, offering a sensory bridge between hybrid efficiency and the tactile thrills of a sports coupe.
The U.K. edition, set to begin orders in November 2025, is similarly equipped with a full-hybrid powertrain pairing a 2.0-liter petrol engine with dual electric motors. Honda U.K. highlights the ability for the car to operate in full electric mode, hybrid driving, or use the petrol engine to recharge the battery.
The U.K. model also offers three selectable drive modes—Comfort, GT, and Sport—with an optional Individual mode for tailored performance. Luxury and technology features include 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and leather seats with contrasting blue stitching, reflecting Honda’s aim to combine everyday usability with sporty character. Pricing for the U.K. model starts at £40,995, signaling its positioning as a premium, performance-oriented hybrid coupe.
For U.S. buyers, the new Prelude is expected in late 2025, and given Honda’s participation at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year, industry observers speculate that the North American version could be formally unveiled there. The U.S. model will likely retain the same hybrid powertrain and design philosophy as its Japanese and European siblings, offering front-wheel-drive performance and a suite of driver engagement features while providing efficiency for modern urban and suburban lifestyles. Analysts expect pricing to land somewhere between the Civic Hybrid and Civic Type R, placing it in a niche yet accessible segment of sporty hybrid coupes.
Honda’s decision to revive the Prelude reflects a broader strategy to marry legacy with innovation. The model represents a bridge between the company’s performance past and its electrified future, showing that sporty driving need not be sacrificed in the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles.
In Japan, the Prelude has already exceeded sales expectations, with Honda initially targeting 300 units per month but receiving nearly 2,400 orders in the first two months, particularly from buyers in their 50s and 60s. This enthusiasm suggests that the Prelude’s return could resonate with U.S. buyers who remember the original models as well as new customers seeking a distinctive, eco-conscious sports coupe.
With its U.S. arrival anticipated soon and Europe following in early 2026, the Prelude is positioned to reclaim a place in the global coupe market, appealing to enthusiasts and newcomers alike who seek performance, efficiency, and a direct connection to the road.