Skip to content

Honda Brings Back the Prelude Sports Coupe from Its Archive

Returning Prelude, a storied Honda model that graced dealerships for five generations between 1978 and 2001, prepares to make a comeback, hitting showrooms nationwide this fall's closing quarter.

Honda Brings Back the Prelude Sports Coupe
Honda Brings Back the Prelude Sports Coupe

Honda Brings Back the Prelude Sports Coupe from Its Archive

Honda has unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Prelude, marking its return to the lineup. This sports coupe is set to arrive at Honda dealerships nationwide later this fall.

The 2026 Prelude is equipped with a host of innovative features that promise an engaging driving experience. At the heart of the vehicle is a hybrid-electric powertrain, similar to that found in the Honda Civic hybrid-electric models. This system combines two electric motors with a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle direct-injection gasoline engine, yielding a combined output of 200 hp and 232 lb.-ft. (315 Nm) of torque.

The Prelude's propulsion system is designed to deliver both power and efficiency. It is paired with the Civic Type R's high-performance chassis hardware, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride. The car also boasts a new Honda S+ Shift system, which provides a responsive and engaging shifting simulation. In S+ mode, the system includes virtual rev-matched downshifts and enhanced engine sounds to increase driver feel.

The interior of the 2026 Prelude is just as impressive. It features a 9-in. HD touchscreen with Google built-in, offering easy access to various apps and services. The digital instrument cluster is a 10.2-in. display, providing all the necessary information at a glance. The audio system is an 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, ensuring an immersive listening experience.

Safety is a top priority for Honda, and the 2026 Prelude comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. A wireless phone charger is also standard equipment, ensuring your devices stay charged on the go.

For those seeking a personal touch, the Prelude can be customised with a new line of Honda genuine accessories. Options include 19-in. machine-finished Berlina Black wheels, a black decklid spoiler, front underbody spoilers, black emblems, and door mirror covers.

The Prelude's return to the Honda lineup demonstrates the automaker's commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles. With its hybrid-electric powertrain, advanced technology, and engaging driving dynamics, the 2026 Prelude is poised to be a standout in the sports coupe segment.

Honda's focus on hybrid-electric vehicles is evident, with hybrid-electric versions of the CR-V, Accord, and Civic representing about one-third of Honda sales. The automaker plans to expand hybrid applications to represent over 60% of total auto sales in coming years. The Prelude's return is expected to help accelerate these hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead.

In addition, the Prelude will offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. The car will also feature the first application of Honda's enhanced Agile Handling Assist, which improves handling and driver confidence through integrated control of the powertrain and braking system.

In conclusion, the 2026 Prelude offers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and style. With its Wi-Fi Hotspot capability, 9-in. HD touchscreen with Google built-in, and a host of other innovative features, this sports coupe is sure to turn heads when it arrives at Honda dealerships later this fall.

Read also: