Honda surprised everyone today, September 4, 2025, by unveiling the highly anticipated all‑new 2026 Prelude—a hybrid reinvention of the iconic two‑door sports coupe, now revamped for the electrified era with serious performance DNA.
1. Hybrid Power with Civic Type R Attitude
This Prelude marks a major pivot for Honda—it’s the model’s first-ever hybrid incarnation. Under the hood (or, more accurately, under the liftback hatch) lives the same two‑motor hybrid system from the Civic Hybrid, packing 200 hp and 232 lb‑ft of torque. So, you’re getting performance and efficiency.
2. A “Simulated Gearbox” That Actually Feels Sporty
Gone are manual gearboxes or traditional CVTs. Instead, Honda introduces S+ Shift—a drive mode that simulates shifts, complete with paddle shifters, downshift blips, rev matching, and gear hold approximation . It’s a hybrid that tries hard not to feel like one.
3. Civic Type R Chassis = Serious Driving DNA
This new Prelude isn’t just about looks—it’s built on a performance-first chassis borrowed straight from the Civic Type R. Expect dual-axis front struts, adaptive dampers, wide tracks, Brembo brakes (with blue calipers), and even torque-vectoring enhancements for razor-sharp control .
4. Sleek 2+2 Liftback Meets Tech-Luxe Interior
Sporty meets practical: the new Prelude rocks a 2+2 layout with a rear liftback, fold-down seats for extra cargo space, and a driver-focused cabin with premium touches:
- A 10.2‑inch digital gauge cluster and a 9‑inch (or 9.0‑inch) touchscreen with Google built‑in and wireless smartphone mirroring .
- Bose 8‑speaker audio, leather sport seats (with asymmetric support—a firmer driver’s side), flat‑bottom steering wheel with blue stitching, and even an embroidered Prelude logo for bragging rights .
5. When, Where, and How Much?
- Japan sales begin tomorrow, September 5, 2025, priced at around ¥6,179,800 for the fully equipped hybrid in Japan.
- In the U.S. and other markets, it will hit showrooms late fall 2025 .
- Pricing in the U.S. is expected to land between a Civic Sport Touring Hybrid and a Civic Type R—so think $35K to $47K, with early guesses leaning toward the upper end.
Why It Matters for Readers
- Sports+Hybrid = joyride for the modern era. The Prelude returns as a performance-oriented hybrid—breaking stereotypes about how hybrid cars behave.
- Nostalgia with substance. It taps into the futuristic retro energy of the early 2000s, but packs real drivers’ car tech under the sheetmetal.
- Style meets utility. A liftback coupe that actually lets you throw surfboards, laptops, or golf clubs into the back—while still feeling premium.
- Cult classic reboot. This revival blends heritage and innovation, fitting right into Foolieo’s focus on sports, pop culture, and tech.
Put a Pin in It
- Launch Date: Japan—Sept 5, 2025; U.S.—late fall 2025
- Powertrain: 200 hp Civic Hybrid dual-motor system
- Transmission Feel: eCVT with S+ Shift simulated gears
- Chassis: Civic Type R–derived with adaptive dampers and Brembos
- Interior: Premium sport seats, digital cluster, Bose audio, liftback utility
- Price Estimate (U.S.): Mid-$30K to high-$40K range