What It Is
The first new Honda Prelude coupe since the nameplate was put down for a nap at the close of its fifth generation in 2001.
Why It Matters
Honda has been undergoing a notable revival lately. Initially, it brought the Passport SUV back as an off-road-inspired, two-row variant of the Pilot. Consequently, its Acura luxury division revived the Integra nameplate, while the motorcycle division has been introducing many vintage-inspired bikes.
Now, it’s Honda cars’ turn for rebirth. Over 20 years since its discontinuation, the sporty Prelude is set to return as a hybrid coupe that fills the gap between the Accord sedan and Civic coupes.
Platform and Powertrain
The Prelude is a contemporary take on the classic Honda two-door, looking more like a variation of the previous-generation Civic Coupe than a direct successor to its originals. References to its predecessors are subtle yet significant. The unique nose-ring-like front end treatment pays homage to the fourth-generation (1992–96) Prelude, while the full-width taillights echo designs from the second and third generations (1983–87 and 1988–91). Additionally, the window trim’s gentle upward curve mimics similar features found in both the first (1978–82) and fifth (1997–2001) Prelude generations.
Underneath, the new Prelude is expected to embody pure modern Honda engineering. It is slightly smaller than the previous-generation Civic Coupe and comparable in size to today’s Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86. Therefore, it is likely that the Prelude shares many components with the modern Civic.
With Honda heavily hinting at “electrification,” the Prelude may feature the 2.0-liter I-4 and dual-motor combination from the Civic and Accord hybrids. However, significant power increases beyond the system’s 204 hp and 232 lb-ft of peak torque output are not anticipated (as delivered in the Accord Hybrid). Similar to the Accord and Civic hybrids, the new Prelude will likely transmit power to its front wheels through the larger of its two electric motors, with the engine functioning more as a generator. The driving experience could resemble that of an electric vehicle at low speeds, accompanied by a muted gas engine sound when operational.
Pricing for the reborn Prelude will likely align with the sportier Civic variants rather than the Prelude’s historical position at the top of the Honda lineup. Adjusted for inflation, the previous-gen Prelude was priced above $50,000 when new.
Estimated Price: $35,000
Expected On-Sale Date: 2025 or 2026
