Released successively in five generations from 1978 to 2001, the Honda Prelude coupe will make a comeback in 2026 for the European automotive market. The Japanese automaker has just published the first details about the new Prelude. This new model will be hybrid, featuring a thermal engine paired with a non-rechargeable electric system. The 2026 Honda Prelude will be an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), meaning a simple non-rechargeable hybrid coupe.
In 2023, during the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda unveiled a concept car that previewed the future Prelude. Indeed, it is the Honda Prelude Concept shown in the photos accompanying this article. With a sleek, clean, and sporty design, the 2026 Prelude is already very promising, especially because it will not be fully electric. Later, Honda plans to release a new Celica.
As of now, what we know about the 2026 Honda Prelude coupe is that it will be powered by one or more simple hybrid powertrains. Honda also emphasizes the “S+ Shift” technology. According to Honda’s press release, the “S+ Shift” system “simulates the sound and feel of rapid automatic gear changes, offering a new generation of Prelude drivers the perfect balance and exhilarating driving pleasure that this model provides.”
As you may have gathered, Honda is not revealing much more about the future Prelude. However, it is clear that in 2026, 25 years after the end of production of the fifth generation Prelude, the Japanese automaker, known for its expertise in powertrains, will aim to conquer the international automotive market with its new coupe, not only in Japan but also in Europe and North America.
Finally, Honda could achieve the “perfect coup” with a 2026 Prelude boasting a very successful design—meaning attractive—and an offering of powertrains that combine driving pleasure with controlled fuel consumption.
