Honda is ready to rewrite nostalgia with an electrified twist as the beloved Prelude makes its triumphant return to U.S. showrooms late next year. The sixth-generation Honda Prelude, revealed as a hybrid-electric concept at the Japan Mobility Show in 2023, brings back the sporty two-door coupe with modern sensibilities.
For those who remember the Prelude’s glory days—spanning five generations from 1978 to 2001—this isn’t just a revival; it’s a reboot with an eco-conscious edge. Under the hood, the new Prelude houses Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid powertrain, promising both performance and efficiency. Honda is keeping most specs under wraps for now, but they’re already teasing “S+ Shift,” a new drive mode that promises to deliver maximum driver engagement. Think of it as a love letter to the days of analog driving but with a hybrid-electric heart.
The Prelude’s history as a tech innovator—remember its pioneering four-wheel steering (4WS) and torque-vectoring Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS)?—will likely continue in this next chapter. Honda has been mum about horsepower figures or zero-to-sixty times, but given the sporty DNA of its predecessors, expectations are high.
This revival is also a strategic move in Honda’s broader electrification plan. With a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Honda is leaning heavily on hybrids to bridge the gap to full electrification. In 2024 alone, electrified vehicles accounted for over a quarter of Honda’s U.S. sales. Now, with the Prelude joining hybrid versions of the Civic, Accord, and CR-V, the brand is showing it can merge eco-friendly tech with a dash of fun.
Pricing details for the Honda Prelude Hybrid remain under lock and key, but considering the brand’s track record, it’s safe to bet this piece of electrified nostalgia will be competitively priced. All will be revealed when it rolls into U.S. showrooms late next year. Get ready, enthusiasts—your favorite coupe just got a green makeover.
Images: Honda [US].
