→ New Prelude inspired by fun-to-drive performance, legacy of innovation, and dynamic styling of earlier generations
→ Powerful and efficient two-motor hybrid powertrain paired with Civic Type R chassis components for the first time
→ Prelude engineered to deliver a 'Grand Touring' experience with precise steering, responsive handling and fun-to-drive feel
→ Prelude debuts "Honda S+ Shift" – a new drive mode that simulates a performance transmission experience for enhanced driver engagement
→ Honda hybrid-electric lineup expands to four fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient models when 2026 Honda Prelude arrives at dealerships nationwide this late fall

September 4, 2025 — TORRANCE, Calif.The 2026 Honda Prelude, debuting in North America this fall, pairs Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid system with Civic Type R chassis hardware to deliver 200 hp, 232 lb-ft of torque, sharp handling, and everyday comfort. As the first electrified Prelude, it combines dual electric motors with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for efficiency and performance, while the new Honda S+ Shift system adds simulated rev-matched downshifts and enhanced engine sound for a more connected driving experience.

The new 2026 Honda Prelude will be available in one extremely well-equipped trim that includes all of these features as standard equipment:
• New Honda S+ Shift system
• Leather-trimmed front sport seats with perforated houndstooth pattern, integrated head restraints and three-way heating
• 19-inch machine-finished Berlina Black wheels
• 235/40R19 tires
• Brembo™ four-piston aluminum front calipers (shared with Civic Type R), finished in unique Prelude Blue
• Dual-axis strut front suspension (shared with Civic Type R)
• Adaptive Dampers (shared with Civic Type R, uniquely tuned for Prelude)
• Four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport and Individual
• Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with alloy shift paddles
• Sport pedals
• 2+2 Seating with 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
• 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
• 9-inch HD touchscreen with Google built-in
• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™ compatibility
• WiFi Hotspot capability
• Wireless phone charger
• 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system
• Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies
• Post-Collision Braking System (PCB)
• Blind spot information with Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Sophisticated, Yet Muscular Design
The 2026 Honda Prelude pairs sleek aerodynamics with a muscular stance, featuring a low nose, wide profile, and “double-bubble” roof. Designed in Japan, it adds flared fenders, 19-inch Berlina Black wheels, wing-like DRLs, full-width taillights, and blue Brembo calipers. Offered in five colors, including new Winter Frost Pearl, it can be further personalized with Honda accessories like a black spoiler, unique wheels, and blacked-out emblems.

New Honda S+ Shift
The 6th-generation Prelude marks the debut of Honda S+ Shift, an innovative new drive mode that simulates a performance transmission experience. Honda S+ Shift advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement. By precisely managing engine RPM and integrating paddle shifters, Honda S+ Shift delivers quick simulated gearshift responses through seamless coordination between the engine and high-power motor, including downshift blips, rev matching and gear holding. Honda has announced plans to feature S+ Shift on future hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models.

Responsive Civic Type R Chassis Hardware
The 2026 Honda Prelude is the brand’s first hybrid with Civic Type R hardware, including dual-axis strut suspension, wide tracks, and large brakes, tuned with an Adaptive Damper System for both comfort and performance. Four drive modes—Comfort, GT, Sport, and Individual—adjust steering, suspension, powertrain, and more, while Agile Handling Assist enhances control. Braking is Type R–derived, with 13.8-inch two-piece front rotors and blue Brembo four-piston calipers, plus 12.0-inch rear rotors.

Driver-Focused Cabin
The new Prelude’s driver-focused cockpit offers excellent visibility with a low cowl and thin A-pillars, while heated sport seats with embossed logos, houndstooth inserts, and asymmetrical bolstering blend support and comfort. Interior options include Blue/White or Black with blue stitching, paired with premium touches like a textured console, embroidered logos, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. Practicality meets style with 2+2 seating, 32 inches of rear legroom, and a versatile liftback hatch with 60/40 split-folding seats for added cargo space.

Smart Technology
The 2026 Honda Prelude integrates driver-focused tech with a 10.2-inch digital cluster, 9-inch HD touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in with a 3-year data plan, and wireless charging. A performance-oriented digital display offers customizable layouts and a large tachometer, while every Prelude comes standard with an 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system, including Super65 door speakers and a cargo-mounted subwoofer, delivering immersive sound throughout the cabin.

Safety for Everyone
The 2026 Honda Prelude upholds Honda’s “Safety for Everyone” commitment with advanced active and passive features standard. Highlights include the Honda Sensing® suite—featuring Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Information, and more—plus next-gen ACE™ body structure, advanced airbags with knee and rear side protection, and Post-Collision Braking. Together, these systems make Prelude a leader in sports coupe safety performance.

Electrification Strategy
Hybrid-electric models represent about one-third of Honda sales, thanks to the success of the CR-V hybrid, Accord hybrid and Civic hybrid and Honda plans to expand hybrid application to represent over 60% of total auto sales in the coming years. The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in the Honda passenger car lineup as hybrids.

For more information on the Honda Prelude click here and here.

SOURCE: HONDA NEWS

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