2026 Honda Prelude Preview
Honda changed the automotive industry 25 years ago when it introduced the first hybrid-electric vehicle to U.S. consumers. So, what better way to celebrate such a monumental anniversary than with a hybrid-electric reboot of the Honda Prelude. This game-changing nameplate made its American debut in 1979, when it instantly stood out with its sporty low-and-wide design. As Honda’s first vehicle to offer a standard power moonroof, the Prelude set a precedent for premium features at an affordable price. The racy two-door had a uniquely tuned four-wheel independent strut suspension that provided nimble handling, while its standard power steering—a rarity for small cars at the time—made it effortless to drive.
The Prelude’s return marks a significant step forward in Honda’s electrification initiative, proving that sustainable driving can still be pulse-pounding. (We’ll just say that if the newly released photos are an indication of the coupe’s performance capabilities, driving enthusiasts should be very excited.) At last fall’s Honda 0 Tech Meeting 2024, the automaker unveiled its Honda 0 Series, a whole new installment of EVs to be introduced in 2026. Not only does this new EV series include never-before-seen, next-generation technologies, but it will also be accompanied by a set of five core principles. Considering that this exciting Honda 0 Series announcement was included with the latest Prelude press release, we expect to see this vision carried out on the hybrid-electric sports coupe. Look for the all-new Prelude to arrive at Bernardi Honda in late 2025.
Trims, Powertrain, and Performance
Two core values of the Honda 0 Series are outstanding electric efficiency and the joy of driving through the feeling of oneness with the vehicle. While the automaker is yet to disclose the trim lineup for the 2026 Prelude, they have confirmed that the sports coupe will have the award-winning dual-motor hybrid powertrain. Plus, the two-door stands to debut Honda S+ Shift, an innovative driving mode engineered for greater driver engagement. It’s safe to say the Prelude should fulfill those aforementioned performance-based principles with ease.
Expected Amenities
The first core value from the Honda 0 Series is artistic design that resonates with people, and the all-new Prelude is sure to do just that. Photos of the concept car show a coupe body with smooth contours and a low, aggressive stance. In terms of features, details are sparse at this time. Another Honda 0 Series principle states this: “The EV is a space for people made possible by the Internet of things (IoT) and connected technologies.” With such a declaration, we anticipate an exciting mix of the most advanced Honda tech and mainstays like wireless Apple CarPlay and Google built-in.
Active Driving Aids
Honda’s commitment to safety is as strong as ever. In its current lineup of vehicles, every base model comes with extensive active and passive safety equipment, namely a wealth of proprietary Honda Sensing technologies. So, it’s not surprising the Honda 0 Series has a core fundamental geared toward these automated systems for safety and peace of mind. Although the equipment packages for the upcoming Prelude haven’t been announced yet, we anticipate that the entry-level trim will have all or most of the following Honda Sensing features: forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, cross traffic monitor, adaptive cruise control, the blind spot information system, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation, parking sensors, and automatic high-beams.
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