Honda enthusiasts, rejoice! The beloved Honda Prelude is making a triumphant return as a hybrid-electric sports coupe, bringing back the iconic nameplate that first captured hearts in 1978. The 2026 Honda Prelude is set to hit Canadian showrooms late next year, offering cutting-edge technology, stunning design, and the promise of a thrilling driving experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting comeback, from its storied past to the innovative features of its sixth-generation model.
The Honda Prelude debuted in November 1978, arriving as one of the first three core models in Honda's lineup alongside the Civic and Accord. Over five generations spanning two decades, the Prelude earned a loyal following among automotive enthusiasts for its sporty design, exceptional performance, and groundbreaking innovations.
Honda positioned the Prelude as a driver-focused coupe, offering advanced features that pushed the boundaries of automotive technology. Some highlights from the Prelude’s history include:
After five successful generations, production of the Prelude ended in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of technological innovation and driving pleasure. Now, 45 years after its original debut, Honda is bringing the Prelude back—this time as a hybrid-electric sports coupe that combines nostalgia with a forward-looking vision for electrification.
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Honda has revealed some exciting details about the all-new 2026 Prelude. Here are five key things to know about its highly anticipated return:
1- Electrified Performance with a Hybrid Powertrain
The 2026 Honda Prelude will feature Honda’s award-winning two-motor hybrid powertrain, marking its evolution into the electrified future. This powertrain will deliver a perfect balance of power and efficiency, ensuring the Prelude remains a joy to drive while reducing its environmental impact.
2- Debut of the Honda S+ Shift Feature
One of the standout innovations in the new Prelude is the debut of the Honda S+ Shift. This innovative drive mode builds on Honda’s Linear Shift Control to maximize driver engagement, offering a thrilling and dynamic driving experience that stays true to the Prelude’s sporty heritage.
3- A Key Player in Honda’s Electrification Strategy
The Prelude’s return aligns with Honda’s global goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As part of this vision, Honda is expanding its lineup of hybrid-electric models, with the Prelude joining popular hybrids like the Civic, Accord, and CR-V. The Prelude represents Honda’s commitment to combining sustainability with driving excitement.
4- A Nod to 25 Years of Hybrid Leadership
The Prelude’s comeback coincides with Honda’s celebration of 25 years of hybrid vehicle sales in North America. Honda was a pioneer in hybrid technology, introducing the Honda Insight—the continent’s first hybrid-electric vehicle—in 1999. With more than one million electrified vehicles sold in North America, Honda continues to build on this legacy.
5- A Stunning Design Inspired by Its Heritage
While the full design of the 2026 Prelude hasn’t been revealed, the concept unveiled at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show hinted at a stylish, futuristic sports coupe that pays homage to the classic Prelude. Expect a sleek, aerodynamic profile, bold lines, and modern touches that reflect Honda’s design evolution.
The return of the Honda Prelude is more than just a revival of an iconic nameplate—it’s a celebration of Honda’s past, present, and future. With its hybrid-electric powertrain, innovative features like the Honda S+ Shift, and a design that honors its heritage, the 2026 Prelude promises to deliver the “joy of driving” in a whole new way.
As Honda continues its journey toward a sustainable, electrified future, the Prelude’s comeback serves as a reminder that performance and excitement can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the Prelude’s arrival next year.
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