Honda Just Announced When The 2026 Prelude Will Launch

Honda just confirmed that the revived Prelude will officially launch in September, with U.S. deliveries set to begin in the early part of 2026. European shoppers will also see the hybrid coupe arrive next year as part of Honda’s global rollout.

The automaker recently set up a teaser page that includes new photos and a sneak peek into the accessory catalog Honda plans for the new car. So far, it looks like wheels, spoilers, and other exterior parts like side mirrors. Honda is previewing the 2026 Prelude in four paint colors: Moonlit White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Flame Red.

Honda says the decision to build a coupe stemmed from “uncovering the latent demand for the ideal sports car,” according to development boss Tomoyuki Yamagami. While the car’s name was a late addition to the project, the Prelude is being positioned as a balance of everyday usability and sporty dynamics.

"I think the Prelude is really something where it brings that coupe sportiness, and something that people can identify with, not just the current product but the history of it, and will generate some additional excitement," Lance Woelfer, vice president of auto sales at American Honda, explained to AutoGuide last year.

"The Civic coupe that we had was a great vehicle, but overall didn’t fit into the future landscape as we went forward… As we looked at where to prioritize our production at that time, that decision was made."

We already know the 2026 Prelude coupe will borrow key hardware from the Civic Type R, including the dual-axis front suspension and Brembo brakes. There will be added practicality in the form of split-folding rear seats, a rear liftgate, and underfloor storage. Honda’s S+ Shift mode with paddle shifters will simulate gear changes for a more engaging drive, but the Prelude will not offer a manual transmission.

The 2026 Prelude will use a hybrid setup similar to the Civic Hybrid; it's expected to produce 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors. Honda has hinted that the Prelude could see a modest bump in output thanks to its sportier positioning.

Interior previews show a minimalist cabin with a two-tone design, though the back seats appear more utilitarian. Honda also stresses the Prelude isn’t intended as a track-focused car, calling it a global grand tourer.

While full specifications won’t be revealed until September, Honda is already teasing that the Prelude could evolve into hotter Type S and even Type R versions further down the line. Expect pricing to stretch past the $31,645 starting point of the Civic Hybrid Hatchback, reflecting its premium content and elevated position in Honda’s model hierarchy.

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