More 2026 Honda Prelude Details Emerge

Following Honda's confirmation of the Prelude's return to the U.S. market, Japanese journalists were given a chance to test a prototype of the hybrid sports coupe.

The Prelude will benefit from key hardware shared with the high-performance Civic Type R. Those reports indicate the coupe features the Type R’s dual-axis front suspension, designed to reduce torque steer, along with adaptive dampers to enhance driving dynamics. The Prelude will sport a shorter wheelbase than the Civic, but it will have wider tracks front and rear.

Adding further distinction is a new "GT" drive mode, positioned between Comfort and Sport, which promises a balanced setup for both spirited driving and everyday comfort.

Japanese media were also able to experience Honda's new "S+ Shift" mode for the first time. The system was designed to simulate the feeling of a traditional engine and gearbox running through the gears.

Most of the time, under normal operation, Honda's two-motor e:HEV system simply uses the combustion engine as a generator for the small battery that powers the drive motors. When S+ Shift mode is active, Honda uses programming in the hybrid control unit to rev the engine up and down, consistent with vehicle speed, while using a torque cut from one of the electric drive motors to simulate the feeling of changing gears. The simulated shifting can happen at the request of the driver via wheel-mounted paddles.

It doesn't sound like S+ Shift mode changes how and when the combustion engine can power the drive wheels directly, but all that simulated high rpm sound and fury still spins the generator motor quickly, meaning that power can be quickly deployed by the traction motor. This is where the great feeling response is supposed to come from.

Inside, the Prelude borrows heavily from the Civic’s cabin design, bringing high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout to the coupe—an area where the Civic already leads its class.

The dashboard retains the clean and user-friendly layout of the Civic, but the center console has been redesigned with a sportier profile and new button controls for the gearbox, along with a dedicated button for S+ Shift mode. The Prelude will also get sporty bucket seats with integrated headrests, aggressive bolstering, perforated upholstery, and contrast stitching.

A production version of the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to make its debut at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon early next month. Look for more details to emerge then.

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