2026 Honda Prelude.
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After over a year, we finally are getting some official news about the new Honda Prelude. Good news…
As far as we are concerned over here in North America, the best news is that the new Prelude is indeed coming over here ( the second photo actually does look like the US version). It will arrive late next year as a 2026 model. While it will be on sale in Europe and Japan earlier.
We predicted it would be a hybrid that uses a very similar system to the one found in the new 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. The Prelude Hybrid is of course expected to make a bit more power than the 200HP from the Civic Hybrid.
The next prelude will also introduce Honda’s new “S+ Shift” technology.
Which basically reproduces the feel you get with a fast-shifting Automatic transmission. Something the Honda Hybrid system does not have. It seems like another useless gimmick to me. Just like these fake sports car sounds Honda uses in a few of their other models Even in some Acuras. These are ridiculous and annoying.
It seems manufacturers are so afraid buyers will not accept newer tech they are spending fortunes trying to reproduce the feel of previous technology. If you like the feel of your transmission shifting, just don’t buy a Honda Hybrid. And if you like engine noise, don’t get an EV. It all seems pretty simple to me…
Honda describes their new system as something that will “pursue the joy of driving”. And yes, of course, it will have an “Active engine sound” through the speaker system.
Let’s just hope this is something you can turn off…
At least the new Prelude is a much better-looking car than the current Civic Hybrid. I saw it last year at the Los Angeles auto show and it did look pretty nice in person. And the hatchback is always a plus.
I’m really interested. But if it isn’t offering noticeably more power (or at least, greater acceleration) than the Civic Hybrid… it’s essentially a new Civic 2-door.
As far as I understand, automakers are required by law to make noises in EV and hybrid cars for pedestrian safety purposes.
Does it look like a Toyota Prius?
Vince, can you have the AI work up a Prelude that’s an Overlander, lifted with racks and lights? Would also love to see a shooting brake overlander version. Please and thank you.