What we know!

Leading the charge when it comes to performance, the Prelude is presented with exclusive Linear Shift Control, specific to the vehicle, and which gives the coupe the feel of a conventional drivetrain shifting gears at wide open throttle. This is truly big news in considering the way Honda’s current hybrid setup functions. There is no conventional type of transmission between the drive wheels and the engine, certainly not one that can be “shifted” from gear to gear in the traditional sense. Instead, Honda presents this model with a large electric motor that performs most of the motivation, while the gas engine feeds power to it through a smaller motor-generator unit.

With the new Prelude, the engine can be clutched into a single-speed-direct-drive gearbox to help assist the drive wheels in certain scenarios where it’s deemed more efficient to do so. While it is unclear whether any “shifting” will be entirely faux with the Linear Shift Control, we do know that Honda will not be able to release a true manual or even a DCT version of the Prelude while using its hybrid powertrain.

With the Prelude’s Linear Shift Control will also be a brand new driving mode in the 2026 model, called the “S Plus Shift,” which will improve the feel of the vehicle by maximizing the efficiency of a high-performance engine and high-output motor. This will then finely control the engine RPM across all acceleration and deceleration ranges based on driving conditions. With this aggressive feeling is also an active sound controller for powerful auditory feedback and responsive meter that engages the senses. While this system was supposed to be released on all-electric Hondas by 2028, it will instead be applied sooner and to the Prelude for the 2026 model release.

Its look!

Previewed in prototype form, the reborn coupe Prelude boasts a Civic-like interior with paddle shifters, a push-button gear selector and a bench-style backseat. Mirroring the Civic is the dashboard and infotainment screen, which also uses the same honeycomb-style mesh across the air vents.

The similarities end when it comes to the shifter, which on the Prelude is larger than in the Civic models and more alike to those found on the Acura Integra A-Spec. Also different is the gear selector, which forgoes the traditional lever in favor of Honda’s push-button system.

In other style cues, front seats appear to be well bolstered, while the rear seats appear more like an afterthought.

Other sneak peaks show the new S+ button designating the S Plus Shift,” which in addition to allowing sharper simulated shifts, also includes active sound control.

The new Prelude will also feature a version of Honda’s hybrid setup that combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors. And, as opposed to a traditional torque-converter automatic or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), Honda’s hybrid powertrain uses a direct-drive setup with fixed drive ratios.

While more official details are yet to be revealed, it is for certain that Honda’s sporty coupe will officially return to America in late 2025.

Performance driven with an interior that speaks to classic elements within the ever-popular Civic, the Prelude is on its way to America — and in a big way! The resurrection has been confirmed and this coupe is America bound! Don’t hesitate, and reserve yours today!