It’s back! Honda puts Prelude back on production line

Honda has released only two images of the Prelude. Photos: Honda

After an interlude of 24 years, the iconic Honda Prelude is making a comeback, with its New Zealand launch scheduled for mid-2026. 

Honda has teased only two images of the legendary nameplate that has been reimagined for a new generation of drivers with Honda’s advanced hybrid technology and signature driving dynamics, says the Japanese brand.

The new Prelude is a specialty sports model that embodies Honda's unchanging sports mindset that inherits the "joy of manoeuvring " in the era of full-fledged electrification, pursuing environmental performance and ease of use in everyday life.  

Honda Prelude Concept with First Gen Prelude.

“We’re proud to announce the return of the legendary Prelude to the Honda line-up next year.  This iconic nameplate evokes a deep sense of nostalgia while delivering the kind of performance that defines  Honda. It’s a car that speaks to the hearts of long-time fans and new drivers alike—bridging generations with timeless appeal,” said Honda NZ’s Managing Director, Carolyn McMahon.  

The inspiration of the design is based on the idea of a glider that can fly freely in the sky, the interior is going to be "blue × white", expressing the concept of Prelude with a light white and deep blue coordination. 

The Prelude shares its platform with the Civic, but Honda is treating it as more than a badge-engineering job.

The Prelude will be based on the Civic platform with Type R elements.

Under the hood is a 2-litre hybrid system with two electric motors, paired with a CVT. 

Brakes and suspension are adapted from the Civic Type R, and the Prelude gets heated seats, a digital dash, and a BOSE sound system.

Adaptive dampers and 19-inch wheels come standard, along with Google-based infotainment. 

The first generation launched in 1978 and has been known as has always been ahead of its time including such technology as the first electric sunroof of a domestic car, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and the world's first four-wheel steering system (4WS).