Honda has announced that the Prelude nameplate will return to the U.S. market as a hybrid-electric sports coupe. The sixth-generation Prelude is scheduled for launch in late 2025 and will mark the introduction of Honda’s S+ Shift, a drive mode designed to enhance driver engagement through advancements in shift control.
The Prelude, first introduced in 1978, has long been associated with sporty performance and design. It made its most recent appearance as the hybrid-electric Prelude Concept at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show following its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show the same year. This return aligns with Honda’s larger electrification strategy as the company works toward achieving carbon neutrality across its products and corporate activities by 2050.
Honda has reported significant progress in its electrified vehicle sales, which now account for over 25% of total brand sales in 2024. Models like the Accord, CR-V, and the newly introduced Civic hybrid have contributed to this growth, with hybrid trims making up a substantial portion of their overall sales.
The Prelude’s reintroduction follows Honda’s recent advancements in EV production. Earlier this year, the company began selling its first all-electric SUV, the Honda Prologue. Honda also plans to manufacture EVs on its newly developed EV platform at its production hub in Ohio, starting in late 2025.
Honda continues to emphasize the role of hybrid technology as a transition toward full electrification. The company notes that the Prelude will complement its growing hybrid lineup, which already includes the Accord, CR-V, and Civic models.
