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Honda’s sixth-generation Prelude returned as a hybrid sports coupe in 2025. The U.S.-market 2026 model pairs a 2.0-liter engine with Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, makes a stated 200 hp, and adds S+ Shift, a mode that simulates stepped gear changes rather than using a conventional multi-speed transmission.
When did the new Honda Prelude launch?
Honda announced the Prelude’s North American debut on September 4, 2025, and said it was expected at U.S. dealerships in late fall. That announcement gives an anticipated arrival window, not confirmation that a particular dealer has a car in stock. American Honda’s launch announcement covers the North American debut.
Japan had a separate sales schedule: Honda Motor Co. said Japanese sales would begin September 5, 2025. The Japanese release date does not establish the U.S. on-sale date. Honda’s Japanese launch release sets out that market’s announcement.
Is the 2026 Prelude a hybrid?
Yes. Honda specifies a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle direct-injection inline-four paired with a two-motor hybrid system. The U.S. model is front-wheel drive, with Honda listing total system output of 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of electric-motor torque. Its specification page separately lists the gasoline engine at 141 hp and the traction motor at 181 hp; those component figures should not be added to calculate system output because hybrid ratings are not simple sums. Honda’s U.S. model specifications provide the published figures.
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- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/24 scale unpainted plastic model assembly kit
- Size when completed: Total length 7.4 inches (189 mm), Total width 3.4 inches (87 mm), Total height
- In addition to rooms with horizontal base panel and large LCD meter, the back of the chassis and around the feet are finished with a 3D feel
- Includes metal inlet markings such as emblems and window mask seals
What does Honda S+ Shift do?
S+ Shift is a drive mode that coordinates engine rpm and the traction motor with the paddle shifters to imitate the responses of a stepped performance transmission. Honda describes simulated shifts, downshift blips, rev matching and the ability to hold a simulated gear. The effect is meant to make acceleration and deceleration feel more like gear changes.
It does not mean the Prelude has a conventional eight-speed gearbox. Honda says the Japan-market e:HEV is motor-driven and has no mechanical transmission; its release describes S+ Shift as emulating a virtual eight-speed transmission. The U.S. launch announcement also presents S+ Shift as a simulated driving experience. Honda’s explanation of the Japan-market system makes the mechanical distinction explicit.
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![Hot Wheels '98 Honda Prelude [Black] Factory Fresh 5/5, 136/250-1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicle](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZN+ASRSEL._SL160_.jpg)
- 1998 Honda Prelude in a Sleek Black Finish!
- Number 5/5 in the Factory Fresh Set! Number 136/250 in the Overall Series!
- 1:64 Scale Diecast Toy Vehicle
What chassis hardware does the Prelude share with the Civic Type R?
Honda says the Prelude uses Civic Type R-derived chassis components, including dual-axis front suspension, wide tracks and large brakes. The U.S. model has four-piston Brembo front calipers and adaptive dampers, with suspension and brake tuning specific to the Prelude. Shared components do not establish that the two cars have identical handling or performance; those impressions require driving evaluation. American Honda’s launch announcement describes the hardware and tuning.
What are the U.S. Prelude’s official specifications?
Honda’s published 2026 U.S. specifications include the following. The fuel-economy numbers are official ratings, not independent test results. Honda’s model specification page lists the figures.
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- This plastic model requires assembly and painting. Adhesives, tools, paints, etc., sold separately
- 1/24 scale unpainted plastic assembly kit
- Size when assembled: total length 7.1 inches (180 mm), total width 3.2 inches (82 mm), total height 2.1 inches (
- faithfully reproduces the aerodynamic shape of the Honda Prelude XX
- Decals recreate front and rear emblems, headcover logos, speakers, and wheel center emblems
| Specification | 2026 U.S. Prelude |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four and two-motor hybrid system |
| Total system output | 200 hp |
| Electric-motor torque | 232 lb-ft |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| EPA fuel economy | 46 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, 44 mpg combined |
| Fuel tank | 10.6 gallons |
| Tires | 235/40R19 |
| Cargo volume | 15.1 cubic feet |
| Length | 178.4 inches |
| Width | 74.0 inches |
| Height | 53.4 inches |
| Wheelbase | 102.6 inches |
What features and cargo flexibility does it offer?
American Honda’s U.S. launch announcement described a single, well-equipped trim. Standard equipment it named included heated leather-trimmed front sport seats, 19-inch wheels, Brembo front calipers, adaptive dampers, four drive modes, a 60/40-folding rear seat, Google built-in, wireless smartphone integration, Bose audio and Honda Sensing. Equipment statements here reflect that launch announcement; check Honda’s current model information for any later changes. The U.S. announcement lists the features.
Honda’s Japan release describes the car as a liftback with standard 60/40 rear seatbacks. It says the cargo area can take two medium suitcases subject to size limits, or two golf bags or shortboards shorter than 1,920 mm subject to shape and fit. Those are Japan-market packaging claims, not a substitute for the U.S. model’s published cargo-volume figure. Honda’s Japanese release details those examples.
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How much does the Prelude cost?
Honda’s September 2025 Japanese release listed an MSRP of ¥6,179,800 including Japan’s 10% consumption tax, but excluding insurance, specified taxes and registration-related expenses. It also says sales prices are set independently by sales companies. This is a Japanese price, not a U.S. MSRP. The cited U.S. launch announcement and specification page do not establish a current U.S. price or dealer inventory.
What should U.S. shoppers check before buying tires?
Honda lists 235/40R19 tires for the 2026 U.S. Prelude. That size identifies a relevant replacement-tire search, but it does not establish the original tire brand or guarantee that every tire listing fits. Confirm the vehicle’s model-year fitment, load index and speed rating before ordering. Honda’s specification page is the source for the listed size.
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