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Yes. The Honda Prelude returned as a hybrid in Japan in 2025: Honda began sales of the sixth-generation coupe on September 5, ending a 24-year hiatus. The launch car pairs a 2.0-liter engine with Honda’s two-motor e:HEV hybrid system. The date and price below are specific to Japan, not a confirmed launch or current price for every market.
When did the 2025 Honda Prelude come out?
Honda announced the sixth-generation Prelude’s return on July 31, 2025, describing it as a hybrid specialty car after a 24-year hiatus. Japan sales began September 5, 2025, according to Honda’s return announcement and Japan launch release.
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That establishes the Japanese market launch. It does not establish an arrival date, trim range, or dealer availability in another country.
Is the new Honda Prelude a hybrid?
Yes. Honda’s Japan launch specifications list a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle direct-injection gasoline engine and a two-motor e:HEV hybrid system, with front-wheel drive. Honda says e:HEV alternates between motor and engine as the source of drive force according to driving conditions. The launch release does not establish a fuel-economy rating in the evidence cited here.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 is S+ Shift?
The e:HEV system is motor-driven and does not have a mechanical eight-speed transmission. Honda says S+ Shift coordinates engine RPM to simulate the feel of an eight-speed transmission; the company also lists Active Sound Control and multiple drive modes. These are Honda’s descriptions of the system, not independent findings about acceleration, efficiency, or driving enjoyment. Honda first announced S+ Shift in December 2024, saying the Prelude would be the first next-generation e:HEV model to use it: Honda’s S+ Shift announcement.
How much did the Prelude cost in Japan?
Honda listed the original Japan launch MSRP at ¥6,179,800, including Japan’s 10% consumption tax. The company said some other costs were excluded. This is the launch price Honda published in September 2025, not a current quote or a price for another country.
Rank #2
![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
How strong was demand at launch?
Honda’s original monthly Japan sales plan was 300 cars. The company reported approximately 2,400 cumulative orders as of October 6, 2025, about a month after sales began. That is an order count for Japan at that date, not a current delivery or sales total. See Honda’s October 2025 order update.
What is the 2027 Prelude Limited Edition?
On June 18, 2026, Honda announced a Japan-market 2027 Prelude Limited Edition, with release scheduled for August 20, 2026. The announcement establishes neither live dealer stock nor a price outside Japan. Details for other markets should be checked with Honda in the relevant country.
Rank #3
- 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
Honda positioned the Prelude around its “Unlimited Glide” concept, inspired by gliders, and presented it as a specialty sports model intended to combine driving enjoyment with electrification and everyday usability. That is the manufacturer’s positioning; the specifications and announcements cited here do not provide an independent road test or a complete comparison with competing cars.
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Best Value
- TOMY
- Does not use batteries
Rank #4
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