The automotive world has been buzzing—and for good reason. The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid has officially begun arriving at U.S. dealerships, marking the long-awaited return of one of Honda’s most celebrated nameplates. And it’s not just fans who are excited: the new Prelude was just named a finalist for the 2026 North American Car of the Year™ award.

With electrified power, performance DNA borrowed from the Civic Type R, and an all-new driving mode designed for maximum thrills, this sixth-generation Prelude proves that the “joy of driving” is alive, well, and more electrifying than ever.

Honoured as a Finalist: 2026 North American Car of the Year™

Prestige From the Start

The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid has already begun its journey with major recognition. Announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, a panel of 50 respected automotive journalists from across North America selected the Prelude as a finalist for the industry’s most influential award.

Honda is no stranger to this stage—winning a North American Car, Truck, or Utility of the Year™ award five times in the last decade. But the Prelude’s nomination is particularly meaningful, marking the return of a fan-favourite sports coupe redesigned for a new era.

Electrified Power Meets Performance DNA

A Hybrid Powertrain With Racing Roots

The new Prelude isn’t just electrified. It’s engineered.
The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid shares its advanced two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with the award-winning Civic Hybrid—last year’s North American Car of the Year™. That means:

• Responsive, smooth hybrid power

• Impressive fuel efficiency

• Plenty of torque for spirited driving

But Honda didn’t stop there. The Prelude also receives chassis components from the legendary Civic Type R, giving it sharper handling, stronger road feel, and a genuinely athletic character.

Introducing Honda S+ Shift Mode

This generation debuts something entirely new: Honda S+ Shift.

A Driving Mode That Goes Beyond “Sport”

S+ Shift simulates a performance transmission, delivering:

• Virtual rev-matched downshifts

• Enhanced engine sounds

• Gear-holding for added control

• A more visceral, connected driving experience

It’s a blend of electrified technology and old-school driving emotion—exactly what enthusiasts hoped for.

Honouring the Prelude Legacy While Inspiring a New Generation

Designed for Driving Joy

The 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid was crafted to honour the spirit of earlier generations—fun, agile, stylish—while evolving those traits into something fresh and electrified.

Expect:

• Precise steering

• Confident cornering

• Balanced, responsive handling

• A refined but playful grand-touring feel

It’s sporty when you want it, comfortable when you need it, and unmistakably Honda.

A New Chapter in Honda Innovation

Honda’s hybrid lineup continues to dominate, with hybrid models now representing one-third of all Honda sales. The Prelude arrives at the perfect time—building on the hybrid success of the Civic, Accord, and CR-V.

With its blend of performance, technology, and electrification, the 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid represents the bold next step in Honda’s journey.

Why the 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid Stands Out

Award-Worthy Engineering

The North American Car of the Year™ jury evaluates innovation, safety, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and value. The Prelude’s nomination proves it excels across all categories.

A Legacy Reimagined

From the Civic Type R’s chassis DNA to the brand-new S+ Shift mode, the redesigned Prelude captures everything people have loved about Honda sports coupes for decades—now made modern, electrified, and future-ready.

Explore the 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid

The return of the Prelude signals an exciting shift for Honda and sports-coupe fans alike. Electrified. Athletic. Advanced. And already award-recognized.

Learn more about the 2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid here.