Honda finally launches the 2026 Prelude
When one door closes, another one opens. At least, that’s the case for Honda. The Civic Type R FL5 is driving off into the sunset, but another model has taken over the spotlight.
Honda has officially launched the all-new Prelude, marking the return of the nameplate after more than two decades.
Previewed as a concept back at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the production version of the Prelude shares a lot of similarities with the initial version. The all-new Prelude features Honda’s “Unlimited Glide” design concept, which they say is inspired by the elegance of a glider in flight.
The exterior is defined by a low nose, sculpted body sides, flush door handles, laser-blazed roof, and wing-shaped LED headlights that house the Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light. Blue accents on the grille and rear bumper, on the other hand, signify its hybrid powertrain.
Inside, the cabin adopts a two-tone blue and white theme, complete with embroidered Prelude logos and soft-touch surfaces. The liftback design allows for practical cargo space, with a wide opening tailgate, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and underfloor storage.
Honda finally launches the 2026 Prelude
When one door closes, another one opens. At least, that’s the case for Honda. The Civic Type R FL5 is driving off into the sunset, but another model has taken over the spotlight.
Honda has officially launched the all-new Prelude, marking the return of the nameplate after more than two decades.
Previewed as a concept back at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the production version of the Prelude shares a lot of similarities with the initial version. The all-new Prelude features Honda’s “Unlimited Glide” design concept, which they say is inspired by the elegance of a glider in flight.
The exterior is defined by a low nose, sculpted body sides, flush door handles, laser-blazed roof, and wing-shaped LED headlights that house the Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light. Blue accents on the grille and rear bumper, on the other hand, signify its hybrid powertrain.
Inside, the cabin adopts a two-tone blue and white theme, complete with embroidered Prelude logos and soft-touch surfaces. The liftback design allows for practical cargo space, with a wide opening tailgate, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and underfloor storage.
The cabin is equipped with a 9-inch Honda Connect display with Google built-in, and an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system that automatically adjusts sound quality and volume based on driving conditions.
Honda remains mum about exact power outputs of the 2.0-liter e:HEV powertrain of the Prelude in the press release, but says that the latest e:HEV hybrid system in the coupe is equipped with the new Honda S+ Shift function, simulating an 8-speed automatic.
The system also integrates Active Sound Control (ASC), which adjusts engine sound with RPM to enhance driving feel. Drive modes include Comfort, Sport, GT, and Individual, with the latter allowing drivers to fine-tune six different parameters. A new Coasting Control function has also been introduced, enabling the car to coast smoothly toward a stop without shifting to neutral.
As shared by Honda in the recent months, the Prelude borrows elements with the outgoing Civic Type R. Those include the dual-axis strut front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. It also features variable-ratio steering, Agile Handling Assist with braking control, and 19-inch wheels with noise-reducing technology.
For its advance driving assist features, Honda Sensing comes standard as expected, with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, collision mitigation braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
In the Japanese market, a Honda ON Limited Edition in Moonlit White Pearl & Black will be offered exclusively online. In addition, Honda will make the Prelude available through dealership rental services, allowing customers to test the car before purchase, as well as for tourists who wish to rent cars during their stay in Japan.
The all-new Honda Prelude goes on sale in Japan tomorrow, with production limited to around 300 units per month. As for those who are curious about its price, it retails for JPY 6,179,800 including taxes (PHP 2.4 million). Should it be offered in the Philippine market, then we won’t be surprised if the Prelude matches the price points of the GR86 and GR Yaris, somewhere in the PHP 2.8 to 3.5 million range.Next Auto News
Ford Ranger MS-RT PHEV: Street truck now makes 281 PS
Ford Ranger MS-RT PHEV to make public debut at 2025 IAA Mobility Show in Munich2025-09-04 14:34:55
Jamil Lacuna
Voice of Volvo: Women leaders take spotlight in 2nd road safety forum
Volvo PH’s Grace Beyond the Wheel tackles inclusive safety and empowerment2025-09-04 10:01:39
AutoIndustriya.com
