Honda enthusiasts, rejoice! The iconic Prelude is making its long-awaited return to the U.S. market, and now we’ve got our first glimpse of its interior. Officially set to arrive in late 2025, the 2026 Honda Prelude promises to blend modern design with a nostalgic nod to its sporty roots. Thanks to a prototype drive attended by Japanese media, and some eagle-eyed content creators, we’re getting an up-close look at what this next-gen coupe has to offer.
A Civic-Inspired Interior with Unique Touches
If you’ve spent time in a Honda Civic lately, the Prelude’s cabin will feel familiar—but it’s not without its distinctive flair.
- Dashboard and Infotainment: The dashboard features the Civic’s clean layout, including its signature honeycomb-style mesh air vents. A high-resolution infotainment screen dominates the center, offering the same user-friendly interface that Civic owners know and love.
- Paddle Shifters: Unlike the Civic’s modest paddle shifters, the Prelude ups the ante with larger, more premium paddles reminiscent of those found on the Acura Integra A-Spec.
- Push-Button Gear Selector: Gone is the traditional gear lever. Instead, Honda has implemented its sleek push-button system for gear selection, a modern touch that clears up space on the center console.
- Seating: The front seats are sporty and well-bolstered for an engaging drive, while the rear bench seat is more functional than luxurious—a feature that signals the Prelude’s focus on the driver experience.
Read more: The Honda Prelude Is Back: What We Know About the 2026 Return of an Icon
Meet the New S+ Mode
One of the Prelude’s standout features is the all-new S+ drive mode. Honda describes it as delivering “maximum driver engagement” while optimizing engine and motor efficiency. Here’s what S+ mode offers:
- Sharper Simulated Shifts: The hybrid powertrain’s direct-drive system with fixed ratios gets a performance boost.
- Enhanced Engine Sounds: Active sound control creates a sporty audio experience, even if some of it is artificial.
This mode underscores Honda’s commitment to making the Prelude a true driver’s car—and not just a hybrid coupe with a recognizable nameplate.
Under the Hood: A Hybrid Powertrain for the Future
The 2026 Prelude will feature Honda’s advanced hybrid system, which pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. Unlike traditional automatics or CVTs, the hybrid system uses a direct-drive setup with fixed drive ratios. This innovative design is aimed at delivering a seamless and engaging driving experience.
While we’re still waiting for exact specs, Honda promises this hybrid setup will balance performance and efficiency—a must-have for today’s market.
What We Know So Far
- The Prelude will debut officially in late 2025 as a sporty, hybrid-powered coupe.
- Its interior takes cues from the Civic while introducing unique elements like larger paddle shifters and S+ mode.
- Prototype photos and videos reveal a focus on driver engagement and cutting-edge technology.
Read more: Honda Teases Two Futuristic EV Prototypes Ahead of CES 2025
The Prelude Legacy Reimagined
The Prelude’s return marks an exciting chapter for Honda fans. Its blend of classic coupe styling, modern hybrid tech, and innovative features like S+ mode suggest that Honda is serious about rekindling the magic of its iconic nameplate.
As we wait for more details to emerge, the buzz surrounding the Prelude continues to grow. Are you ready to experience the next era of Honda performance? Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to its official launch.
What do you think about the 2026 Honda Prelude? Let us know in the comments below!
