Honda revives Prelude for 2026 U.S. return with hybrid power and button shifter

Honda announced Thursday that it is bringing back the two-door Prelude for the 2026 model year, returning a storied nameplate to U.S. showrooms after a 25-year absence. The company said the revived coupe will arrive at dealerships in the fall and will use a hybrid powertrain that produces about 200 horsepower.

The Japanese automaker said the Prelude will pair a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a small battery pack to deliver responsive acceleration while improving fuel efficiency. Pricing has not been confirmed, though industry reports and dealer speculation have suggested a starting price in the neighborhood of $40,000.

The announcement has prompted attention both for the model's return and for a controversial control design. Rather than a conventional gear lever, Honda said the Prelude will use a series of buttons on the center console to select gears — a configuration the company has deployed in some Acura SUVs. Some drivers voiced displeasure on social media, with one user posting, "The dang Acura center console in a Honda is scary to see," and others calling the setup inappropriate for a sports coupe.

Honda said it is including steering-wheel paddle shifters to satisfy drivers who prefer manual-like control. The company also said the Prelude will offer a transmission feature that simulates gear changes and generates exhaust sounds when switching modes, including when the hybrid system transitions to electric operation. Honda likened the system to similar simulated-shift features in other hybrid vehicles that seek to reproduce the feel of a multi-gear powertrain.

"We are thrilled to be bringing back such an iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup," Jessika Laudermilk, Honda's assistant vice president of sales, said in a statement. "The Prelude's return demonstrates our commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles and will help to accelerate our hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead."

The Prelude debuted in 1978 and became a mainstream sports coupe through the late 1980s and early 1990s, drawing buyers seeking sporty styling and reliable, easy-to-maintain powertrains. Sales declined in the late 1990s and Honda discontinued the model after the 2001 model year, ending five generations of the vehicle. The model's return follows a broader trend of manufacturers reviving nostalgic nameplates while electrifying lineups.

Honda's move is part of a broader strategy to expand hybrid and electric offerings. The company recently announced plans to revive other recognized nameplates as it transitions its portfolio, including the return of the Acura RSX as an electric crossover announced in August.

Dealers and analysts will watch consumer reaction to the Prelude's package and pricing, including whether traditional sports-car buyers accept the hybrid powertrain and the nontraditional gear-selector design. Honda provided specifications for the hybrid layout and performance estimates but has not released final pricing, detailed equipment lists or fuel-economy ratings. The company said it will share more information closer to the car's arrival in U.S. showrooms this fall.