Honda fans, rejoice—the iconic Prelude is officially making its return. And yes, it still looks like the sleek ’90s coupe you drooled over, just smarter, cleaner, and electrified for the future.
You Read That Right—The Honda Prelude Is Making a Comeback
If you were around in the ’80s or ’90s, the Honda Prelude was hard to miss—a stylish, sporty coupe that had a loyal following and a presence on just about every street. After a long time out of the spotlight, it’s finally back, making its return at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
While it didn’t have the insane horsepower of a Dodge Demon or the EV flair of something like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, the new Prelude managed to steal the spotlight with one thing: pure retro charm.
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Retro Vibes, Modern Attitude
Honda didn’t just recycle the Prelude name—they brought it back with real intention. This new version isn’t some half-hearted tribute. It actually captures what made the original special, while still feeling fresh.
The shape hits you right away—long hood, low stance, roofline that just flows. It’s got that classic Prelude feel without trying too hard. But then you notice the little things: the sharp LEDs up front, that clean light strip across the back, and door handles that sit flush like they were meant to disappear. This isn’t some retro tribute—it’s clearly a modern car, just one that remembers where it came from.
And that color? Boost Blue Pearl, straight from the Civic Type R, adds even more attitude. Black accents seal the deal.
What’s Under the Hood? Here’s What We Know
Honda hasn’t dropped full specs just yet, but here’s what they’ve confirmed: the new Prelude will be a hybrid.
Expect a four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor, likely producing power figures close to the Civic Si’s 200 hp. That means decent performance without going full EV—and without giving up the familiar driving dynamics enthusiasts love.
The new Prelude will also remain front-wheel drive, just like the original. However, there’s one downside for purists: no manual transmission. Honda says it’s sticking with an automatic setup for now.
Inside the Cabin: Civic Vibes with a Prelude Twist
Peek inside, and you’ll notice the interior borrows heavily from the Civic—no surprise there. But Honda adds a few unique touches, like custom Prelude logos stitched into the seats. It’s simple, sporty, and exactly what you’d want from a daily-drivable coupe.
Why the New Prelude Matters—Especially for the U.S. Market
Bringing back the Honda Prelude doesn’t feel like a cheap throwback—it feels more like Honda reminding us that making cars people actually enjoy driving still matters, especially now, when so much on the road feels oversized and disconnected.
The Prelude isn’t out to be the most aggressive or over-the-top car out there. It’s got a clean, balanced design, and it seems to land right where it should—practical enough to live with every day, but still built for people who actually enjoy being behind the wheel. That kind of balance is pretty rare on U.S. roads these days.
Final Thoughts: Could This Be a Real Comeback?
The new Prelude isn’t the type of car that’s going to dominate the spec sheets or make headlines for insane performance numbers—and that’s totally okay. What it offers is something you can’t always quantify: personality. It feels like a car with real intention behind it, built for people who actually enjoy driving.
We’re still waiting to hear the final specs and when it’ll hit the market, but if what Honda showed off is close to the final version, this could be a very fun chapter for the brand. More than anything, it’s just good to see a car that doesn’t feel like it was designed by a committee or algorithm. It feels like someone at Honda still cares—and that alone makes the Prelude worth watching.
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