The cult classic is back: Honda Prelude

A Japanese favourite will return to Australia for the first time in 20 years, this time with hybrid power.

After vanishing from Australian showrooms more than two decades ago, the Honda Prelude is back.

Honda Australia director of automotive Robert Thorp confirmed yesterday that the beloved Japanese two-door sports coupe will return in hybrid form mid-2026.

“We’re thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda line-up next year,” he said.

“Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal

across generations of Honda customers, old and new.”

Originally launched in 1978, the Prelude earned a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced Japanese cars of its time with features like the world’s first four-wheel steering system and electric sunroof.

MORE: Car prices set to plummet

Honda Prelude concept next to the original. Picture: Supplied

MORE: Massive car companies stop all US imports

Now reinvented as a “speciality sports” hybrid, the new Prelude ditches the turbochargers for a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with Honda’s latest e: HEV hybrid technology, the same powertrain found in the Civic Hybrid, but retuned for a sportier feel.

Official specifications are still under wraps, but power figures are expected to mirror the Civic’s 135kW electric motor, with total power estimated around 149kW, similar to the discontinued 2001 Honda Prelude VTi-R (147kW).

With an estimated 0-100km sprint of approximately 6 seconds, the new Prelude won’t rival full-blown performance cars, but it will outpace some competitors.

It represents the return of stylish, reasonably affordable coupes that have disappeared from Australian roads – cars like the Toyota Celica, Holden Calibra, Subaru SVX, Mazda 626 and Ford Probe.

MORE: Car giant axes Aussie favourites

The 2026 Honda Prelude concept debuted last year at Goodwood Festival of Speed. Picture: Supplied

MORE: Major car brand smashed by Aussie change

Inside, you can expect the Prelude to have a new 9-inch infotainment system, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Prelude has been redesigned with the driver’s seat and the passenger seat offering different specifications.

The driver’s seat will have increased hold suitable for sports driving, while the passenger seat will provide more comfort.

Originally launched in 1978, the Prelude earned a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced Japanese cars of its time. Picture: Automobiles/Honda

Honda has also redesigned the vehicle to be more practical with rear-folding seats, hidden storage compartments, and an accessible luggage area.

Pricing has yet to be revealed, but it is likely to be high given that the Prelude has always been one of Honda’s premium products.

With the market for sporty coupes shrinking in Australia and hybrid options being rare, the 2026 Prelude is a smart move by Honda, which could hit a sweet spot.

Full Australian specifications will be revealed close to its arrival in 2026.

Originally published as The cult classic is back: Honda Prelude