After a 25-year hiatus, the Honda Prelude has returned—and it’s not just a nostalgia play. I caught an exclusive studio preview of the all-new, sixth-generation model, and it feels like a modern love letter to Honda’s driver-centric roots.
Design that means it: In person, the Prelude is low, wide, and unmistakably coupe. The Boost Blue Pearl car shows the standard spec; the Winter Frost Pearl car wears dealer accessories, including a tasteful rear wing and alternate 19-inch wheels. Details pop: a full-width LED light bar, black-background “H” badge, flush door handles that present on approach, and Brembo calipers peeking through 19s (235/40 ZR19).
Cabin with purpose: Two interior themes—black or white—both with blue contrast stitching and “Prelude” embossed in the headrests. You get a flat-bottom wheel with hefty metal paddles, a suede-like dash panel stitched with the Prelude script, a 10.2-inch digital cluster, and a 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in plus wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. It’s a 2+2 layout, but the liftback and 60/40 fold-downs make the cargo bay surprisingly practical.
Hybrid, on purpose: Purists may wince at “no manual,” but the powertrain is compelling. Honda drops in the Civic Hybrid’s two-motor system (200 hp, 232 lb-ft). Most of the time the traction motor drives the front wheels directly for quiet, instant torque; at cruise, the engine can clutch in. The headline for enthusiasts is chassis hardware: the dual-axis front suspension from the Civic Type R, paired with those Brembos. Translation: crisp turn-in and torque-steer control baked in.
Why it matters: The Prelude historically introduced tech and set a feel benchmark for attainable coupes. This one does the same—only now through electrified torque and serious underpinnings rather than a high-revving four and four-wheel steering. It looks premium without shouting, and it keeps the “just right” scale that makes back roads fun.
I’ll share drive impressions when I can get seat time. For now, color me optimistic: the new Prelude appears to blend everyday usability with genuine driver appeal—exactly what the badge always stood for.
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EDITED TRANSCRIPT:
0:01
Welcome to Drive Culture.
0:03
I’m Jonathan Rivers, and today I’m with the all-new, sixth-generation Honda Prelude. I’m going to tell you why this might be the best generation yet. We’ll cover the exterior, interior, powertrain—and while we won’t be driving it today, I’ll bring that to the channel soon.
0:15
If you’re new here or like this kind of content, hit the bell to subscribe and come back for more. With that, let’s get after it.
Preview
0:44
We’re at an exclusive studio preview of the all-new Honda Prelude—the sixth generation. It’s amazing to see the Prelude return after about 25 years. The Prelude was part of Honda’s original trio with the Civic and Accord back in the ’70s. With each generation, Honda introduced new twists and technology—often firsts for the brand or even the industry.
1:35
This new Prelude is a hybrid electric. And no, there’s no manual—let’s get that out of the way. But the powertrain is very cool, and I can’t wait to drive it.
1:51
Before diving into this car, we’ll quickly walk through each previous generation of Prelude, then come back for a full exterior walkaround of the sixth generation.
History
2:07
First generation (1978–1982). The car on display is a 1979 model. It was based on Accord mechanicals but had a unique chassis and was the first Honda to feature a standard moonroof. Power came from a 1.8-liter engine with about 72 hp—compact, lightweight, and surprisingly upscale for its time.
2:42
Second generation (1983–1987). This immaculate 1983 introduced pop-up headlights and wedge styling. Power moved to a 1.8-liter with 100 hp, with a 2.0-liter Si fuel-injected version available. Handling and ride improved, marking a shift toward a more performance-oriented Prelude.
3:26
Third generation (1988–1991). Sleeker design, available four-wheel steering on certain trims, and more powerful engines—including a 2.1-liter DOHC unit. Widely praised for handling and tech, it cemented the Prelude’s reputation as a driver’s car.
4:06
Fourth generation (1992–1996). Styling became rounder and more aerodynamic. VTEC engines appeared for the first time, and four-wheel steering continued in some markets. The interior was more refined with improved safety. (We have a full walkaround of this generation on the channel.)
4:44
Fifth generation (1997–2001). Sharper, more aggressive styling. The 2.2-liter VTEC made up to 200 hp. Four-wheel steering was dropped, but ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) arrived on the Type SH (as shown here). This was the final iteration before discontinuation. (We also have a full walkaround of this gen on the channel.)
Exterior
5:30
All-new sixth generation: exterior. There are two cars here. On the right: Boost Blue Pearl—essentially stock as the car will come (final details pending). On the left: Winter Frost Pearl—a new color—equipped with several dealer-installed accessories. I’ll point out differences so you can decide if you’d go stock or add accessories.
6:36
Boost Blue walkaround. In person, the car looks super sporty—a true coupe, rare in today’s market. The production car is very close to the concept shown about two years ago; only minor details changed.
7:35
Painted in Boost Blue Pearl—seen on other sporty Hondas—it looks fantastic on the Prelude. Full LED headlights with a sleek DRL above, a black bar connecting the lamps, and a Honda badge with a black background instead of chrome. The front end is aggressive and wide, with pronounced fenders, front parking sensors, and functional lower openings for cooling. There’s a black front lip with a subtle blue accent.
8:43
Side profile. True coupe proportions with a rakish rear and liftback design. Wheels are 19-inch in Berlina Black with a very aggressive look, wrapped in dealer-available summer tires (235/40 ZR19). Behind them: blue Prelude-branded Brembo calipers. There’s a functional side vent, LED turn-signal mirrors, black window trim, and flush door handles that pop out on approach or unlock.
11:05
Square tire setup; rear calipers are also blue. A black side spoiler completes the sleek look.
11:20
Rear view. A connected LED light bar across the taillights looks premium. “HONDA” is spelled out in the brand’s new font. The tailgate opens via a concealed grab under the “N.” “PRELUDE” appears in black script (standard). Four rear parking sensors and a center diffuser with a blue accent. No exposed exhaust, but the stance is aggressive. It’s a 2+2 layout, as before.
12:32
Roof. Solid roof—no moonroof—but a handsome “double-bubble” stamping. That’s it for the blue car; now let’s walk around the accessory-equipped car.
12:57
Winter Frost Pearl (accessory car). This new white reads premium—shifts between white and silvery under different light. Dealer accessories here include a black Honda badge with a matte gray inlay behind the “H,” small front lip extensions, and alternate 19-inch wheels (black with machined spokes) for a more angular look. There are black mirror caps for contrast and, most notably, a rear wing.
14:47
The dealer-installed wing adds a “Batman-style” profile many enthusiasts like. The Prelude looks great clean (no wing) or with the wing for extra aggression. Several colors will be offered—red, black, gray, silver, white—each suiting the shape well. Next up: the interior.
Interior
15:58
Interior overview. Two colorways: black or white. The black cabin looks premium with blue and gray contrast stitching on seats, doors, and console. The white interior offers striking contrast; we’ll see both.
16:32
Details (black interior). Premium door materials and stitching. Flat-bottom steering wheel with piano-black trim and the black-background “H” badge. Volume controls left; driver-assist controls right. Large metal paddle shifters; suede at the top of the wheel with blue contrast stitching. The mesh-style vent motif feels upscale and Prelude-specific.
17:41
Seats. “Prelude” is embossed in the headrests. Blue and gray contrast, houndstooth-inspired center pattern, substantial shoulder and side bolsters. Manual adjustments. The center console features large cupholders and Honda’s push-button shift array (P/R/N/D), electronic parking brake, brake hold, and drive-mode selector. The S+ Shift button is a key Prelude talking point (more on that shortly).
18:11
Tech and trim. Wireless charge pad, two USB-C ports (one data, one charge), 12-volt socket. Tactile climate knobs in black. “Prelude” is stitched into a suede-like dash panel with blue contrast stitching. A 9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster with gauge themes that change by drive mode. Bose audio with speakers in the A-pillars and doors. No sunroof, but the headliner material is premium.
20:46
Rear seating. Pull the lever to slide the front seat forward. It’s a 2+2: usable for small passengers or extra storage. We’ll measure space during the full drive review.
21:25
White interior. Off-white seats with blue contrast stitching and a blue center insert running the length of the seat—an elegant alternative to black. “Prelude” is embossed in the headrests. The console and dash retain the premium materials; the dash script switches to white stitching. Rear seats are black regardless of interior theme. With the rear folded, you can see the expanded load area. Now, cargo.
Cargo
23:14
Cargo space. Lift the tailgate via the grab under the “N”; it opens easily. The cargo well is deep with side cutouts and lighting. A Bose subwoofer sits aft. The 60/40 split rear backs fold via shoulder-top pulls to expand space.
24:18
Underfloor storage. Lift the panel for additional space; there’s provision for a tire well but no spare.
24:46
With the seats folded flat, the area is surprisingly large for a small coupe—Costco runs and bulky items are realistic when using it as a two-seater. Let me know your thoughts and what else you want to see.
Powertrain
25:25
Powertrain. For the first time, the Prelude is a hybrid. It uses the Civic Hybrid’s system in a lower, wider coupe. Specs match the Civic Hybrid: 200 hp and 232 lb-ft. Honda’s two-motor hybrid typically drives the front wheels via the traction motor, with the engine acting primarily as a generator; at steady cruise, the engine can clutch in to drive the wheels directly. There’s effectively no traditional multi-gear transmission.
27:22
Chassis. Big Brembos are matched by serious underpinnings: the dual-axis front suspension from the Civic Type R (also seen on the Integra Type S). It dramatically reduces torque steer and sharpens handling. I can’t wait to drive it and report back.
Outro
28:13
That’s a wrap. What do you think of the all-new, sixth-generation Honda Prelude? Is it the best Prelude yet?
28:22
We touched on each generation, and we have full walkarounds of some older models on the channel. My goal is to feature all six generations actually driving at some point—so stay tuned.
28:40
If you enjoy these studio previews and exclusives, tell me in the comments. If you’re new here, please subscribe and come back for more. Thanks, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
29:06
[End]
This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.
