Honda Prelude returns as a hybrid grand tourer, not a racer
Honda Prelude first drives: a hybrid grand tourer, not a sports coupe
Honda Prelude returns as a hybrid grand tourer, not a racer
First drives of the new Honda Prelude reveal a 200 hp hybrid tuned for comfort and stability, with ~9s 0-100 km/h. A composed grand tourer, not a sports car.
2025-10-13T22:44:58+03:00
2025-10-13T22:44:58+03:00
2025-10-13T22:44:58+03:00
The return of the Honda Prelude stirred plenty of excitement among brand loyalists, yet the first real-world drives show it has chosen a different course. Rather than a flashy sports coupe, the new generation lands closer to the realm of comfortable grand tourers.The Prelude is built around a hybrid setup with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 200 hp and 315 Nm. Despite borrowing suspension hardware from the Civic Type R and offering an S+ Shift mode, the coupe doesn’t act like a sprinter. Early owners in Japan report 0–100 km/h in around 9 seconds in both normal and sport settings. Engine sound enhancement and simulated shifts don’t change the character—the Prelude remains hushed and unruffled.For context, the hybrid Civic Sport Touring with the same engine gets to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, while the Type R needs just 5.3. Even with shared underpinnings and familiar components, the Prelude is tuned differently—favoring stability, comfort, and balance over chasing records. On the road, that intent comes through clearly.Honda’s engineers appear to have focused on daily usability and long-haul ease rather than track theatrics. The new Prelude feels composed and mature, offering a premium demeanor, a very smooth ride, and restrained fuel consumption. Over distance, that calm, cohesive character can be more satisfying than raw acceleration figures.Fans of earlier generations may well be disappointed, but those seeking a stylish, well-judged coupe with a mild hybrid will find a car that aligns far more with the grand tourer philosophy than with Honda’s traditional hot models.
Honda Prelude, hybrid coupe, grand tourer, 200 hp, 0-100 km/h 9s, comfort and stability, Civic Type R suspension, S+ Shift mode, fuel economy, first drives review, hybrid performance
2025
Michael Powers
news
Honda Prelude first drives: a hybrid grand tourer, not a sports coupe
First drives of the new Honda Prelude reveal a 200 hp hybrid tuned for comfort and stability, with ~9s 0-100 km/h. A composed grand tourer, not a sports car.
Michael Powers, Editor
The return of the Honda Prelude stirred plenty of excitement among brand loyalists, yet the first real-world drives show it has chosen a different course. Rather than a flashy sports coupe, the new generation lands closer to the realm of comfortable grand tourers.
The Prelude is built around a hybrid setup with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 200 hp and 315 Nm. Despite borrowing suspension hardware from the Civic Type R and offering an S+ Shift mode, the coupe doesn’t act like a sprinter. Early owners in Japan report 0–100 km/h in around 9 seconds in both normal and sport settings. Engine sound enhancement and simulated shifts don’t change the character—the Prelude remains hushed and unruffled.
For context, the hybrid Civic Sport Touring with the same engine gets to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, while the Type R needs just 5.3. Even with shared underpinnings and familiar components, the Prelude is tuned differently—favoring stability, comfort, and balance over chasing records. On the road, that intent comes through clearly.
Honda’s engineers appear to have focused on daily usability and long-haul ease rather than track theatrics. The new Prelude feels composed and mature, offering a premium demeanor, a very smooth ride, and restrained fuel consumption. Over distance, that calm, cohesive character can be more satisfying than raw acceleration figures.
Fans of earlier generations may well be disappointed, but those seeking a stylish, well-judged coupe with a mild hybrid will find a car that aligns far more with the grand tourer philosophy than with Honda’s traditional hot models.
