New Honda Prelude 2025: Hybrid Power, Civic Type R Handling, Real Fun

Honda brings the Prelude name back with a clear mission: make daily driving feel special again. The new Prelude e HEV blends a full hybrid powertrain with a sleek, low stance and the kind of chassis tuning that invites you to take the long way home. The design draws inspiration from gliders—clean lines, confident proportions, and a sense of calm speed even when parked. Underneath, it borrows suspension know-how from the Civic Type R and pairs it with adaptive dampers and Agile Handling Assist to keep the car settled, quick to respond, and genuinely fun when the road starts to twist.

At the heart of the car is Honda’s full hybrid system that combines a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with dual electric motors and an automatic transmission. Output is rated at 184 horsepower (135 kilowatts), and the delivery is smooth, quiet, and surprisingly eager. What stands out is how naturally the power arrives—no lurching, no drama—just a steady push that makes city commutes simple and highway merges confident. Efficiency is baked in, but the Prelude is not shy about showing its playful side.

Honda S Plus Shift is the surprise hero feature. It uses Linear Shift Control and Active Sound Control to simulate the rhythm of a quick automatic gearbox, complete with a virtual 8-speed feel. Use the steering paddles and you can “upshift” or “downshift” like a traditional transmission, with a rev-matching blip and a satisfying engine-braking effect when you pull for a lower gear. It is not a gimmick—it adds timing, anticipation, and driver involvement you can feel in your shoulders and fingertips.

Drive modes tailor the experience in real time. Tap the selector to move between Comfort, Grand Touring, Sport, and Individual. Each setting nudges the powertrain, steering, and suspension toward a different personality—soft and easy for a long commute, or taut and alert for a favorite backroad. The chassis strikes a smart balance: multi-link suspension for precision, adaptive dampers for compliance, and that wide, low stance for confidence.

Inside, the Prelude keeps things focused. Sightlines are clear, the seating position feels naturally sporty, and the materials look and feel premium without trying too hard. A 10.2-inch digital driver display carries unique Prelude graphics and color themes that change with the drive modes. The center stack is anchored by a responsive 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio comes through an 8-speaker system developed with Bose, delivering a clean, full soundstage for road-trip playlists or late-night drives. Honda Sensing driver-assistance features provide calm backup without getting in the way.

Practicality is part of the charm. There is seating for 4 and a large hatchback tailgate that opens to reveal up to 663 liters of cargo space—room for weekend bags, camera gear, or a folded stroller. Exterior colors include Moonlit White Pearl, Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, and Racing Blue Pearl, each suiting the car’s crisp surfacing in its own way.

The Prelude is not just a nameplate revival. It is a reminder that cars can still connect with their drivers in small, joyful ways every single day.