Honda Prelude returns to Australia in 2026

Key points

• Honda has confirmed the return of the Prelude to Australia in mid-2026 after a 24-year absence.
• The new Prelude is a two-seater sports car powered by an evolution of Honda’s hybrid e:HEV powertrain. 
• The model aims to reaffirm Honda’s performance heritage, joining the Civic Type R in local showrooms. 

After more than two decades off the road, the iconic Honda Prelude is set to return to Australian showrooms in mid-2026, with the Japanese brand confirming the sixth-generation model will arrive as a sleek, hybrid-powered two-seater sports coupé.

First unveiled in concept form at the 2023 Japanese Motor Show, the reborn Prelude will mark a significant return for the nameplate, which was last seen in Australia in the early 2000s.

Described by Honda as a “specialty sports model”, the 2026 Prelude draws inspiration from the idea of a glider – evident in its low, wide proportions, the aerodynamic sweep of its wing-style headlights, and flush-fitting door handles designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

The new Prelude is scheduled for a global release in September 2025, before launching in Australia the following year. It will be powered by an evolution of Honda’s existing e:HEV hybrid powertrain seen in models such as the Honda Civic and HR-V, although local specifications and performance outputs for its application in the Prelude are yet to be confirmed.

Inside, the Prelude will feature a two-seat layout finished in a 'blue x white' theme. Unusually, the driver’s seat is more heavily bolstered for support, while the passenger’s seat prioritises comfort. Honda also says the instrument panel will be trimmed in “ivory skin”, which is designed to evoke the warmth of traditional Japanese paper and embroidery.

The Prelude first launched in 1978 and has long been a technology leader, pioneering innovations like four-wheel steering and the first electric sunroof in a production car. It will join the Civic Type R in Honda’s local performance line-up, with key rivals including the Mazda MX-5, Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ and Nissan Z.

Fourth-generation Honda Prelude (1991–1996)

Local pricing and equipment specifications, including more detail around the performance outputs of the new Prelude’s powertrain, will be revealed closer to its 2026 launch.