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The all-new Honda Prelude is back, and it is redefining what it means to enjoy driving in the electrified era. Inspired by the effortless motion of gliders soaring through the sky, this specialty hybrid sports car blends everyday usability with performance that excites every sense. Whether navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or taking a weekend escape into the mountains or desert, the Prelude combines precision handling, advanced hybrid technology, and a refined interior to make every drive engaging. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the 2025 Honda Prelude one of the most exciting and practical specialty sports cars available today.
Inspired by Flight, Designed for Thrills
Honda developed the Prelude under the concept of “Unlimited Glide,” capturing the sensation of floating gracefully through the air. Its low, sharp front nose, smooth body lines, and wide stance give the car a sense of motion even when standing still.
Many specialty sports cars often focus solely on performance, leaving comfort and practicality behind. The Prelude solves this by combining carefully considered proportions with an aerodynamic design and a hybrid powertrain that makes daily driving effortless while still delivering thrills.
Exterior features that enhance the gliding sensation include wing-like multifunction headlights with Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light, flush door handles, black chrome grille louvers, and subtle blue accents on the front and rear. The roofline remains clean thanks to laser brazing technology, and the glass-printed antenna keeps the design smooth and modern. Every detail, from the sculpted body to the carefully positioned lights, contributes to a dynamic and uplifting presence.
Interior Designed Around You
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Step inside the Prelude, and the theme of gliding continues with a driver-focused cabin that does not forget passenger comfort. The driver’s seat is designed to hold you securely during spirited driving, while the passenger seat provides a comfortable, enveloping experience.
The two-tone Blue and White interior adds a sense of elegance and exclusivity. Soft-touch materials, embroidered Prelude logos, and carefully crafted door panels create a premium feel. The flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy paddle shifters, and full-graphic meters are all designed to heighten anticipation for the driving experience.
By focusing on both comfort and sportiness, Honda ensures that long drives remain engaging for drivers while passengers also enjoy a refined and relaxing environment.
Smart Packaging for Sport and Utility
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Unlike many sports cars that compromise practicality for looks, the Prelude achieves a perfect balance. Its liftback design provides space for two medium-size suitcases, and the rear seats fold 60/40 to expand the cargo area for larger items like golf bags or surfboards. Underfloor compartments, hooks, and a foldable cargo floorboard add versatility for everyday use.
The car’s proportions are inspired by classic sports metrics, with the tire-to-vehicle height ratio set around 50 percent for optimal balance between stability and agility. The tread-to-wheelbase ratio is designed to deliver both straight-line stability and confident cornering, ensuring the Prelude feels at home on tight city streets as well as sweeping desert highways.
This thoughtful combination of sport and utility means you do not have to sacrifice daily practicality for driving excitement.
Advanced Hybrid Powertrain and Driving Dynamics
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Under the hood, the Prelude features Honda’s latest e:HEV hybrid system paired with Honda S+ Shift, emulating an 8-speed transmission without mechanical gears. This system controls engine RPM with precision during acceleration and deceleration, delivering a direct drive feel with sharp gear-like sensations.
The Prelude offers three standard drive modes: Sport, GT, and Comfort. Each is further enhanced by S+ Shift, creating six distinctive driving experiences. There is also an “Individual” mode that allows customization of six parameters: powertrain, steering, suspension, meter display, engine sound, and adaptive cruise control.
A standout feature is Coasting Control, which lets the car decelerate as if in neutral when approaching a stop. This reduces unnecessary accelerator and brake inputs, making city driving more relaxing and intuitive. Combined with Active Sound Control and responsive displays, every drive feels engaging and natural.
By blending hybrid efficiency with sporty dynamics, the Prelude allows drivers to enjoy an eco-conscious drive without sacrificing performance.
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking
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Built on the Civic Type R chassis, the Prelude offers a strong foundation for precise handling. Key components include:
- Dual-axis strut front suspension for improved handling and road contact
- Adaptive damper system that adjusts damping forces depending on driving conditions
- High-response steering system with Variable Gear Ratio (VGR)
- Driveshaft engineered to minimize torque steer
- High-capacity Brembo front brakes providing consistent and fade-resistant stopping power
- 19-inch wheels designed to reduce noise while offering rigidity
Honda also introduced enhanced Honda Agile Handling Assist, which extends the system’s control through braking to maintain stability in cornering or emergency maneuvers.
Hybrid sports cars sometimes feel heavy or disconnected due to battery weight. Honda addresses this by using lightweight aluminum panels, high-strength steel, and a well-engineered chassis to maintain balance and responsiveness.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is not an afterthought in the Prelude. Standard Honda SENSING includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System with Throttle Control
- Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering
- Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Lead Car Departure Notification and Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Monitoring, Cross Traffic Monitor, and Parking Sensors
- Adaptive Driving Beam Headlights
These features provide reassurance in urban traffic and on highways, allowing drivers to focus on the joy of driving while knowing the car can assist in potentially dangerous situations.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The Prelude comes with a 9-inch Honda CONNECT Display with built-in Google, making it easy to use familiar Google services like Maps, Play, and Assistant. The Bose 8-speaker premium audio system recreates a concert hall-like experience inside the cabin, with Dynamic Speed Compensation adjusting volume and tone to match driving speed.
This integration ensures drivers remain connected, informed, and entertained, whether commuting through Dubai traffic or cruising on desert highways.
Grades, Colors, and Exclusive Editions
The Prelude offers several color options:
- Moonlit White Pearl (new Honda original color)
- Meteoroid Gray Metallic
- Crystal Black Pearl
- Frame Red
- Moonlit White Pearl & Black two-tone edition, exclusive via Honda ON online store
The two-tone edition adds a layer of exclusivity for enthusiasts seeking a standout hybrid sports car.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
The 2025 Prelude is priced at approximately ¥6,179,800 in Japan, which is around $44,500 USD. Prices exclude insurance, taxes, and registration fees, and final pricing may vary depending on the dealership.
Competitor Comparison
| Feature | Honda Prelude e:HEV | Toyota GR86 | Nissan Z 2025 |
| Engine | 2.0L hybrid, 2 motors | 2.4L flat-4 | 3.0L twin-turbo V6 |
| Transmission | S+ Shift, virtual 8-speed | 6-speed manual | 9-speed automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Sport Features | Coasting Control, ASC | Track-tuned suspension | Active LSD, launch control |
| Price (USD) | ~$44,500 | ~$35,000 | ~$42,000 |
By combining hybrid efficiency with a chassis designed for performance, the Prelude offers a unique blend that rivals cannot easily match.
FAQs
What makes the Prelude a hybrid sports car?
It pairs a two-motor e:HEV system with S+ Shift to deliver sporty driving while improving fuel efficiency.
Is it suitable for city and highway driving?
Yes, Coasting Control and advanced safety systems make it effortless for daily driving.
Can I take it to the track?
Its chassis, suspension, and S+ Shift technology allow spirited driving on closed circuits.
What safety features come standard?
Honda SENSING includes braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise, and blind spot monitoring, among others.
Why the Prelude Stands Out
The 2025 Honda Prelude delivers the thrill of a sports car while maintaining hybrid efficiency and usability. Its advanced driver-focused technology, responsive chassis, premium interior, and safety features make it a compelling option for enthusiasts who want a specialty sports car that is both exciting and practical.
MotorHub Insight: UAE Driving Perspective
In the UAE, the Prelude offers a perfect combination of efficiency and driving enjoyment. The hybrid system performs reliably in high temperatures, while the front-wheel-drive setup is suitable for city streets, highways, and weekend trips to desert dunes or mountain roads. MotorHub provides UAE owners access to expert service centers, guidance for performance tuning, and local driving tips to help drivers get the most from their Prelude in Dubai and across the Emirates.
