The Honda Prelude is returning to the U.S. in 2025 as a hybrid

Honda’s plan to launch a new Honda Prelude in the U.S. as a hybrid sport coupe could play a pivotal role in the automaker’s efforts to appeal to more Gen Z and Millennial car buyers, given their vehicle and brand preferences. 

First thing first: The new Honda Prelude — first unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show as a concept – is scheduled to make its return to the U.S. market as a production model late next year (after a 20-plus year hiatus) with a number of key new features  

• Set to play a pivotal role in Honda’s electrification strategy, the new Prelude will be equipped with the automaker’s two-motor hybrid powertrain.

• The new hybrid-electric Honda – the sixth generation of the sport coupe – will debut the new Honda S+ Shift feature, a new drive mode that is said to enhance driver engagement.

Zooming out: Honda’s goal is to make battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its vehicle sales by 2040 as part of its goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, according to the automaker. To ease the transition to electrification, Honda plans to double its hybrid car sales by 2030.

What they’re saying: "The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers. The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in our passenger car lineup as hybrids,” commented Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president, Honda Auto Sales.

Between the lines: The Civic, Accord, and Prelude were not only the first three products in the Honda lineup; the vehicles also have been highly popular during their production runs, especially among younger car buyers. Honda currently ranks as one of the top car brands among Gen Z and Millennials.

• 11.64% of Gen Z drivers own a Honda vehicle, among all other car brands. The Honda Civic is the most owned model by Gen Z, driven by 5.05% of the generation.

• Millennials favor the Honda Accord, with the midsize sedan accounting for 3.23% of all cars owned by the consumer segment.  

• The Honda Accord ranks as the second most popular model among Gen Z buyers. 

A new Honda Prelude provides the automaker with a solid product offering for younger car buyers who might not need the space of a mid-size sedan but would prefer something bigger than a compact.         

Final note: The new Honda Prelude has the potential to be a huge hit in the market, given the appeal of the Honda brand and several other key vehicle purchasing factors tied to younger car buyers. 

• Unlike Gen X and Baby Boomers, younger car buyers tend to prefer cars over SUVs and pickup trucks.

• Fuel efficiency is a major consideration for younger car buyers, with 36% of Millennials and 32% of Gen Zers considering a hybrid or EV.

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