As a car enthusiast who has grown alongside the evolution of Honda, the news of the Prelude's return stirs a special excitement. My first car, a 1981 Honda Prelude with its silver exterior and burgundy velvet interior, wasn't exactly what I had asked for, but it became a beloved staple of my teenage years. That Prelude may have been modest in power with a 1751cc four-cylinder engine delivering 72 horsepower through a 2-speed transmission, but it was a joy to drive and came with a feature that felt luxurious at the time—a power sunroof.
Fast forward to 2025, Honda has announced the return of the Prelude, and the brand is embracing electrification in a way that pays homage to its heritage while looking toward the future. This news is particularly meaningful to me because Honda played a significant role in shaping my early career. The first vehicle I ever purchased on my own was a 1990 Acura Integra, which I bought while working as a salesman at Baranco Acura. That car became a key part of my journey, not only because of its performance and style but also because it symbolized a period of growth and independence in my life.
Revealed during a virtual press conference on January 14, Honda outlined an ambitious strategy that includes hybrid and fully electric models. Let's break down what the AutoNsider audience should know about Honda's future lineup and Acura's electrification milestones.
Prelude Returns with Hybrid Powertrain
The sixth-generation Prelude will debut as a hybrid-electric sports coupe equipped with Honda's innovative two-motor hybrid powertrain. It will also feature the new Honda S+ Shift mode, designed to enhance driver engagement by advancing Linear Shift Control. This marks the Prelude's return as a key player in Honda's electrified lineup, which already includes the Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, and the newly introduced Civic Hybrid.
Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales, expressed the significance of this launch: "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." Enthusiasts can expect the Prelude to hit the market in late 2025.
Honda's Sales Growth and Product Strategy
Honda ended 2024 with 1.4 million units sold in the U.S., a 9% increase year-over-year. This growth was driven by easing production constraints and a robust product pipeline. For 2025, Honda is targeting sales of 1.35 million units for its brand and 160,000 units for Acura, translating to a 5% overall increase.
The CR-V, a cornerstone of Honda's lineup, reached a milestone of over 400,000 units sold in 2024, with hybrids accounting for 50% of total CR-V sales. This highlights Honda's success in integrating electrified powertrains into its core models.
Upcoming Models and Enhancements
• Honda Passport and Passport TrailSport: Launching next month, these models are touted as the most rugged and capable SUVs Honda has ever produced.
• CR-V TrailSport: A new trim for 2025, adding a rugged appearance to Honda's best-selling model.
• HR-V Updates: Styling and technology enhancements will help maintain competitiveness in the compact SUV segment.
• Honda 0 Series: Two new concept models, the Saloon and C-SUV, were unveiled at CES 2024. Production models will be introduced globally in 2026.
Acura: Electrification and a New Era
The brand is poised to enter a new electrified era on the Acura front. By the end of 2025, production of the all-electric Acura RSX will begin at Honda's EV Hub in Ohio. The RSX, based on the Acura Performance EV Concept, will offer a coupe-like silhouette and fun-to-drive performance.
My personal connection with Acura goes beyond just selling cars—I met my wife while working as the service manager at Baranco Acura. Our shared memories during those years make every new Acura announcement feel personal. The RSX launch is especially exciting because it represents a new chapter for a brand I've always been passionate about.
Additionally, Acura will launch the ADX premium compact SUV this spring, featuring a youthful design and a turbocharged engine to attract new buyers. Meanwhile, the Integra will receive updates to keep it competitive in the premium sport compact segment.
Sustainability and Infrastructure
Honda's electrification strategy extends beyond vehicles. The company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and is actively supporting charging infrastructure development. Thanks to new adapters, Honda and Acura EV owners will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network starting this spring. Moreover, Honda has opened four IONNA Rechargeries for beta testing, with a fifth in progress.
During the press conference, it was also revealed that the new BEV products coming from the Ohio plant are expected to cause some interruption in production, affecting vehicles currently being built there. Honda is working closely with its suppliers and dealers to minimize customer impact.
Looking Ahead
Honda's balanced approach to electrification, combining hybrid, ICE, and EV models, underscores its commitment to meeting diverse customer needs while advancing toward a sustainable future. For those of us who have fond memories of Honda's early models, the return of the Prelude is more than just a product launch—it's a revival of a nameplate that introduced many to the joy of driving.
Stay tuned for more updates from AutoNsider as Honda and Acura continue to unveil exciting products and innovations in the years ahead.