The Prelude’s dashboard feels familiar, but distinct features set it apart from the Civic and Integra
More than a year after debuting the Prelude prototype in late 2023, Honda has officially revealed the first interior images at a special event in Japan. The upcoming hybrid coupe is set to launch in Japan, Europe, and North America in late 2025, offering a sportier, two-door alternative to the Civic.
As seen in earlier prototypes, the Prelude shares several interior components with its platform siblings—the Honda Civic and Acura Integra—but also incorporates unique design elements of its own.
Familiar Yet Distinct Interior
The dashboard, featuring a digital instrument cluster similar to the Civic Type R, sports a cleaner and more modern look. Its raised center console differs from the Civic’s, replacing the traditional automatic gear lever with a set of drive controls. A dedicated “S+ Shift” button takes center stage, enhancing the driving experience with simulated gear changes, sound effects, and torque mapping.
Civic drivers will recognize the digital instrument panel, floating infotainment screen, and climate control layout, though the climate vents resemble those found in the Integra. Larger door panels with coupe-style armrests and front seats with integrated headrests and pronounced bolstering give the Prelude a sportier, more refined feel. As expected for a coupe, rear-seat space is limited, but the hatchback-style tailgate opens to a spacious cargo area.
Unique Seats for Driver and Passenger
One standout feature is the asymmetrical front seats. The driver’s seat is designed for lateral support during spirited driving, while the passenger seat prioritizes comfort with softer padding and contours. Honda also focused on easy entry and exit, finishing the side sills in soft-touch material and sculpting the doors to prevent feet from hitting them while getting in.
In its prototype form, the Prelude’s interior sports a white and navy color scheme. The front seats feature retro-inspired houndstooth fabric with leather accents, while the rear bench is finished entirely in black—a practical choice given its limited use.
Sportier Chassis, Hybrid Powertrain
Built on an updated version of the Civic’s platform, the Prelude features a shorter wheelbase, wider track, and increased chassis rigidity while shedding weight. Steering and suspension tuning have been optimized for its role as a dynamic, GT-style coupe.
Under the hood, a self-charging hybrid system combines a newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors, driving the front wheels. While the system mimics gear changes through software, it lacks a traditional mechanical transmission.
The near-production prototype made its public debut at Tokyo’s F1-themed Red Bull Showrun x Powered by Honda event, where it was showcased as a parade vehicle alongside the Honda 0 Series SUV concept. Both cars were driven by members of the Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 team.
