2026 Kia Sorento: Tech updates coming to Australia
Kia Australia has confirmed the updated large SUV is due to arrive here during the fourth quarter (October to December) of 2025.
'Any potential feature upgrades will be confirmed in due course,' a company spokesperson added.
All Korean-market Sorento variants get Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA2) with steering wheel grip detection, which CarExpert understands will also be offered here.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
LFA2 is an upgraded version of Kia's lane-centring system, and now features a hands-on sensor to better detect if you're taking your hands off the wheel and letting the car drive you. Performance of the system is also claimed to have been improved.
Other changes for the 2026 Sorento include a new four-spoke steering wheel design, as well as ambient lighting that has been expanded to the front door pockets.
There are new 19-inch alloy wheels, while 'touch-type' exterior door handles also feature on some Korean-market Sorentos.
So too does Kia Digital Key 2, which utilises near-field communication, Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology to allow you to use your smartphone like a key fob to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without even taking it out of your pocket.
You can also share digital keys with family and friends, with specific access levels. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Kia Digital Key 2 has yet to appear on any Australian-market Kias, and sister brand Hyundai has only just introduced this technology with the new Ioniq 9 large electric SUV.
Overall, the updates to the Sorento for 2026 are minor – but then the Toyota Kluger rival did receive a substantial mid-life update in 2024.
This brought fresh styling inside and out plus a new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen running Kia's latest infotainment software, and while powertrains were carried over from the pre-update model, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) was homologated to newer Euro 6e emissions standards.
Kia Australia has indicated both PHEV and regular hybrid versions of the Sorento will be more widely available from later this year. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The hybrid and PHEV powertrains are currently exclusive to the flagship GT-Line trim, and have long been supply-constrained.
That explains why so far this year, the Sorento Hybrid is being outsold by almost five-to-one by the related Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid.
But the Santa Fe can't match the Sorento – at least not in Australia – in offering a PHEV powertrain. The Sorento is unique in the large mainstream SUV segment in offering petrol, diesel, hybrid and PHEV powertrains.
Despite the shortfall in hybrid sales, the Sorento continues to outsell the Santa Fe. To the end of June, Kia has delivered 5165 Sorentos this year, against 3212 Santa Fes. It's also outselling the Toyota Kluger (4611) and Mazda CX-80 (2065).
MORE: Explore the Kia Sorento showroom
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: High tech home cleaning
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more Touted as the ' world's most powerful cordless stick vacuum ', the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra might just be the suckiest appliance on the market. And as someone whose floors are constantly riddled with dog hair (as well as my own), I couldn't have been more excited to put it to the test. Having tested a variety of vacuum cleaners in my job, I've learned that strong suction power isn't all it's cracked up to be and there's definitely more to a good buy than big numbers. Samsung's new cordless stick vac packs long battery life, auto empty, a bunch of cleaner heads and accessories and a stylish and surprisingly slim design. And for anyone who's chronically attached to their phone, the vacuum is compatible with the SmartThings app so the appliance can actually let you know when you're getting a phone call or text message. Check out our first impressions of Samsung's latest cordless stick vacuum cleaner below. 30-SECOND REVIEW Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer If I could describe the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in one word, it would definitely be efficient. While it comes with a higher price tag and a few 'non-essential' bells and whistles, it cleans different types of gross dry and wet messes exceptionally well, particularly on hard floors, and doesn't require much effort to use, pick up dirt and maintain. The stick vac also lets you customise the gadget in a variety of ways, and everything is easy to assemble and take apart. HOW WE TESTED THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA STICK VACUUM At checkout, it's our mission to help you make informed shopping decisions. To ensure you buy the right product at the best price, we rigorously test products so you don't have to. As well as sorting through mountains of consumer reviews, product manuals and conducting thorough product research, our team of expert writers puts each product we review through a series of hands-on tests to ensure we give you honest feedback about its performance and whether it's worth your hard-earned money. DESIGN Samsung's AI Jet Ultra Stick Vacuum wins the beauty crown with its stylish and sleek design, while the slim build makes it a decent contender for shoppers wanting something small-space friendly. It's also self standing so you don't need to mount the appliance to the wall, and the cradle is a convenient fix for the accessories. Aside from the all-in-one charging dock and auto-empty station, the Samsung stick vacuum includes: • Active dual brush • Slim LED brush+ • Pet tool+ • Combination and long reach crevice tool • Spray spinning sweeper For our particularly tall readers, the pole can be extended just like the crevice tool. The box also includes antibacterial reusable pads and disposable wet pads for the sweeper, plus three dust bags. I was mostly excited to try the flex tool, which essentially works like an extra arm that can bend up to 90 degrees to help give you 'better aim'. I really like how it can be used with different cleaner heads but honestly it felt flimsy and made the vacuum harder to control. If having a bendy stick vacuum is on top of your list, our checkout editor Melody raved about the flexibility of Shark's PowerDetect Clean & Empty Vacuum. (It similarly has an auto-empty function, decent battery life and retails for $700 cheaper.) The two 'main cleaner' heads – aka the active dual brush and slim LED brush+ — are the only tools compatible with the AI mode and each work incredibly well. I'm an especially big fan of using the slim LED brush+ to light up the monsters under the bed, a task which surely makes vacuuming as one of the most-hated chores. Clean Station I absolutely love how the HEPA vacuum boasts a self-empty feature, similar to many robot vacuum cleaners and new premium cordless vacuum cleaners. It's particularly fantastic if you want to minimise your exposure to dust. The dust bag is easy to change and fits up to two litres of debris. When it's time to repurchase, Samsung usually offers five disposable bags which can last a while even if you vacuum daily. The dustbin can be manually emptied, but I found the debris got so tightly packed that I had to dig deep into the container. It's much easier to leave the cleaning to the self emptying station, especially if you're like me and want to prevent airborne dust particles triggering any allergies. BATTERY LIFE The Bespoke Jet AI Ultra offers up to 100 minutes of cordless cleaning, which is great compared to many other options on the market – including the popular Dyson Gen5detect Absolute which retails at a similar price point ($1549 RRP) and lasts up to 70 minutes. If you want to sneak in extra runtime, this stick vacuum has a detachable battery design which lets you swap in another fully charged pack (sold separately, of course). Since it's already quite powerful on the lower settings, I could get away with cleaning all the rooms in one go and have enough power leftover to go over my desk and any awkward spots without having to recharge. HOW WELL DOES THE SAMSUNG VACUUM CLEAN? To give the AI-powered stick vac a run for its money, I opened Pandora's box (aka a gross and decently filled dust bag from my robot vacuum). And it's fair to say I immediately nerded out. I was surprised at how powerful the lowest setting ended up being, and how I didn't need to ramp up to a higher mode when dealing with the meatiest dust balls. If it wasn't a loan unit shared by a long list of tech reviewers, I could've vacuumed my bed with the pet tool+ at the end of a deep clean and had battery to spare. Although I did test it out on my couch and the handheld vac picked up the small pet hairs pretty easily. Samsung's new stick vacuum also introduces cleaning mode 2.0 to help avoid wasting unnecessary energy. It works similar to the auto mode on other cordless units but rather than automatically adjusting the settings simply based on whether it's on carpet or not, or how dirty the surface is, the Bespoke Jet AI Ultra changes the power level and brush speed depending on the environment (including if it's against a wall corner, on short or long pile carpet, or even picked off the ground and not being used at a particular moment). It's worth mentioning you also do need to register the stick vac on Samsung's SmartThings App to activate the new and improved AI features (plus any future updates). I actually didn't find it that much more useful than a regular auto setting, and there are mixed reviews online where people have had some trouble on carpet. When it comes to washing floors, the spray spinning sweeper is a nice little alternative to the traditional mop. It lets you control when the appliance releases water, which makes it much more easier to control how wet the surface gets compared to some other wet dry vacuums. In saying that, I prefer this tool for refreshing tiles and hardwood rather than as a complete replacement of a mop and bucket. Otherwise, you will need to make sure you're washing the pads after every clean (or repurchasing new packs if you prefer the disposable option) to prevent bacteria and mould making a new home under your vacuum. The built-in water tank also fits up to 150ml water before it needs to be refilled, which is a significantly smaller capacity to many cordless wet dry vacuums and robot vacuums. HOW MUCH IS THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA IN AUSTRALIA? The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra retails for $1699 and is available from Samsung's online store and the usual leading retailers such as The Good Guys and Appliances Online. IS THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA WORTH BUYING? Given the fact many brands are charging a small fortune for home appliances, I love how this vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of easily adjustable attachments to better tailor each clean. There's no trigger button to leave my hands feeling tired after a long cleaning session, and all the controls and attachments are super easy to use. Unlike some other vacuums I've tried, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra does a great job of effortlessly picking up different types of debris without having to go over the same mess multiple times. The mop attachment doesn't over saturate the floors too much, either. Plus, you have total control of how much water is released – something which I wish was more common in wet dry vacuums. On the downside, the unit is pricey and most of the AI features don't add that much to what other vacuums pretty much already do. But it still is a great two-in-one vacuum and mop, especially if you're interested in investing in a self emptying model. *Product has been loaned by Samsung for a 100 per cent independent, honest review. Sign up to our free weekly shopping newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest deals, trends and sale events.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Ford posts $77.6 billion record revenue amid tariff losses
Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford has posted a $US36 million ($A55.9 million) loss in the second quarter (April-June) of 2025, the least of the US 'Big Three' since the introduction of import tariffs in the United States (US). In the first reporting period since US President Donald Trump introduced automotive tariffs – followed by broader tariffs unsettling the industry – Ford also announced a 22 per cent fall in earnings to $2.1 billion ($A3.26 billion). Yet the automaker said it achieved record quarterly revenue during the period of $US50.2 billion ($A77.6 billion), up 5.5 per cent year-on-year. Ford's commercial vehicle division, led by products including the Ford Ranger, F-150 and Transit, was the biggest contributor to the result, with US$2.3 billion (A$3.56bn) in profits. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The automaker continued to post losses on winding down its electric vehicle (EV) programs, with a $US1.3 billion ($A2.0 billion) loss after an $US849 million ($A1.3 billion) Q1 loss and $US5.1 billion ($A7.9 billion) loss for the full year 2024. Ford's announcement follows results from rival US company General Motors (GM) which posted a $US1.1 billion ($A1.7 billion) loss of the last three month to the end of June, laying the blame for the loss entirely on the introduction of tariffs on imported vehicles, materials and parts. Rival Stellantis, Netherlands-based owner of iconic US brands Chrysler, Jeep, Ram Trucks and Dodge, posted a €2.3 billion (A$4.1 billion) loss for the first half of 2025. Bill Ford – great grandson of company founder, Henry Ford – said after the April 2, 2025, introduction of tariffs the automaker was to be the least impacted, given it has the largest US manufacturing footprint. US President Trump said the tariffs were designed to strengthen local manufacturing, with Ford since pushing the slogan "Ford Motor Company. From America. For America." On this week's call, Ford said it expects the tariffs to cost more than previously, increasing its earlier $US1.5 billion prediction to $US2 billion ($A3.11 billion) for the full year in 2025, with a total impact estimated to be $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion). The automaker took out a $US3 billion ($A4.66 billion) line of credit on July 29, the day before the earnings call. It enacted counter measures when the tariffs hit, such as offering staff pricing to all US customers to stave off predicted increases in showroom prices and also capitalise on margins of vehicles not impacted by tariffs. The move was followed by Stellantis for its brands in the US shortly after. Ford chief financial officer Sherry House said higher-than-expected tariffs on parts as well as a doubling of the duties on steel and aluminium to 50 per cent were the reason for the predicted higher costs of tariffs. "We recorded our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year cost improvement, excluding the impact of tariffs, building on progress we made last year when we closed roughly $1.5 billion [$A2.3 billion] of our competitive cost gap in material cost," Ms House said in a statement. "Our balance sheet keeps getting stronger, further enabling our ability to invest in areas of strength. We are remaking Ford into a higher-growth, higher-margin and more durable business — and allocating capital where we can compete, win and grow." Ford revised its earnings forecast for the year to $US6.5-7.5 billion ($A10.1-11.6 billion), having withdrawn previous guidance of $US7-8.5 billion ($A10.9-$13.2 billion). MORE: Ford slowing electric car rollout as losses mount MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Honda Prelude: Reborn coupe confirmed for Australia
The 2026 Honda Prelude has been confirmed for Australia and is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms mid-next year as the brand looks to recapture some of its former sports car glory. The Prelude will enter the sports car market alongside two-door coupes including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Ford Mustang. In late 2024, Honda confirmed it would begin production of a new sixth-generation Prelude, revealing a two-door hybrid sports car set for Europe and the United States (US) – but Australia wasn't included in the global announcement. Honda Australia renewed its expired trademark for the Prelude name – last seen in Australia in 2001 – in December 2023, a move often made by automakers to protect a nameplate from use by rivals, but the company shared no plans for a local launch of the reborn sports car. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This week, Honda Australia told media, including CarExpert, the Prelude will return to showrooms in mid-2026. "We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup next year," said Honda Australia director Rob Thorp. "Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new." No vehicle specifics, such as equipment levels, pricing or otherwise, were announced. "The Prelude … we can't share a lot of stuff – I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that such an iconic nameplate that's had such rich brand heritage and history, is a model we're bringing back to Australia next year," said Mr Thorp. The Prelude is set to go on sale in the US – Honda's biggest volume market by far – in late 2025, ahead of its debut in Europe before its Australian arrival. The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude interior revealed with lots of Civic parts Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Honda Prelude has been confirmed for Australia and is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms mid-next year as the brand looks to recapture some of its former sports car glory. The Prelude will enter the sports car market alongside two-door coupes including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Ford Mustang. In late 2024, Honda confirmed it would begin production of a new sixth-generation Prelude, revealing a two-door hybrid sports car set for Europe and the United States (US) – but Australia wasn't included in the global announcement. Honda Australia renewed its expired trademark for the Prelude name – last seen in Australia in 2001 – in December 2023, a move often made by automakers to protect a nameplate from use by rivals, but the company shared no plans for a local launch of the reborn sports car. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This week, Honda Australia told media, including CarExpert, the Prelude will return to showrooms in mid-2026. "We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup next year," said Honda Australia director Rob Thorp. "Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new." No vehicle specifics, such as equipment levels, pricing or otherwise, were announced. "The Prelude … we can't share a lot of stuff – I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that such an iconic nameplate that's had such rich brand heritage and history, is a model we're bringing back to Australia next year," said Mr Thorp. The Prelude is set to go on sale in the US – Honda's biggest volume market by far – in late 2025, ahead of its debut in Europe before its Australian arrival. The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude interior revealed with lots of Civic parts Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Honda Prelude has been confirmed for Australia and is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms mid-next year as the brand looks to recapture some of its former sports car glory. The Prelude will enter the sports car market alongside two-door coupes including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Ford Mustang. In late 2024, Honda confirmed it would begin production of a new sixth-generation Prelude, revealing a two-door hybrid sports car set for Europe and the United States (US) – but Australia wasn't included in the global announcement. Honda Australia renewed its expired trademark for the Prelude name – last seen in Australia in 2001 – in December 2023, a move often made by automakers to protect a nameplate from use by rivals, but the company shared no plans for a local launch of the reborn sports car. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This week, Honda Australia told media, including CarExpert, the Prelude will return to showrooms in mid-2026. "We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup next year," said Honda Australia director Rob Thorp. "Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new." No vehicle specifics, such as equipment levels, pricing or otherwise, were announced. "The Prelude … we can't share a lot of stuff – I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that such an iconic nameplate that's had such rich brand heritage and history, is a model we're bringing back to Australia next year," said Mr Thorp. The Prelude is set to go on sale in the US – Honda's biggest volume market by far – in late 2025, ahead of its debut in Europe before its Australian arrival. The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude interior revealed with lots of Civic parts Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Honda Prelude has been confirmed for Australia and is scheduled to arrive in local showrooms mid-next year as the brand looks to recapture some of its former sports car glory. The Prelude will enter the sports car market alongside two-door coupes including the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, Nissan Z, Toyota Supra, and Ford Mustang. In late 2024, Honda confirmed it would begin production of a new sixth-generation Prelude, revealing a two-door hybrid sports car set for Europe and the United States (US) – but Australia wasn't included in the global announcement. Honda Australia renewed its expired trademark for the Prelude name – last seen in Australia in 2001 – in December 2023, a move often made by automakers to protect a nameplate from use by rivals, but the company shared no plans for a local launch of the reborn sports car. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. This week, Honda Australia told media, including CarExpert, the Prelude will return to showrooms in mid-2026. "We're thrilled to add this iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup next year," said Honda Australia director Rob Thorp. "Prelude taps into a rare combination of nostalgia and performance with broad appeal across generations of Honda customers, old and new." No vehicle specifics, such as equipment levels, pricing or otherwise, were announced. "The Prelude … we can't share a lot of stuff – I want to say so many things, but I think the really important thing is that such an iconic nameplate that's had such rich brand heritage and history, is a model we're bringing back to Australia next year," said Mr Thorp. The Prelude is set to go on sale in the US – Honda's biggest volume market by far – in late 2025, ahead of its debut in Europe before its Australian arrival. The first of a new "specialty sport era of electrification", according to Honda, the new two-door sports car will share components, including its front-wheel drive underpinnings, with the Civic hatchback. This includes Honda's 'e:HEV' hybrid powertrain – also offered in the Accord – using a four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors, but the Prelude will be the first to feature Honda's S+ Shift technology. The S+ Shift technology simulates gear changes using paddle shifters. There won't be a manual transmission, with the company's global electrification boss previously ruling out such an option for the Prelude. The US version – and most likely Australian version, too – will also use the same high-performance Brembo brakes as the Civic Type R, and use a Prelude-specific version of the Type R's front and rear suspension. Honda says the Prelude will embody "the joy of maneuvering", claiming its "low and sleek body" will contribute to its "glider-like exhilaration". Its cabin – which appears to carry over a significant number of parts from the Civic – will use a blue-and-white theme, and will use a more bolstered driver's seat with the front passenger seat reprofiled for "moderately wrapped comfort". The Prelude isn't the only sports car name Honda has revived. Once one of several Honda sports cars in showrooms – including the S2000 roadster and the legendary NSX – the Prelude previously sat above the Integra in the brand's lineup. The Integra, last offered in Australia in 2006, was reintroduced in China in 2021 and the US in 2022, where it remains sold under the 'Acura' premium Honda sub-brand – but has been ruled out for showrooms here. Following the demise of the NSX and coupe versions of the Civic and Accord over the past decade, Honda no longer sells any two-door coupes globally, something the launch of the Prelude will rectify. MORE: 2026 Honda Prelude interior revealed with lots of Civic parts Content originally sourced from:
