Nostalgia is having a moment in the automotive world. For the 2026 model year, automakers are dusting off classic nameplates and giving them a second life. Some of these revivals stay true to their roots, while others take a sharp turn. But one thing’s for sure: these aren’t just cynical nostalgia plays. Here are five iconic nameplates making their return in 2026, and a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2027 and beyond.

Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude is back after a 24-year nap. The original (1978–2001) was Honda’s popular two-door that brought us optional four-wheel steering, the VTEC engine, and ’90s coupe vibes. The 2026 Prelude keeps the sleek coupe look but brings a modern hybrid powertrain.

Under the hood, you get Honda’s two-motor hybrid with front-wheel drive and a playful S+ Shift mode that fakes snappy gear changes. We’re guessing most sports car enthusiasts won’t be heaping praise on simulated features, but we could be wrong. Honda’s also borrowing some Type R-grade chassis bits for better handling. 

The Honda Prelude is slated to hit U.S. dealers this winter as a 2026 model. If pricing lands near loaded Civic territory, this could be one of the few sporty coupes that won’t wreck your budget, or your fuel bill. Keep an eye out for Honda Prelude inventory with Car Search.

2027 Chevrolet Bolt

The Bolt is back due to popular demand. It might sound like a joke, but fans of affordable electric vehicles basically lobbied General Motors CEO Mary Barra to bring back the Bolt, and they succeeded.

Chevy’s reboot wears a 2027 badge, but it’s slated to hit U.S. dealers in early 2026. It’ll be built at GM’s Fairfax Assembly in Kansas City. The new Bolt will be priced at $29,990 at launch, with an even cheaper trim option to follow. GM estimates 255 miles of range, and the new Bolt adds a native NACS port so Tesla Supercharger access is a go. 

Charging is the big glow-up: DC fast-charge peaks at 150 kW (about 10–80% in 26 minutes), more than 2.5× quicker than the old Bolt. Charging was really the only complaint most owners ever had, and GM was listening. Expect a single front-motor setup and the usual Bolt practicality with a roomier, techier cabin fit for the modern era.

2026 Honda CH-R

Remember the CH-R? It’s only been gone for four years. Next year, it’s coming back in a big way: all-electric, 338 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and a manufacturer-estimated 290 miles of range. It also gets a NACS port for Tesla Supercharger access. Expect U.S. arrivals in spring to summer of 2026. 

Honda hasn’t announced pricing as of October 2025, but industry estimates range from mid-$30Ks to above $40K. Either way, expect an all-new C-HR with the latest features, sharp looks, and punchy EV performance. 

2026 Acura RSX

Another coupe to EV revival? Yep. The Acura RSX is coming back, but not as the tuner coupe you remember from high school. This one’s an all-electric SUV on Honda’s first in-house EV platform. The RSX will feature dual-motor AWD and Acura’s new ASIMO OS software. It will be built in Ohio at Honda’s EV Hub. 

Acura says the RSX is “coming in 2026,” with multiple outlets pegging the second half of the year for U.S. arrival. Pricing isn’t announced; early estimates range from around $40K to about $50K. Range and DC fast-charge speeds are still TBA, though coverage expects roughly ~300 miles and competitive charging. Unlike the recently discontinued Acura ZDX, the RSX will be a legit Acura-tuned EV, not a Chevy EV in disguise. 

See the cars discontinued in 2025

2026 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep hit pause on the Cherokee in 2023, but it’s back for 2026 with a full reboot and a fuel-sipping sense of responsibility. The new Cherokee is hybrid-only, pairing a 1.6-liter turbo four with two e-motors for a 210-hp system that targets 37 mpg combined and 500+ miles of range. All of Jeep’s previous electrified efforts have been slow to sell, so we’ll be watching how the Cherokee does closely. 

AWD is standard, the body is boxier (think baby Grand Cherokee), and the cabin finally gets big-screen tech (12.3″ infotainment + 10.3″ cluster). Jeep says the Limited will be priced at $42,495, and the Overland will cost $45,995. Sound a bit expensive? The entry-level Jeep Cherokee ($36,995) and Laredo ($39,995) will follow in early 2026. 

The new Cherokee is expected to arrive in late 2025, so check CarEdge Car Search for inventory near you. 

2027 and Beyond

Looking a step beyond 2026, the comeback tour keeps rolling. Nissan says the Xterra is officially returning in 2028. Expect a rugged, two-row, body-on-frame SUV likely built in Canton, Mississippi, with reports pointing to a V-6 hybrid setup. Don’t expect specs until late 2026, but leaked info from Nissan’s dealer meeting was clear: blocky looks, off-road focus, and an embrace of nostalgia.

And Scout is coming back as a brand under the Volkswagen umbrella. The Traveler SUV and Terra pickup are slated to start production in South Carolina in 2027. Rumor has it that Scout is targeting starting prices under $60K. The revived nameplate plans to offer both EV and extended-range (EREV) versions. 

Which auto revivals are you looking forward to most? Let us know over at the free CarEdge Community, where we’re always talking cars.