The Honda Prelude is making a comeback. On paper, it has all the right ingredients for a frugal sports coupe: sleek styling, a hybrid powertrain, and a nameplate that still resonates with enthusiasts. But according to a leak from Japanese outlet Creative Trend, it might arrive with a price tag that could alienate the very buyers who made it iconic. According to the leak, Honda will officially debut the new Prelude on September 4, and orders in Japan will open the next day. The first production run will be limited to just 2,000 units.
More Expensive Than A Civic Type R
Honda
The leaked Japanese MSRP puts the 2026 Prelude at ¥6,179,800, or roughly $41,000. That’s significantly more than the Civic Type R, which starts at ¥4,997,300 in Japan. It also puts it uncomfortably close to the price of more performance-focused cars. A limited-run ON Edition will also be offered at launch for ¥6,540,000 (about $43,400), with unique details like a black roof and bundled extras. However, buyers must pay in full, are limited to one unit, and cannot resell it after purchase. For a Honda coupe, that’s unusually exclusive.
Is It Just A Civic In A Tux?
Honda
The Prelude shares its platform with the Civic, but Honda is treating it as more than a badge-engineering job. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter hybrid system with two electric motors, paired with a CVT. Brakes and suspension are adapted from the Civic Type R, and the Prelude gets heated seats, a digital dash, and a BOSE sound system. Adaptive dampers and 19-inch wheels come standard, along with Google-based infotainment. It seems like less of a reskinned Civic coupe, and more like a grown-up Type R that you can cruise in without needing a chiropractor.
Fighting In The Wrong Weight Class
Honda
Its ¥6,179,800 ($41,000) price tag feels especially steep when compared to what else the market offers. The Nissan Z starts at ¥5,497,800 ($36,500) in Japan, while the BMW Z4 — imported from Austria — starts at ¥4,995,000 ($33,200). Both are rear-wheel-drive and pack more power. The Prelude, by contrast, is front-wheel-drive only and CVT-exclusive. If built in Japan, export fees could bump the US price even higher. Initially, we thought it would go head-to-head with cheaper, enthusiast-approved options like the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5 Miata. But if not, it’s hard to see how this version of the Prelude will connect with the younger buyers it seems to target.