New Prelude Priced Higher Than a Nissan Z with Double the Power in Japan | Carscoops

      The new Honda Prelude can now be ordered in Japan, starting at ¥6,179,800 (approximately $41,700).

      This hybrid coupe is priced higher than both the Nissan Z and the GR Supra in its home country.

      Additionally, Honda is offering a limited edition model with a black roof and mirrors for ¥6,480,000 ($43,700).

      Update: The 2026 Honda Prelude has been officially launched in Japan, showcasing new images and a comprehensive overview of local prices.

      After years of speculation, previews, and prototypes, the revived Honda Prelude has finally been unveiled in Japan ahead of its introduction in Europe, North America, and other selected markets globally. The hybrid coupe starts at ¥6,179,800 ($41,700), making it one of the most expensive models in Honda's domestic range.

      A Premium Price Point

      Marketed as a sportier and more upscale two-door alternative to the Civic, the Prelude utilizes the same basic platform but aims for enhanced style, performance, and features. This premium pricing reflects its improved positioning, elevating it above the performance-oriented Civic Type R hatchback.

      The Prelude comes in a single trim, priced at ¥6,179,800 ($41,700). Buyers can select either Flame Red or Crystal Black Pearl without an additional charge, while the Meteoroid Gray Metallic adds ¥38,500 ($260), and the Moonlit Pearl paint comes with an extra cost of ¥82,500 ($560). Standard features include black 19-inch alloy wheels equipped with blue brake calipers and coordinating exterior accents.

      There is also a more exclusive Honda ON Limited Edition, which features a black roof and mirror caps combined only with the Moonlit Pearl color. This model is priced at ¥6,480,000 ($43,700) and includes several dealer-installed accessories.

      For perspective, the locally produced Civic e:HEV with a similar hybrid configuration is priced between ¥4,094,200 and ¥4,403,300 ($27,600 - $29,700) in Japan. The Civic Type R starts at ¥4,997,300 ($33,700), but interestingly, the Racing Black Package version has now reached ¥6,179,800 ($41,700), which aligns it with the Prelude. Even the larger U.S.-assembled Accord e:HEV sedan is less expensive, ranging from ¥5,599,000 to ¥5,999,400 ($37,800–$40,500).

      Costlier Than The Fairlady Z And GR Supra

      While the Honda Prelude does not have a direct competitor, its pricing can be surprising when compared to other Japanese sports coupes. Notably, the hybrid costs more than the locally produced Nissan Fairlady Z, which starts at ¥5,497,800 ($37,100) and is equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine outputting 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS)—double the expected output of the Prelude.

      It also surpasses the Toyota GR Supra, which is produced in Austria at the same Magna Steyr facility as the BMW Z4 and has a base price of ¥4,995,000 ($33,700) featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 255 hp. Given this pricing, many may wonder about Honda's pricing strategy.

      Orders in Japan will start being accepted from September 5, with an initial production of 300 units per month. It will be interesting to see if these units sell quickly or linger in dealerships, reflecting how effectively Honda has gauged market demand.

      Inspired by Gliders

      The Prelude is categorized as a “specialty sports model.” Its exterior design draws inspiration from gliders, which are aircraft without engines that rely on air currents to remain airborne. This influence is apparent in its low-nose profile, sleek lines, and wing-shaped LED headlights that extend across the front and meet at a slender black chrome grille.

      The interior borrows elements from the Honda Civic and Acura Integra but also introduces unique features. The seating layout is a 2+2 configuration, blending aesthetics with practicality. According to Yoshihisa Yanagimoto, the packaging lead for the project, the Prelude is “a car you want to drive when going out with someone special.”

      The front seats are distinct, designed to provide support for the driver while offering a “comfortable, enveloping feel” for the passenger. The hatchback-style tailgate allows access to a roomy cargo area that can be expanded by folding down the back seats.

      As expected for its price range, standard features are ample. Notable items include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment system with Google integration, an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and leather and suede-trimmed heated front seats. Buyers can choose between blue and white or black upholstery options.

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