Honda Prelude Price in Canada Significantly Lower Than in the US
After announcing prices for the Honda Prelude in the US and Europe, the Japanese automaker has revealed the cost for the Canadian market. Interestingly, in Canada, the car costs almost $7,000 less than in the neighboring United States, which is surprising considering the exchange rate.
Key Points About the Prelude
Pricing Details
In the US, the 2026 Honda Prelude costs $43,195, including the destination fee. However, in Canada, its price starts at 49,990 Canadian dollars, which is approximately equivalent to $35,535 US dollars. Including additional fees, the total cost is about $37,687 US dollars.
Canada participates in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which allows cars manufactured in Japan to be imported duty-free.
In contrast, the US has introduced new trade rules that impose a 15% tariff on most Japanese imported goods, including cars. This explains the significant price difference between the two countries.
Comparison with Competitors
Despite the lower price in Canada, the Prelude is still more expensive than many competitors. For example, the Subaru BRZ starts at 32,695 Canadian dollars, and the Hyundai Elantra N starts at 40,949 Canadian dollars, while offering better dynamic performance.
The Nissan Z in Canada costs about the same as the Prelude but has a more powerful engine – 400 hp versus 200 hp for the Honda. It is also worth mentioning the Civic Type R, which, although harder to find due to limited supplies, offers more power for a similar price.
Sales Prospects
It is currently difficult to assess how successful the sales of the new Prelude will be. However, given the high cost even in Canada, this model is likely to remain a niche product with limited demand.
Honda’s pricing policy for the Prelude raises questions about its competitiveness in the modern market. On the one hand, hybrid technology may attract environmentally conscious buyers, but on the other hand, insufficient power and high cost may deter sports coupe enthusiasts. Furthermore, global trade agreements continue to affect car availability, creating significant price disparities between countries. This may in the future stimulate manufacturers to localize production or revise marketing strategies.