by Dealer Announcement on Prelude Price
A Honda dealer in California has posted an advertisement for the sale of the new 2026 Prelude coupe at a price of nearly $44,000. The Barber Honda dealership, via the Autotrader platform, is offering the hybrid model for $43,850. If this information is confirmed, the Prelude’s recommended price will exceed the base version of the Ford Mustang by approximately $10,000.
Searching for the Real Cost
The official manufacturer’s price from Honda has not yet been announced, but three dealers in the US have already provided the first approximate figures, which turned out to be quite high. On its own website, Barber Honda indicates a price of $42,655, while on Autotrader it is $43,850. The difference between these amounts exactly matches the Honda destination fee for 2025 models, suggesting that $42,655 may be the actual recommended price.
Two more active listings were also found: from Honda of Denton in Texas and Lehigh Valley Honda in Pennsylvania, both with a stated price of $43,650. It is not yet clear which trims these prices refer to or if they include additional options.
Comparison with the Affordable Coupe Market
Previously, a Motor Trend publication reported an estimated price of $38,000, which was later increased to $42,000, but the figure from Barber Honda turned out to be even higher. For comparison, the new Toyota GR86 costs $30,800, and the Ford Mustang Ecoboost is $32,320.
Although the Prelude is offered only in a high trim level with leather seats and a Bose audio system, the price difference is significant. The hybrid setup distinguishes it from competitors, but the power output of 200 hp appears modest compared to the 228 hp in the GR86 and 315 hp in the Mustang Ecoboost.
Competition with Nissan Z and Civic Type R
The price from Barber Honda of $43,850 naturally compares to the Nissan Z, which costs $42,970. The base version of the Z lacks luxurious trim but offers a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine and a manual transmission.
Another direct competitor is the 2025 Honda Civic Type R priced at $45,895. Although the new version of the Type R is expected to be more expensive, the difference in monthly payments between it and the Prelude will be insignificant.
The high dealer prices for the new Prelude coupe may reflect its positioning as a premium model among affordable sports cars. However, given competitors with greater power and lower cost, the Prelude’s market success will largely depend on buyers’ perception of its hybrid technologies and equipment level. The final decision on the price from Honda is eagerly awaited, as it will determine the true competitiveness of this model.
