by Updates and General Information
After years of rumors, teasers, and prototypes, the Honda Prelude has finally debuted in Japan before its launch in European and US markets. The hybrid coupe starts at ¥6,179,800 yen (approximately $41,700), making it one of the most expensive models in Honda’s local portfolio.
Positioning and Pricing
Created as a sportier and more premium two-door analogue to the Civic, the Prelude uses the same basic platform but is positioned higher in terms of style, handling, and equipment. The premium pricing policy reflects this positioning, placing it above the Civic Type R.
More specifically, the Prelude is available in a single trim at a price of ¥6,179,800 ($41,700). Buyers can choose Flame Red or Crystal Black Pearl at no extra charge, while Meteoroid Gray Metallic costs an additional ¥38,500 ($260), and Moonlit Pearl costs ¥82,500 ($560). The coupe comes standard with black 19-inch alloy wheels, blue brake calipers, and matching exterior accents.
There is also a more exclusive Honda ON Limited Edition version with a black roof and mirror caps, available exclusively in Moonlit Pearl. Its price is ¥6,480,000 ($43,700).
Comparison with Other Models
For comparison, the Civic e:HEV, which is produced locally with a similar hybrid setup, costs in Japan from ¥4,094,200 to ¥4,403,300 ($27,600–29,700). The Civic Type R has a starting price of ¥4,997,300 ($33,700), but interestingly, the Racing Black Package version has now reached ¥6,179,800 ($41,700), making it equal in price to the Prelude. Even the larger, US-made Accord e:HEV sedan costs less—from ¥5,599,000 to ¥5,999,400 ($37,800–40,500).
Competitors and Market Position
Although the Honda Prelude has no direct competitor, its pricing policy is surprising compared to other Japanese sports coupes. Unexpectedly, 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 producing 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS)—twice the expected power of the Prelude.
In fact, it also surpasses the Toyota GR Supra, which is produced in Austria at the same Magna Steyr plant as the BMW Z4, starting at ¥4,995,000 ($33,700) with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp. With such a pricing policy, one might well ask what Honda was thinking.
The manufacturer will begin accepting orders in Japan from September 5th, with the initial production run limited to 2000 units. Whether they sell out quickly or sit on dealer lots will be a good indicator of how well Honda understood the market.
Technical Specifications
The Prelude is equipped with the Honda e:HEV hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Judging by the Civic Hybrid, which uses the same setup, the total output is likely to be 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS).
To make driving more engaging, the company has added the Honda S+ shift system, which uses sound effects and torque mapping to simulate gear shifts, despite the lack of a mechanical gearbox. Additionally, the Prelude features adaptive dampers and chassis components from the Civic Type R, including wider tracks, front Brembo brakes, and a double-wishbone front suspension, although all have been specifically tuned for the hybrid coupe.
Equipment and Features
As expected for its price category, standard equipment is generous. Key highlights include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment display with built-in Google, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats upholstered in leather and suede. Interestingly, the seats have different designs for the driver and passenger, focusing on support and comfort respectively.
US Market Prospects
Since the quoted prices are for Japan, it is difficult to determine exactly how much the Prelude will cost in the USA. However, if Japanese pricing is any indicator, it would not be surprising if the hybrid coupe crosses the $40,000 mark, making it at least $10,000 more expensive than the mechanically related Civic Hybrid.
However, the final price will also depend on where the Prelude is manufactured and how Honda decides to position it in global markets. For example, the Japan-made Civic Type R costs $12,700 more in the USA than in Japan.
On the other hand, the US-made Accord costs American buyers approximately $3,500 less than it costs Japanese buyers. Meanwhile, the Civic, currently produced in Japan but soon to move to Honda’s Indiana plant, carries a $3,000 premium in the American market.
The Prelude’s price in Japan may seem high compared to more powerful competitors, but it reflects Honda’s strategy to position this model as a premium product with unique characteristics. The limited production run and exclusivity may attract brand enthusiasts, although market success remains questionable due to the significant cost.
