Honda Prelude Comeback? The Update Fans Won’t Like

The return of the Honda Prelude has stirred up plenty of conversation. While some enthusiasts are excited about its hybrid powertrain, many remain skeptical—especially about its use of an e-CVT, which, despite its name, differs from the traditional CVTs often criticized by drivers. Adding to the controversy is the car’s foundation: a Honda Civic-based platform that some argue doesn’t do justice to the iconic Prelude name. Now, leaked reports from Japan have added fuel to the fire, suggesting the new Prelude could carry a price tag higher than that of the performance-focused Civic Type R.

If the leaked details from Creative Trend prove accurate, the Honda Prelude is set to arrive in Japanese showrooms this September, carrying a price of ¥6,179,800—approximately $41,726 at today’s exchange rates. By comparison, the priciest Honda Civic Type R available in Japan, the Racing Black Package, costs ¥5,998,300 (about $40,500). It’s worth noting that both prices include consumer taxes.

An Unexpected Price Tag Considering Its Legacy

The pricing comes as a surprise, given the Honda Prelude history as an affordable sports coupe. One factor driving up the cost could be its adoption of the Civic Type R’s advanced suspension system. Additionally, a closer look at Japanese market prices shows that the Prelude will actually cost more than notable sports cars like the Nissan Z (known locally as the Fairlady Z) and the Toyota GR Supra, depending on which trim level customers select.

But that’s not all the leaked information from Creative Trend reveals. The new Prelude will offer no optional extras aside from paint choices. While Crystal Black Pearl and Flame Red are included as standard colors, premium finishes like Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Moonlit White Pearl come with an additional cost of ¥38,500 (about $260) and ¥85,000 (around $574), respectively.

Fuel efficiency figures have also surfaced, with the Honda Prelude rated at an impressive average of 23.6 km/L (approximately 55.5 mpg) under the more lenient WLTP testing cycle. Keep in mind, however, that these numbers may differ when the Prelude is released in the U.S. market.

The Prelude’s Release Will Be Limited

In addition to the standard Honda Prelude, Japanese customers will have the option to purchase the Prelude Honda ON Limited Edition — an online-exclusive variant priced even higher at ¥6,540,000 (around $44,158). This special edition features a distinctive two-tone design with a black roof, a dealer option package, and Honda’s maintenance plan. However, buying this model comes with several restrictions: a ¥100,000 ($675) application fee, a one-unit-per-customer limit, and the requirement that buyers must have been Honda Total Care members for at least one year.

Creative Trend also reports that orders for the Honda Prelude will open on September 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. local time. Interestingly, there will be no pre-orders for the highly anticipated return—a rare move by Honda. What’s even more surprising is that initial production will be capped at just 2,000 units, despite the significant buzz surrounding the model.

Hopefully, the Honda Prelude launch in the U.S. will follow a different path. We expect to learn more—including the eagerly anticipated pricing—within the next few weeks.