WHAT? $57,000 for the 2026 Honda Prelude?

Pricing for the 2026 Honda Prelude has been revealed in its home market of Japan and many are in for a shock! It’s shaping up to be expensive. Very expensive.

• The information comes from a leaked document

• Base price: ¥6,179,800, or close to $57,000 CAD

• The official reveal is scheduled for September 4

The 2026 Honda Prelude is one of the most anticipated vehicles for the 2026 model year. After years of absence, Honda’s iconic coupe is finally making a comeback.

While specs and images are being released bit by bit, one major question remains and it might be the dealbreaker: the price. For months, rumours have swirled, but no one could confirm anything until now, we get a better shape of what’s coming up. A leaked document appears to confirm the pricing of the Prelude in Japan.

Those hoping for an affordable coupe may be disappointed. In fact, this might be enough to turn some buyers away. According to the document, the base price will be ¥6,179,800. After converting from yen to Canadian dollars, the price lands just shy of $57,000. At launch, only one trim level will be available, though a special ON Edition is expected at least in Japan. That version pushes the price north of $60,000.

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The Civic Type R is a bargain

Although it will likely be far less powerful and exotic than the Civic Type R, if this price holds true, the Prelude would actually cost $4,000 more than the Type R.

Even more surprising is what happens when you compare it to other coupes. A fully loaded Subaru BRZ comes in just over $41,000. The same goes for its twin, the Toyota GR86. And perhaps the most striking comparison: the 400-horsepower Nissan Z offers nearly double the power of the Prelude with a base price under $54,000.

Another key factor to consider: where will the Prelude be built? If it’s assembled in Japan, it will be tariff-free in Canada. But if production takes place in the United States, it would be subject to import duties, which could push the price even higher.

More information will come to light at the official reveal on September 4. Technically, the 2026 Honda Prelude is expected to go on sale in Canada before the end of the year.