The Prelude Returns in Two Markets
The return of the Honda Prelude has been one of the most talked-about events this week. After a 24-year absence, Honda’s two-door sports coupe has officially returned, the first time the model has adopted a hybrid powertrain.
Announced for both Japan and the United States, the revival has drawn mixed reactions – some celebrating its comeback, others questioning its price and its electrified setup. In Japan, demand is already tight, with limited production making it difficult for customers to secure one.
However, beyond availability, there is another notable difference: color options. Buyers in Japan will not be able to choose Boost Blue Pearl, a shade already familiar to the Civic Type R family, which is known as Racing Blue Pearl. That color has been designated for the US market for the Prelude (also making an appearance at this year’s Goodwood), giving American customers a slight but notable edge.
Equipment Differences Between USDM and JDM
While much of the specification sheet is shared across markets, there are some key variations between the Japanese-spec Prelude and the one headed to the US. The basics remain the same: 19-inch wheels, Brembo four-piston calipers in Prelude Blue finish, dual-axis strut front suspension derived from the Civic Type R, and adaptive dampers tuned specifically for this model. Both versions also feature a 2+2 seating layout, foldable rear seats, a 10.2-inch digital display, and a 9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in, paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bose premium sound system.
Where the two diverge is in the equipment level. The US model will not come with a panoramic glass roof, ventilated seating, or power seat adjustments – all of which are reportedly available in Japan. Honda’s reasoning is partly due to weight savings and packaging efficiency: manual seats allow quicker access to the rear compared to slower electric mechanisms.
Interior options mirror each other, featuring either blue and white or blue and black color schemes, along with asymmetrical sport seat bolsters that strike a balance between driver support and passenger comfort. Aside from those differences, the most apparent distinction remains the steering wheel placement – left-hand drive in the US versus right-hand drive in Japan.
US Pricing Still to Come
The one unanswered question for the US market is how much the new Prelude will cost. In Japan, pricing is set at 6,179,800 yen, positioning it above the Civic Type R despite its lower performance ceiling. With shipping costs and import duties factored in, we expect the US price to be higher, though it’s still conjecture at this point.
The release window has been set for autumn 2025, meaning final details are likely to surface closer to October or November.
Adam Lynton/Autoblog
