Discover why the 2026 Honda Prelude now tops $65,000 after dealer markups and extra options – see the full cost breakdown and what it means for buyers. Learn more!
The long‑awaited 2026 Honda Prelude has finally returned to showrooms after a decade‑long hiatus, but the excitement is being eclipsed by a surprisingly steep price tag. A dealership in Arizona listed the new hybrid coupe for US$64,985 – more than $20,000 above the model’s official starting price.
Dealer markup pushes the price beyond $65,000
Germain Honda of Surprise, located in the Phoenix suburb, posted the price directly on the car’s windshield as a “dealer markup.” After the markup, the final asking price climbs to roughly US$64,985 (about 1.7 billion VND), which is US$20,000 or ≈525 million VND higher than the vehicle’s base MSRP.
Optional extras add even more cost
The dealer also bundles a set of accessories that further inflate the bill:
- Heat‑reflective window film – US$495 (≈13 million VND)
- Exterior protection package, including paint guard and ceramic coating – US$1,295 (≈34 million VND)
Including these options, the total price nudges close to US$65,000.
Base price vs. final price
Even before any dealer additions, the 2026 Prelude’s MSRP starts at US$43,195 (roughly 1.13 billion VND). Critics have already debated whether this starting figure is realistic given the competition in the compact‑coupe and sport‑segment market. The extra US$20,000 markup pushes the Prelude into the price range of established high‑performance models, prompting many potential buyers to question its true value.
What powers the new Prelude?
The revived Prelude is powered by Honda’s latest hybrid system, the same architecture used in the Civic e:HEV RS. Under the hood sits a 2.0‑liter naturally aspirated I4 gasoline engine delivering 141 hp and 182 Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor that adds 181 hp and 315 Nm. Despite the individual ratings, the combined output is capped at 200 hp with a peak torque of 315 Nm.
Sales outlook and early demand
Honda plans to ship roughly 300 Preludes per month to the U.S. market, amounting to about 4,000 units annually. However, in the first month of sales, only 174 units were sold, indicating that the model’s appeal may be more modest than the company anticipated.
In summary, while the 2026 Honda Prelude brings back a beloved nameplate with a modern hybrid powertrain, dealer markups and optional accessories have turned it into a premium-priced coupe. Prospective buyers should weigh the added cost against the vehicle’s performance and the overall market landscape before making a decision.