Honda’s revival of the Honda Prelude has stirred plenty of debate among enthusiasts, and now the European-spec model is adding more fuel to the fire. While the U.S. and Japan will get a hybrid Prelude producing 200 horsepower, the version destined for Europe will deliver just 181 horsepower-almost a 10% drop in power-thanks to local emissions regulations and regional engine tuning. And despite offering less performance, the Euro-spec Prelude will actually cost more.
Honda confirmed that the 2026 Prelude for Europe will launch at £39,595 before taxes, which converts to roughly $52,150-a substantial increase over the “about $42,000” price Honda expects for the U.S. market. The new Prelude’s pricing and performance numbers have already raised eyebrows in North America, but the European package makes the coupe’s value proposition even tougher.
Why Europe Gets Less Power
The difference starts with the powertrain. Like the U.S. model, the European Prelude borrows the hybrid setup from the Civic Hybrid and shares structural elements with the Civic Type R. However, the current European-market Civic Hybrid has always produced 181 hp, compared to the American version’s 200 hp. Both regions share the same 232 lb-ft of torque, so drivability should remain similar, but the drop in power contributes to a noticeably slower car.
Early numbers from Car magazine in the U.K. show the Euro-spec Prelude hitting 0–60 mph in 8.2 seconds, barely quicker than a fully loaded European Civic Hybrid. For a coupe marketed with performance heritage-even as Honda positions it as more of a budget grand tourer than a true sports car-that figure will be difficult for some buyers to ignore.
Is 20 Horsepower a Big Deal?
On paper, 20 horsepower may not seem like a drastic difference. But when a car only makes 200 hp, and competes in a small niche of affordable hybrid coupes, every bit of output matters. The U.S. Prelude already faces criticism for costing only a few thousand less than the Civic Type R, which offers dramatically higher performance. In Europe, where the starting price jumps past £39,000, the comparison becomes even starker.
Still Worth Driving? Early Impressions Say Yes
Not all things are as grim as they appear. Early impressions from testers-including a brief drive by journalist Joel Feder of Motor Authority-suggest the Prelude still delivers enjoyable handling, a refined hybrid system, and standout styling. Enthusiasts have praised the car’s design, calling it one of Honda’s most striking coupes in years.
The global coupe market has been shrinking for over a decade, and the Prelude fills a space with almost no direct competitors. That creates opportunity-but also uncertainty. The question now is whether enough buyers want its blend of efficient hybrid performance, comfort-focused tuning, and classic two-door design.
What Comes Next for the Prelude?
Sales in Japan have started stronger than expected, but the U.S. response may prove more telling, given the car’s price-sensitive, performance-oriented audience. Europe, meanwhile, presents the biggest challenge: higher taxes, stricter emissions rules, and a higher sticker price with lower power output.Whether the European Honda Prelude can succeed with 20 horsepower tied behind its back remains to be seen, especially in a region where buyers often expect more performance from a coupe wearing a storied nameplate.