All-new Honda Prelude sold out in Japan, buyers could wait 'til Q3 2026

Sixth-generation Honda Prelude is popular among buyers who are in their 50s and 60s

Back in September 2025, Honda officially unveiled the all-new Prelude. Now on its sixth generation, the two-door 2+2 now comes with a 2.0L hybrid powertrain derived from the Civic e:HEV, but tuned to deliver a sportier yet comfier ride. It also gets some features from the Civic Type R, like the dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes.

Fast forward a month, and the all-new Prelude is proving to be popular among buyers. So much so that, as of recently, Honda has reportedly received over 2,400 orders in Japan alone. This is impressive given the fact that the automaker will only build 300 units per month, with each Prelude costing JPY 6,179,800 (or around PHP 2.4 million).

But due to demand skyrocketing, some dealers in Japan have temporarily stopped accepting new orders. Meanwhile, Honda has supposedly increased production to meet the overwhelming demand for the all-new Prelude. Despite Honda ramping up production of the all-new Prelude, some customers will have to wait until Q3 2026 to get their unit.

Also surprising for Honda was the average age of customers who placed an order for the Prelude. While some expected that the younger generation would be quick to reserve a brand new Honda Prelude, it's actually the older buyers who were eager to place a reservation. According to the automaker, buyers who are mostly in their 50s and 60s are the ones snatching up the two-door hybrid. This is similar to what happened when Honda launched the S660 in 2015, wherein four in five of the buyers were over 40 years old.

Given that the first-generation Honda Prelude debuted in 1978 and the fifth-generation model was available from 1996 to 2001, it's not surprising that perhaps the older generation wants to experience the all-new Prelude in the modern era.

There's no word yet if Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) plans to launch the sixth-generation Prelude in the country. But based on a recently approved regulatory approval, it looks like HCPI is already laying the groundwork for its eventual arrival. Combined with the fact that the FL5 Civic Type R is going away soon, perhaps HCPI is already making early preparations.

The only question now is, how much will HCPI sell the all-new Prelude should they bring it here?