--- title: "Think the Honda Prelude Needs More Power? It’s Got Less in Europe" date: "2025-11-17" modified: "2025-11-17" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/think-the-honda-prelude-needs-more-power-its-got-less-in-europe" categories: - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "compact" - "Coupe" - "honda" - "Honda Prelude" - "hybrid" - "sports car" --- # Think the Honda Prelude Needs More Power? It’s Got Less in Europe ![2026 Honda Prelude in red on track]() *\Honda\* Everyone seems to have their mind made up about the new [Honda]() Prelude, based on its spec-sheet performance and ballpark price. The new coupe will offer 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque from a hybrid powertrain at "about $42,000," [Honda tells us]()—at least if you're buying one here in the States, or in Japan. Because across the pond in Europe, the Prelude advertises 10% less power despite still effectively costing more. If you've been following the Prelude, you know that it pulls the Civic Hybrid's powertrain and [chassis components from the Type R](). Over in Europe, the current [Civic Hybrid]() has always advertised less power—181 hp, to our version's 200—while both markets are even in torque. In the U.K., Honda has announced the Prelude will hit dealers at £39,595 before taxes, which translates to $52,150 at the time of writing. Our Prelude won't be as expensive, but consider that enthusiasts here have long been grumbling about the coupe's performance-per-dollar proposition since we vaguely knew what the car would cost in Japan. In Europe, that proposal is going to be even less compelling. One review from British outlet *[Car]()* placed the two-door's zero-to-60 time at 8.2 seconds, which is about even with a fully loaded Civic Hybrid you'd buy over there. ![2026 Honda Prelude]() ![2026 Honda Prelude]() ![2026 Honda Prelude]() That's not to say the Prelude can't still be fun to drive. [Our man Joel Feder very briefly sampled one]() over in Japan, which has the same advertised output as the U.S. spec due on sale imminently, and he liked it. I'm very much looking forward to getting some seat time in the Prelude next year because, among other things, I think it looks stunning, and we need more relatively affordable coupes in this world. There isn't anything on the market quite like the new Prelude—but that's both a blessing and a curse, and you have to wonder how many people are looking for its precise blend of sportiness, comfort, and efficiency. We know it's gotten off to a surprisingly brisk start in its home market, but it'll be interesting to see if it can find a similar footing in the U.S., and especially in Europe with 20 horsepower tied behind its back, on paper. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com*[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()