The new Honda Prelude revived a famous name for the brand after decades of lying dormant. The latest iteration is still a sports coupe but has adopted a hybrid powertrain. In Japan, the company is introducing the 2027 Limited Edition in a unique color called Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic.
Base Trim Engine
2.0-liter inline-4 gas hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
eCVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
200 hp
Base Trim Torque
232 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
It’s a searing red that certainly catches the eye, not unlike Mazda’s infamous Soul Red. Let’s have a closer look at the color and other changes for the special Prelude.
The Honda Prelude 2027 Limited Edition
Honda Prelude 2027 Limited EditionHonda
Honda describes the Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic dark red exterior color as having “luster and depth.” In addition to the special paint, the car has a front upper grille molding in the body color and red accents. The wheels feature machined faces with black details, and there are red Brembo brake calipers.
The interior of this model is equally striking. The burgundy upholstery gives the cabin a bold appearance, with black elements for contrast. The seats also have an embroidered Prelude logo. There’s also red stitching on the steering wheel.
The Prelude 2027 Limited Edition costs 6,306,300 yen in Japan ($39,103 at current exchange rates). For context, the base Prelude starts at 6,179,800 yen there ($38,319), so getting the special color and interior treatments only adds $784 to the car’s price. In the US, the vehicle has a base price of $42,000 (plus a $1,195 destination fee).
Honda Clarifies Availability In The US
CarBuzz reached out to a Honda spokesperson in the United States about this vehicle’s chances for this market. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good for us, or anyone outside of Japan. “The 2027 Prelude Limited Edition is exclusive to the Japanese market.”
Related
Demand For The New Prelude Is Way Higher Than Honda Thought
The 2026 Honda Prelude is selling about eight times better than the company’s expectations in Japan.
The Latest Prelude
Honda Prelude 2027 Limited EditionHonda
The Prelude is still a fairly new entry on the American market, making it hard to evaluate the car’s success in the country. As of May 2026, the company has moved 1,470 of them in the US.
The Prelude packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that operates as a generator for keeping the batteries charged. The hybrid system includes an electric motor driving the front wheels, providing 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. We recorded a 7.22-second run to 60 miles per hour.
When CarBuzz drove one, we came away fairly impressed. “Though the powertrain has changed significantly, this sixth-generation Prelude stays true to its predecessors. It’s comfortable, fun on a back road, and efficient as a daily driver,” the story noted.
The company has repeatedly shut down rumors about building a more potent Type R version. Execs say the project would cost too much, and the automaker already sells the Civic Type R for buyers who want a smaller performance vehicle.
Related
The 2026 Honda Prelude Costs Nearly As Much As A Civic Type R
Good fuel economy will offset that… eventually.
Honda is now taking orders for the Limited Edition ahead of a planned launch on August 20.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Honda Prelude 2027 Limited EditionHonda
It’s unfortunate that Honda doesn’t plan to bring this special edition to the United States. The Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic color looks good on the car. In the US, the Prelude is available in Rallye Red, which is a much brighter shade than this one. In addition, the American-market car’s interior only comes in black leather. The burgundy upholstery in this model is much more attractive than what the US gets.
With low sales figures and lingering controversy about the Prelude’s general lack of performance, a special version like this could help the company at least attract more interest in the US, if not drive a few more sales. Not offering this on a wider scale seems like a big whiff on Honda’s part.
