After an almost 20-year hiatus, the Acura Integra was reintroduced in 2023. Integra replacing the ILX as the smallest car in the Acura's lineup. Like the ILX the Integra shares engines and underpinnings with the Honda Civic. All Intgras are 5-passenger 4-door hatchbacks. For 2024 Acura added the sporty Type S to the lineup. Competitors include the Audi A3, BMW 2-Series Grand cope and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
The Integra model lineup include the Base, A-Spec and new Type S. All come only with front-wheel drive. The Base and A-Spec are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard with a 6-speed manual transmission available on the A-Spec when equipped with the technology package. The new Type S gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It comes only with a 6-speed manual.
Prices start at $32,000 and climb to more than $52,000 for the Type S. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with brake intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot warning. Others standards include LED exterior lighting, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, Apple Car Play and Android Auto support and digital instrument cluster. The A=Spec Technology Package adds adaptive suspension dampers, dual-zone climate control, 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display and front and rear parking sensors. The new Type S adds a limited-slip front differential, 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, sport suspension, adaptive exhaust and unique interior and exterior trim.
The Base and A-Spec's 1.5-liter turbo four provides adequate acceleration, pushing the Integra from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.8 seconds. That's peppy, but certainly no match for luxury competitors and slightly slower than the Civic Si upon which it is based. Still the engine is buttery smooth and provides a healthy amount of torque down low. The biggest gripe with the base powertrain is the syrupy continuously variable transmission, something that can be remedied by choosing the amazingly surgical 6-speed manual on the A-Spec with Technology Package.
Dropping the more-powerful 2.0-liter turbo into the new Type S transforms Integra from comfortable luxury compact into a decidedly more aggressive beast. While still smooth, the exhaust snarls a bit and throttle response is much improved, dropping the 0-60 MPH time by 2 seconds or more. In addition, the limited-slip differential quells any power delivery issues.
Though Integra is a compact, fuel efficiency is just average. The Base with CVT notching the best EPA numbers of 30 MPG city and 37 MPG highway. A-Spec with manual does slightly worse at 26 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. The new Type S nets EPA ratings of 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. All models require premium-grade gasoline. The smallish 12.4-gallon fuel tank limited overall cruising range to just over 300 miles.
You'd be hard pressed to find a more refined compact front-drive sports sedan on the market. Integra, at least in Base and Type S form, deftly blends driving dynamics with ride quality to create a car that's fun to drive and composed and comfortable on bumpy roads. Step up to the Type S model, and the paradigm shifts toward sport to the detriment of ride quality. Still, there's enough bump absorption to make it an acceptable everyday driver.
Besides the power, one huge difference between the Type S and lessor models the amount of interior noise. While the Base and A-Spec match competitors with reasonably quiet interiors, the Type S is anything but. Its blend of exhaust, tire and mechanical noise make it a hard pill to swallow on long highway drives.
The biggest difference between the Integra and its European rivals is something small, as in weight. Integra weighs just 3,200 pounds. Think of it as a lightweight boxer in a ring full of middleweights. That lets the Integra feel nimbler in changes of direction and when stopping. In addition, it allows the steering to impart better feedback. Throw in the Type S specific suspension tuning, and larger brakes and you can really appreciate the difference between a poser and a true sports sedan.
Inside, you are immediately aware of the Integra's sporting intentions by its driver-focused cockpit and form-fitting seats. But while the similar boy-racer Civic Type R looks and feels like a value-priced compact, the Integra boasts mostly soft-touch surfaces and suede-insert seats. There is certainly a business-like demeanor, but there's just enough chrome and polished aluminum to set the Integra apart from lesser compact sports cars. The programmable digital gauge cluster is quite sharp and easy to read and the traditional climate controls are placed neatly where you would expect high in the center stack. The only downside (which might not be a downside to many) is a smallish 7- or 9-inch (optional) infotainment screen.
Seat comfort varies between models, Base and A-Spec seats are more softly padded and offer a good blend of support and long-haul comfort. Type S seats are firmly bolstered and are designed to provide additional support. Rear seats are sort of an afterthought, but provide acceptable comfort. Either way, Integra is a reasonably roomy compact luxury sedan, allowing four adults to ride with enough room. Outward visibility is a plus, but the low hip line of the seats means a long bend down when getting in.
From a technology and safety perspective, Acura mostly has you covered. There are a few items like wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play and front- and rear-parking sensors that can only be had in uplevel trim thanks to Acura's "no options" trim structure.
Rear seats up, Integra offers a heaping 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space in its hatchback-covered hold. That number simply embarrasses most competitors and there's even more space to be had by folding the rear seats. Interior storage isn't quite as good, with just a few covered and open bins throughout.
Bottom Line -- To complete the return of the Integra, Acura needed to add the Type S. While the Base and A-Spec are fun to drive, the Type S transforms Integra into a true sports sedan. Not only with a more powerful engine, but also with brake, suspension and tire upgrades and the all-important limited-slip differential. The only downfall is the price. At more than $52,000, Integra Type S is fairly priced against luxury competitors from Europe, but it lacks the overall polish and refinement. Although, some might argue that's the point.
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