Reviving a well-known name has pros and cons. Yes, vehicles like the 2023 Acura Integra have a lot of good connotations attached to them, but there is always a chance that they won’t live up to the hype. Not only fanboys but regular customers as well must be pleased. If you do it wrong, you’ll have a Chevy Blazer-esque also-ran. A hit like the Ford Bronco is more probable if you get it correctly. The resurrected Integra stays pretty true to the formula of the vintage iterations, and although it isn’t flawless, it has a lot going for it.
The Integra was one of the first Acura vehicles and the brand’s best-selling vehicle during those ten years. However, it was discontinued in 2001. The Integra makes a comeback to replace the capable but unloved ILX just as nostalgia for the 1980s peaks to the music of Running Up That Hill. The new Integra has the same platform architecture as the Honda Civic in 1986 but has a sleek hatchback appearance and a more opulent interior. Although it is somewhat more abundant than the Civic Si, it shares its 1.5-litre turbo-four engines and an available manual gearbox with 200 horsepower.
The Integra is designed to fit comfortably between compact luxury sedans like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes-Benz CLA and mainstream performance vehicles like the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen GTI. The Civic Si is a proletariat performer. When equipped with the A-Spec Technology package, the Acura provides more luxurious accommodations than Subaru or VW and more amenities and space for less money than any upscale German car. Integra’s primary competition is often faster, which is a drawback.
Although 200 horsepower would have thrilled Integra fans from the 1990s, this vehicle is the worst. Fans anticipating Ja Rule’s red Integra DC2 from The Fast And The Furious may be surprised by its 7-second zero-to-60 speeds and the standard continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT). Integras have always been more about lightness and having fun on curvy roads than straight-line speed. Even the CVT variants have engaging and expressive handling, but the optional manual (only available on the $36,895 A-Spec Technology) is where this vehicle shines.
The Integra does a fantastic job of transforming the Civic’s interior into a more abundant workplace. The vehicle’s well-concealed overall size (equal to that of a BMW 3 Series) offers a roomier rear seat and greater cargo capacity than any of its rivals. Acura also has heaps of extras and cutting-edge features. Although it doesn’t quite reach Mercedes-Benz levels of plushness, optional microsuede seats and enhanced materials make it seem premium. Even on manual models, many active safety technologies are included, which most competitors cannot claim.
The Integra Type S could have a more excellent performance next year, but for the time being, it performs pretty similarly to the Civic Si, which costs around $8,000 less. With the additional money, you can upgrade to a more opulent ride, an adjustable suspension, styling that can’t be confused with a Civic Sport, and a roomy hatchback. Alternatives like Mercedes, BMW, and Audi all have a more upscale feel, but their starting costs start at or beyond Integra’s peak price. Even though little luxury cars aren’t as standard as in 1986, the Integra offers a terrific balance of value and excitement.
What’s New?
- The Acura Integra, a brand-new vehicle for 2023, revives the name of one of the luxury company’s most beloved and original cars, the Integra, produced from 1986 to 2001.
- The new Integra is closely based on the Honda Civic, much like the original three Integra models from the 20th century. However, it has a distinct interior and exterior appearance and more upscale equipment.
- A 200-horsepower 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic Si powers all current Integra models.
- Customers may select between a continuously variable automatic gearbox and a six-speed manual transmission. However, the latter is only offered in the highest-spec models—the Technology Package for -Spec.
Performance: Acura Integra
Now, just one engine is available for the Integra: a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. However, a more powerful Type S may be shown later this year. The 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque engine, shared with the Civic Si, powers the front wheels via either a CVT or a six-speed manual with rev-matching. All-wheel drive is not an option.
The CVT shared with the everyday non-Si Civics, is excellent for folks who desire a nice commuting vehicle with plenty of space, a function that the previous ILX sometimes performed. But as we said in our first-drive report, the Integra to have is the manual.
Even the Integra Type R didn’t produce 200 horsepower in the 1990s, so the number is less meaningful in today’s bigger, heavier, and more potent automobiles. Even with the manual, the Integra isn’t swift in a straight line; we arbitrarily timed zero to 60 in roughly 7 seconds, yet neither were its forebears.
This new Integra shares their passion for having fun on winding roads and feeling a connection to the vehicle. However, you won’t find a car that feels like an Integra from the first half of the 1990s. While keeping much of prior vehicles’ light and chuckable feel, it is quieter, smoother, and far more abundant than any previous incarnation. The precise and communicative handling of this highly adept chassis is enjoyable. The adjustable suspension (mainly not offered on the Civic Si) and several driving modes on A-Spec variants contribute to this.
The new Integra is much more entertaining to drive than the ILX but lacks the fast-and-furious vibe the name suggests. It’s also less enjoyable to accelerate forcefully than its BMW and Audi competitors.
Fuel efficiency: Acura Integra
The Integra is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles since there aren’t any hybrid entry-level compact luxury or performance automobiles. The EPA rates the standard Integra automatic at 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined; however, the A-Spec automatic achieves one mpg less in each category. The manual A-Spec Technology gets 26 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the interstate, and 30 mpg overall, perfectly matching our 300-mile real-world test results.
Only the Audi A3 performs better, with vehicles with front-wheel drive averaging up to 32 combined mpg and those with all-wheel drive 31. Subaru is nowhere near as efficient as the non-M 2 Series from BMW, the basic CLA 250 from Mercedes-Benz, the GTI and Jetta GLI from Volkswagen, and the non-M 2 Series from BMW—the 22 combined mpg maximum for the most economical WRX.
Safety & Driver Support
Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet evaluated the 2023 Acura Integra, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) designated it a Top Safety Pick+ in November. We anticipated the Integra to do admirably in testing, given that it shares its framework and safety features with the Honda Civic (which receives top ratings from both organizations).
All Integras from Acura come standard with a ton of active safety measures. Included are traffic congestion assistance, traffic sign recognition, front collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. Many of these extras are charged by BMW or Mercedes-Benz, and their starting prices are higher than Acura’s.
Unlike other manual competitors like the Subaru WRX, the Integra doesn’t scrimp on any systems on manual variants. Low-speed follow is unavailable on manual Integras, but the adaptive cruise control technology is effective on all versions and makes lengthy highway drives safer and more straightforward. When the vehicle is in manual mode, shifting out of gear will turn off adaptive cruise control; however, returning to the same equipment will enable it to continue where it left off. All other safety features are functional in both manual and automated modes.
Comfort and Space
The Integra was relatively compact in earlier versions but evolved like other automobiles. Even though the appearance belies its size and it is marketed as a more “entry-level” automobile, this car is somewhat longer than a BMW 3 Series sedan at 185.8 inches. Acura makes excellent use of this space; the front row has 42.3 inches of legroom, the back row has 37.4 inches, and both rows have 36.4 inches of headroom.
Although most rivals provide comparable front space sizes, the Acura excels in the rear. A similar headroom is available in the A3, but only 35.2 inches of back legroom is available. The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 34.4 inches of back legroom, and the CLA has 33.9 inches, compared to 35 inches for the Golf GTI. Although the Acura’s rear seat is larger and more comfy than virtually all of its rivals, the Golf offers more excellent headroom. It is larger than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which costs considerably more.
Infotainment: Acura Integra
The infotainment screen for the base model and A-Spec is 7.0 inches, while the one for the A-Spec Technology is 9.0 inches. Each receives a 10.2-inch digital instrument display that is clear and customizable. More familiar interfaces are available if you don’t like Acura’s native system, which isn’t tricky to use but may not be all that extensive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and wireless with the Technology package.
The lower trims only have one USB-A port in front. Still, the Technology package adds a head-up display, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Alexa and Siri integration, a 16-speaker ELS Studio sound system, access to AcuraLink connected services, and a trio of USB ports (two As in back and one C up front). The Technology Package is necessary if you want a car with a connection that feels on par with German vehicles.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Integra has a significant advantage in terms of cargo space because the majority of its closest rivals are sedans or coupes—the 24.3 cubic feet of cargo room that Acura claims only includes the area behind the rear seats. Although there is no official measurement, the Civic hatchback opens to more than 46 cubic feet, and the extensive hold of the Integra seems to be at least as massive. Certainly large enough for an Ikea excursion or a surfboard.
While most other choices are sedans, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI, the closest counterpart, offers 19.9 cubic feet of luggage capacity behind the rear seats and 34.5 with them folded. The BMW 2 Series (two-door or Gran Coupe) has a trunk volume of only ten cubic feet compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s 11.6 and the Audi A3’s 10.9 cubic feet. The Integra has many small-item storage choices, albeit they aren’t all that different from its rivals.
Design: Acura Integra
The Integra is attractive from most perspectives, and its elegant lines conceal its somewhat lengthy wheelbase (107.7 inches). Additionally, the sloping fastback roof only slightly limits headroom compared to the equivalent Civic. Compared to the Mercedes CLA, it may not have a unique form. Still, unlike its high-end German competitors, it has a powerful, ready-for-action appearance without sacrificing interior space or comfort.
Compared to the Civic, the cabin furnishings are notably more luxurious. The A-Spec Technology versions’ front seats include microsuede trim, which feels and looks opulent. However, the interior’s overall design seems too similar to the Civic’s, even matching certain parts. It looks more closely aligned with the Golf GTI’s boundaries than Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. Throughout our test drive, we noticed many buzzes and rattles that shouldn’t be present in a brand-new luxury vehicle.
The Acura Integra 2023: Is It Worth It?
Integra outperforms its popular-brand performance vehicle rivals in features and space while undercutting its premium-brand competitors on pricing. As a result, Acura has built a lot of value from the beginning. The basic model begins at $31,895 (with a $1,095 delivery charge), which is only above the base Subaru WRX and Golf GTI models and the top-spec Civic Touring hatchback.
Instead of having trim lines, Acura refers to its trims as packages, and there are two of them. In addition to 18-inch wheels, “A-Spec” badging, and other sporty-looking aesthetic upgrades, the A-Spec ($33,895) also makes adding the $3,000 Technology package possible. It also unlocks the manual gearbox option, which is the ideal way to drive this vehicle and adds a significant boost in features.
The A-Spec Technology is the priciest Integra at $36,895, but it also offers the most value and is the model we would choose. Although it costs the same as mid-range WRXs and GTIs, it has more features. It is priced similarly to the entry-level Audi A3 and BMW 228i Gran Coupe but thousands of dollars less than the BMW 230i and Mercedes-Benz CLA250. Although choosing the Integra over the Civic Si will cost you $8,300 more, you will also get a greater level of service and clever adaptive suspension.
How Much Does the Acura Integra Cost to Insure?
Comparing Integra to its rivals, insurance prices are lower. Though information is still scarce for the brand-new Integra, the typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate an average yearly premium of roughly $2,200. Comparatively, the BMW 230i costs $2,584, and the 228i Gran Coupe costs $2,560. The Audi A3 Premium Plus costs $2,417, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 costs $2,649, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn costs $2,217.
Acura Integra Generations
Fifth Generation
2023 to Present
Acura announced the return of the Integra moniker in August 2021 after a 21-year absence from the American market and a 16-year absence abroad. The all-new Integra 2023 model, like previous Integras, is mainly based on the Honda Civic and shares a 200-horsepower, 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with the Civic Si. However, it covers the platform in a svelte fastback style. There are rumours that a more potent Type S will appear in 2023.
Fourth Generation
2002 to 2006
The fourth-generation Integra, known by enthusiasts as the “DC5” after its internal development code, was still sold under the previous moniker in Japan and other overseas markets while being known as the RSX in the United States as Acura strayed from its original naming rules. The old Integra sedan had been split off into the TSX, a far more excellent seller in the United States. Therefore, this version only came as a three-door hatchback coupe. While Type S vehicles received a six-speed manual gearbox, U.S.-model RSXs were powered by a 2.0-litre, 160-horsepower non-turbo four-cylinder engine and featured a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. In the U.S., the Type R was not available.
Third Generation
1994 to 2001
The third-generation “DC2” Integra, which had the greatest fame and longevity, was lighter and smaller than the second-generation model but had more space inside. Customers in Japan disliked this appearance because of its futuristic appearance and recognizable “bug-eye” front, while Americans adored it. Four-cylinder engines with 140 or 170 horsepower were utilized in U.S. Integras; the latter engine made Honda’s VTEC double cam a household name. The hatchback coupes were enjoyable to drive since they weighed less than 2,500 pounds. Honda also offered the bare-bones Integra Type R for sale in the United States from 1997 to 2001; it quickly rose to fame. In addition to appearing in early “Fast and Furious” movies and “Initial D” anime, this Integra model rose to fame as a tuner vehicle.
Second Generation
1990 to 1993
The second-generation Integra, a more aerodynamic version of the first model, debuted in the spring of 1989 as a 1990 model. The three-door hatchback was kept, but the original five-door hatchback was replaced with a typical four-door sedan. Initially, a 1.8-litre, 130-horsepower four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission provided the power, but in 1992, Acura introduced the 160-horsepower, 1.7-litre VTEC-equipped GS-R.
First Generation
1986 to 1989
A sportier Civic designed for more affluent clients, the original Integra debuted in 1985 as the Japanese-market Honda Quint Integra. Only a few months later was it hurriedly chosen to be a more affordable partner to the Acura Legend, the luxury car Honda had created to lead Acura’s U.S. introduction. Although the Integra’s rakish excellent looks, practicality, high-revving 1.6-litre engine, and adept handling originally didn’t persuade dealers that it could be sold as a luxury vehicle, it ended up being a smash hit. It was well-liked by young urban professionals as a budget-friendly alternative to the BMW 3 Series and helped solidify the Acura brand. The original Integra was available as a three-door hatchback or a five-door sedan with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox.
Verdict
The 2023 Acura Integra revives a well-known brand and returns to the classic generations’ basic formula. The new Integra has the same basis as the fantastic Civic from Honda, just like them. It shares a 200-horsepower engine with the Civic Si and has similarly agile handling, but it also adds a stylish and powerful fastback design, a plush interior, and a slew of desired extras. While it doesn’t quite look like the Integras of yesteryear, it seems more upscale than the Subaru WRX or VW GTI while still being more affordable than vehicles like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA.
