Arguably the car that made Acura — Honda’s luxury brand launched in the USA in 1986 — was the Integra. Launched in conjunction with the Acura Legend, Acura preempted Toyota’s Lexus and Nissan’s Infiniti by 3 years, jump-starting the Japanese luxury market. The Integra became one of the most popular sport compact cars of the 1990s, eventually making way for Acura’s newer and letter-based naming convention with the Acura RSX.
Clearer heads have prevailed in product planning at Honda North America, and the Integra nameplate has been resurrected with its rich history. The new Integra shares a platform with the Honda Civic, but it is a well-differentiated vehicle with both the luxury and the performance to substantiate its existence. Offered in two engine levels, the 2024 Integra (which debuted for the 2023 model year) starts at just $31,500 msrp in four door configuration. Here’s a look at how Acura is serving up the new Integra this year.
Base Integra
All Integras minus the expensive Type-S come with a 200 horsepower inline-4 turbo VTEC motor, with 192 lb-ft of torque. Integras all get their power to the front wheels through a a paddle-shifter continuously variable transmission (minus two optional 6-speed manual trims). City fuel economy is 30 and freeway is 37. Integras come with a long list of standard features even on the entry-level trim. These include moonroof that tilts and slides, LED headlights/daytime running lights, LED tailights, heated side mirrors, faux leather seats, 8-way power driver’s seat, keyless access, pushbutton start, leather-wrapped steering wheel with wheel mounted controls, tilt/telescope wheel, LED cabin lighting, 8 speaker premium audio with 7 inch touchscreen display and 10.2 inch digital instrument cluster, wired Apple Carplay/Android auto, adaptive cruise, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and lane keeping assist system, amongst other safety nannies.
Integra A-Spec
The A-Spec steps up the base Integra design with a rear spoiler for a sporty look, Sport Appearance Package, A Spec interior trim, larger 18-inch shark gray wheels, and LED fog lights. The A-Spec ($33,500 msrp) also has a host of options packages including the Technology package ($36,500 msrp) and Technology with 6 speed manual transmission ($36,500 msrp). The Technology package adds an adaptive damper system which adjusts to road conditions with different modes for cruising or sharper handling. It also adds noise cancelling interior technology, LED mirror directional signals, microsuede trimmed seats, 2 position seat memory for the driver, 12-way power driver’s seat and 4 way power passenger’s seat, heated front seats, dual auto climate control, remote engine start, LED door accents, and a larger 16 speaker ELS Audio premium stereo that connects wirelessly to Android Auto and Apple Carplay. It also adds wireless phone charging with a host of USB ports, and gets larger 9 inch touchscreen display as well as a 5.3 inch Heads Up Display.
Integra Type S
The Integra Type S is the adult’s version of the raucous Honda Civic Type-R. Starting at $50,800 msrp, the Integra Type S is exclusively available with 6 speed manual transmission, and gets a larger 2.0L inline four turbo with 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque that redlines at 7,000 RPM. Larger air intakes and a huge front intercooler keep the engine and brakes cool, and a host of aero pieces provide the Type S with maximum downforce. Adjustable dampers allow precise handling and can make the vehicle very firm with its Type-S exclusive Sport+ mode. Brembo 4 piston front calipers, Type S exterior appearance package, 19 inch wheels with summer tires, and triple-tip exhaust are all Type S exclusives. The Type S can go 0-60 in roughly 5 seconds flat. A trim-exclusive color is the eye-catching Tiger Eye Pearl, which is somewhere between orange and yellow.