It’s been more than 20 years since the last Acura Integra, but it’s never been more popular in the cultural zeitgeist than it is now. Memories of the VTEC engine, 9,000 rpm redlines and analog controls are tough to shake in a digitized, battery-operated world. That nostalgia is a powerful drug, and as other manufacturers have found, a persuasive tool to sell cars.
Enter the new 2023 Acura Integra. Replacing the ILX in the Acura lineup (the TLX, RDX, and MDX still exist, but an RIP is in order for the NSX), the Integra has been brought back with its aim squarely placed on those still dreaming of the Integras of yesteryear. So, does the Integra uphold its legacy? Does it deserve to share its nameplate with such automotive icons as the Integra Type-R? We test drove one for a week to find out.
Already interested in the new Integra? Find it on KSL Cars.
Price and Value
As a true do-it-all luxury vehicle, the new Integra is one of the best bargains on the market. The MSRP range for the 2023 Acura Integra is $32,495-$36,895. It’s available in three trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes Apple CarPlay, front-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below.
- Base: $32,495
- Continuously variable transmission
- Apple CarPlay
- 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- A-Spec: $33,895
- 18-inch wheels
- More aggressive bodywork
- LED fog lights
- A-Spec Technology: $36,895
- Available manual transmission
- 9-inch touchscreen
- 16-speaker ELS premium stereo
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- Synthetic suede upholstery
- Head-up display
If you’re looking for a car that’s entry-level luxury, the Integra is a compelling package, especially in the A-Spec Technology trim. It has nearly everything you could want in a compact sports sedan, and a price that’s pretty economical when you consider all those features.
Acura’s warranty adds to the value proposition. Buyers get a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, there is no complimentary maintenance plan.
Performance
The new Integra, as was the case with the old version, isn’t out to break any records. But, it will leave you smiling every time you drive it. It’s not particularly powerful, fast or dynamic, but it’s engaging in ways that few cars are today. The excellent manual transmission that’s only available on the A-Spec Technology trim is worth the extra cost alone. If more luxury and a spicier driving experience are intriguing to you, the Integra with the A-Spec Technology package is definitely worth a look.
Engine
The Integra borrows directly from its step-sibling the Honda Civic Si here, employing the use of the fun-to-drive 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produces 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.
Those numbers aren’t awe-inspiring in today’s world, but don’t let them fool you, this car is fun. There’s some character here in the engine and how it revs. In some ways, it’s easy to feel the distant relation to the Integras of 25 years ago. However, there’s one important difference — modern fuel economy. We averaged just over 32 mpg in our week of combined driving, which is two mpg over the EPA estimated rating.
Drivetrain and Suspension
While the Base package is great, this car seems made for the wonderful six-speed manual transmission available on the A-Spec Technology trim. Honda and Acura have always had some of the best manual transmissions on the market, and that holds true in the new Integra. It sneaks into gear so satisfyingly, we found ourselves shifting just for the fun of it. The clutch is light and easy, and we wish we had more time cruising with it.
The adaptive dampers felt decent but didn’t seem terribly different from the standard dampers on its closely related step-sibling (the Honda Civic Si). It was neither as squishy nor as firm as we would have liked, depending on our driving mood. We wish Acura would have sprung to include their vaunted “super-handling” all-wheel drive system to further distinguish it from the crowd, but, as it stands, the front-wheel drive setup works fine for most buyers.
Acceleration and Handling
The new Integra, like the old one, isn’t the fastest thing on the road. It’s zippy but won’t take your breath away. That said, it’s very engaging and returns excellent fuel economy. Car and Driver clocked it going from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds.
It also handled well. The steering felt good and was borderline heavy, especially in Sport mode. The front-wheel drive layout was occasionally prone to some mild torque steer, but it was still a blast to take around corners. The brakes felt good but we suspect upgrading the brake pads might be desired for more hardcore driving.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
This is where the Integra truly distinguishes itself against its Honda Civic Si and justifies its elevated price tag. Acura has taken what Honda started and elevated it to entry-level luxury standards. Upgraded materials are everywhere, most notably the red faux-suede upholstery. There are interesting lines, ambient lighting and the clean, modern design you’d expect in a modern Acura.
The seats are heated (no ventilation option), power-adjustable, supportive and comfortable — although they didn’t feel quite as nicely bolstered as its Honda counterpart. The rear seat is also comfortable, even when seating two adults, but rear air vents and heated seat functionality are not available.
Another nice perk is the useful hatch for storage. The Integra might look like and even be classified as a sedan by most outlets, but it is technically a hatchback. And while it’s a little challenging to lift items over the rear bumper’s jutted lip, the hatch ultimately provides loads of practical storage space, especially with the rear seats folded down.
Acura’s infotainment also continues to impress, especially with its world-class 16-speaker ELS stereo. It sounds amazing and might even be worth the A-Spec Technology price tag alone. The wireless Apple CarPlay is always appreciated, and it worked flawlessly with the 9-inch color display.
Exterior Appearance and Functionality
At this point, you’ll either love or be underwhelmed by Acura’s styling. Regardless of your feelings, there’s no denying how cool it is to have a modern, compact, entry-level luxury sports sedan with a manual transmission. It’s practical, too, and the hatch functionality is much appreciated. Our tester was finished in Liquid Carbon Metallic paint. Other available options include Lunar Silver Metallic, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl and Apex Blue Pearl.
An Ebony colored interior is available with all paint options, while Red is only available with the Platinum White Pearl, Liquid Carbon Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl, and Orchid is only available with Performance Red Pearl, Platinum White Pearl and Apex Blue Pearl.
The A-Spec package includes some nice interior touches, including 18-inch wheels shod with all-season tires. The wheels look nice, but we did notice a fair amount of road noise. It’s also interesting that a summer performance tire isn’t an option. The A-Spec trim includes other elegant options such as LED Fob lights and a rear decklid spoiler. As always, the signature Acura “Jewel Eye” LED headlights looked sharp and gave off plenty of light.
Safety
Boy, the Integra has come far. Upon its release in the early ‘90s, the Integra had automatic seat belts and no airbags. Now the Integra is one of the safest compact sedans on the market. With great technology and a host of standard safety features, it’s an excellent buy for those who prioritize safety.
Here are just a few of the standard safety features on the 2023 Integra A-Spec Technology:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Head-up display
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Information with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
Awards and Ratings
In its one year of production, the new Integra has made a splash with critics. Some of the rewards received include:
- A 2022 Top Safety Pick+ designation from The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- North American Car of the Year by “50 professional automotive journalists from the United States and Canada who work for and contribute to independent magazines, newspapers, websites, television and radio stations.”
- 2023 Motor Trend Car of the Year Finalist.
Final Impression
The new Integra had a lot to live up to. Its hallowed nameplate carries deep reverence and nostalgia for car lovers. Does the new Integra live up to its legacy? Yes. While it’s not the same car of the ‘90s, no car is. Safety standards have evolved (thankfully), tech has advanced exponentially and even the most basic cars have gotten more luxurious. What you have now is what would have been the natural evolution of the Integra had it stuck around.
To that end, the elements of what made the originals so endearing are present, if a bit muted, in the 2023 model. And that’s OK! This is a fun, economical, safe, practical and most of all, engaging entry-level luxury sports sedan. It might be missing a few key features for the price, but overall, if you like the styling, the Integra is a fantastic buy.
Given the top-tier A-Spec Technology trim is only a few thousand dollars more than the base model, we recommend going for that trim — even just for the amazing ELS stereo and available six-speed manual transmission.
Find your new Acura Integra on KSL Cars today.
FAQs
Is the Integra fun to drive?
Absolutely. While the specs might seem underwhelming, the driving experience is anything but. It may not be close to sports car levels of fun, but for a fairly luxurious daily driver, it’s about as fun as you can have without sacrificing excellent fuel economy.
Is the Integra good for families?
Yes and no. While it should have no problem fitting small children in the rear seats, even with child seats, there isn’t a lot of extra space for knick-knacks and baby items. You can probably fit a stroller in the cargo area, but otherwise, we wouldn’t recommend the Integra as a primary family vehicle with multiple children.
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
