Competes with: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Subaru WRX
Looks like: A more premium Civic Hatchback
Powertrains: 200-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder; six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Spring; orders open now
The VTEC has officially kicked in — the 2023 Acura Integra is here. After seeing the prototype in late 2021 — including in person at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show — we’re finally getting a look at the full production version. Sharing a lot with the recently redesigned Honda Civic (Honda is Acura’s parent company), the Integra muscles the ILX out of Acura’s lineup and takes its place as a more premium alternative to a Civic (as it did when it last existed).
Most importantly for enthusiasts and longtime Integra fans, however, is that the Integra’s return also heralds the return of a manual transmission option in an Acura. Buyers will have to pay more to get the manual, however, as it’s only available on the more expensive, performance-oriented A-Spec trim.
A Refined Civic Hatch
Both outside and in, the Integra shares noticeable DNA with its Civic Hatchback cousin. Acura calls the Integra a “five-door liftback,” which is a way of saying “hatchback” with two additional syllables. The look on the outside is a bit more premium and reminiscent of Integras of yore, particularly the embossed “Integra” logos that are a callback to the third-generation Integra.
Up front, the Integra has a frameless grille with LED headlights and daytime running lights; LED foglights are available. The LED theme continues in back with the taillights, and dual exhaust tips give it a sporty look. Wheels for the Integra start with 17-inch designs standard that can be upgraded to either 18- or 19-inchers. Buyers looking for a sportier appearance can choose the A-Spec Sport Appearance Package that adds a front lip spoiler, gloss-black exterior trim, A-Spec badging and trim-specific gray 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the shared Civic DNA is most evident in the center console layout and air-vent design. Synthetic leather upholstery is standard and available in black, off-white or red. A 10.2-inch digital instrument panel and 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard; the optional Technology Package upsizes that to 9 inches and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with a head-up display and wireless charging pad to go with the three standard USB-C ports (one front, two rear). The best news for buyers is that the Integra does not appear to use the frustrating True Touchpad Interface, unlike other models in its lineup.
Sporty Under the Hood, Too
Power for the Integra comes from a standard turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 192 pounds-feet of torque, identical specs to the engine in the new Civic Si. Where the Integra differs from the manual-only Si is in its standard continuously variable automatic transmission: Acura says the CVT is “tuned specifically for the high-output turbocharged engine” and has programming to mimic gear changes, plus paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel to further mimic a traditional automatic.
A-Spec models are available with the previously mentioned six-speed manual, which has automatic rev matching and adds a limited-slip differential to aid in cornering.
Other performance features include an exhaust designed for more aggressive sounds, a standard drive mode selector with Comfort, Normal and Sport choices, and available adjustable suspension damping. The A-Spec with the Technology Package also lets owners adjust the level of interior sound enhancement (i.e., all those high-performance sounds you hear in the cabin might not be 100% real).
Standard Safety
All Integras will come with the AcuraWatch suite of advanced driver-assistance tech, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition. CVT models also get a Traffic Jam Assist feature that can keep the car centered in its lane and moving at a set following distance at speeds up to 45 mph. Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is also standard. The A-Spec with Technology Package also adds front and rear parking sensors, as well as low-speed front and rear emergency braking.
Pricing and Release Date
Acura says the Integra will have a starting price “around $30,000,” but we can expect full pricing details closer to its on-sale date in the spring. Interested buyers can reserve an Integra now, and the first 500 individuals to reserve an Integra with a deposit will be eligible to “claim a limited edition [non-fungible token].”
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Keyword: 2023 Acura Integra: Shifting Away From the ILX