With the electric car craze dying down, many automakers are shifting their focus to favor more hybrid models. For example, look at Toyota; the Camry is all-hybrid now, plus the latest RAV4 generation is only available as either a regular hybrid or a plug-in. It appears as though hybrid models are the way forward. That said, not all brands are going in the same direction. Acura dropped its all-electric SUV, the ZDX, after just a couple of years, but it still hasn't gone all-hybrid.Its lineup is relatively small — there are currently only four models being sold for the 2026 model year. Since the brand is avoiding hybrids for now, they must find efficiency elsewhere. In this article, we'll discuss what is the most efficient non-hybrid Acura model, one of its main rivals, the runner-up, and more. Here's everything you need to know about Acura models' fuel efficiency and other specs.All specs have been gathered directly from the manufacturer — fuel economy figures are provided by the EPA. Prices are correct at the time of writing, and exclude destination, options, taxes, incentives, and other potential fees. Automakers reserve the right to change prices at any time without warning. The Most Efficient New Acura Model 2026 Acura Integra AcuraThe Integra hatchback is currently Acura's most efficient non-hybrid model on sale for the 2026 model year. It might not seem like quite a feat, considering there are only four models in total, but the numbers speak for themselves. Buyers might be stuck with a front-wheel drive layout, but there is freedom to choose between a CVT and a six-speed manual. On that note, there are five trims, including the Type S (we'll talk about that later).Ignoring the Type S for now, we see that the first four trims are all equipped with the same powertrain that offers the same outputs, but the A Spec with Technology Package offers an optional manual transmission. Driving off the lot with a manual means losing out on the best fuel economy, but the margins are close enough that it might be worth the trade-off to an enthusiast looking for a fun, relatively efficient daily driver.Other features of note include the Integra requiring 91-octane premium fuel to fill its 12.4-gallon fuel tank. The engine itself features an aluminum block and heads with a 73mm cylinder bore and 89.5mm stroke, being fed by direct injection. It's legal in all fifty states thanks to a CARB, or California Air Resources Board, certification, which can't be said for all modern vehicles (see the 2026 Ford Escape, for example). Compared To A Rival: VW Jetta GLI VolkswagenThe Acura Integra's main rivals include the Honda Civic hatchback, which it shares a platform with, and this: the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. This sporty German sedan offers slightly more power than the Integra. Like the Integra, it's only available with a FWD configuration, but buyers can choose between a seven-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission — each transmission's fuel economy is remarkably close to one another, with only a single digit difference on the highway, according to the EPA. Its fuel tank is 13.2 gallons, so despite getting slightly worse fuel economy than the Integra, its range is about even. Buyers just need to be aware that it could be more expensive to fill up. For The Best Results, Avoid The Type S Trim AcuraEven though the Integra is technically the most efficient Acura, that award can only be given to its first four trim levels. The range-topping Type S variant has a larger, more powerful engine that sucks up more fuel than any other trim. We mentioned that the regular Integra shares a platform with the Honda Civic — the Type S shares a powertrain and other features with the Civic Type R. It's tuned for 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, which helps it launch to 60 mph in the low-five-second range before reaching a top speed of about 167 miles per hour. Driving aggressively will surely decrease your fuel economy, so keep calm behind the wheel to reach its estimated 24 mpg combined. When we drove it, we couldn't help but feel like it's best enjoyed on tight mountain roads. Efficient New Acura Model: Runner-Up 2026 Acura ADX AcuraLet's say you want to stick to the Acura family, but need an SUV instead of the smaller package offered by the brand's most efficient model. The runner-up in that regard is the Acura ADX, a compact SUV that shares a platform with the Honda HR-V. Acura only just introduced the ADX to the market for 2025, so it still feels fresh and modern while offering plenty of comfort features in a small package.There are only three available trim levels, with the whole lineup getting the same powertrain as the Integra. It's tuned for less power, and buyers are stuck with a continuously variable transmission. The difference in fuel economy between FWD and AWD models is negligible, but technically those with FWD win. Unlike the Integra, buyers can choose between FWD and AWD in any ADX trim — sending power to all four wheels costs $2,000 more than its standard layout regardless of trim. Compared To A Rival: Volvo XC40 VolvoIn the spirit of providing options, one of the Acura ADX's main rivals is the Volvo XC40. This compact luxury SUV is more expensive than its Japanese rival to start out, but that's reasonably considering it comes with more comfort features and a mild hybrid powertrain. We know this article is about non-hybrids, but mild hybrid systems offer barely-noticeable differences in fuel economy. In fact, the XC40 is less efficient than the ADX in both FWD and AWD configurations. The XC40's FWD version about ties the ADX's AWD fuel economy. No matter which way you go, all XC40 models are equipped with the same eight-speed automatic transmission. On A Used-Car Budget? Try This 2021 Acura ILX AcuraEvery car we've talked about today has been fairly expensive — that's just the way it goes if you want a new car these days. Plus, they're all premium or luxury models with some nice comfort features to accompany their fuel efficiency. That said, the used market offers the same fuel efficiency and comfort at a more reasonable price.It's not too difficult to find a used Acura ILX in good condition. The ILX was discontinued after the 2022 model year, so it's had plenty of time to depreciate. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that has similar outputs as the Integra, and its 28 mpg combined isn't too shabby. There Are Plenty Of Efficient Non-Hybrids AcuraIt's no surprise that hybrid vehicles are some of the most efficient options on sale, but not everybody wants to worry about an eventual high-voltage battery replacement. Brands like Acura offer some relatively efficient non-hybrid options. The Integra is Acura's most efficient new model, which is fitting for those who want to save money by also buying the least-expensive model in the brand's lineup. Close behind it is the ADX compact SUV, and there's always the used market with models like the ILX. Gas-only models are still everywhere, and they have to offer efficient powertrains if they're to keep up with the rest of the market.
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