Acura Integra Review: Legacy, Performance, and Revival

The Acura Integra has always been more than just a compact sedan—it’s a nameplate with a rich legacy of performance and driving excitement. First introduced in the 1980s, the Integra quickly gained a reputation for sharp handling, reliability, and everyday usability. The high-revving Integra Type R cemented its place in automotive history, and is often praised as one of the greatest front-wheel-drive performance cars ever built.

After years away, the Integra made its return as the 2023 Acura Integra, blending modern luxury with the spirited character fans remember. Sleek styling, a turbocharged engine, and premium technology make it a standout option in the compact sport sedan category. For those preferring even more excitement, the Acura Integra Type S delivers track-inspired performance while still being comfortable enough for daily driving.

The latest Integra appeals to both longtime enthusiasts and a new generation of buyers seeking a car that balances fun, practicality, and refinement.

This article explores Integra’s history, its evolution through the years, and how today’s models carry the legacy forward. We’ll cover performance specs, engine options, design highlights, and which drivers are best suited for the revived Integra lineup.

Best Suited for

White Acura Integra with black hood, showing sporty front-side profile

The 2024 Acura Integra is more than just a compact sport sedan—it’s a car designed for drivers who value both excitement and refinement.

For car enthusiasts, the Integra bears Honda’s performance DNA, with echoes of the legendary Integra Type R that continues to excite JDM fans worldwide. If you want a modern take on that heritage, the latest Integra delivers it.

First-time luxury buyers will also find the Integra appealing. With upscale features, sharp styling, and approachable pricing, it’s an ideal entry into the world of premium compact sedans.

For performance seekers, the Acura Integra Type S stands out as the star of the lineup. With a turbocharged engine, athletic handling, and everyday comfort, it offers the perfect balance of sportiness and practicality.

Even collectors and longtime fans will appreciate the Integra’s revival, honoring its past while pushing forward with modern design and technology.

When compared to rivals like the Volkswagen GTI and Subaru WRX, the Integra stands out by offering luxury in addition to performance. For those who prioritize comfort over sport, the 2025 Lexus ES offers a refined alternative.

The Legacy of the Acura Integra

Collage of Acura Integra front-side view, front seats, and speedometers

The story of the Honda Integra began in 1986, when it was introduced as a sporty, affordable compact car that quickly won over enthusiasts. With sharp handling, a lightweight design, and an accessible price point, the Integra struck a perfect balance between everyday usability and driving fun.

The highlight of its legacy is the Acura Integra Type R, a car that has since become legendary in Honda’s performance history. Launched in the late 1990s, the Type R was celebrated for its high-revving VTEC engine, precise handling, and track-ready engineering. Even today, it is considered one of the greatest front-wheel-drive cars ever built.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, the Integra resonated deeply with young buyers and car enthusiasts, helping shape the tuner and JDM culture that thrives to this day. Affordable, customizable, and performance-driven, it became a symbol of accessible performance, inspiring countless builds and appearances in car meets, video games, and movies.

This lasting cultural impact is why the Integra remains a favorite among collectors and fans of Japanese tuning. For many, owning an Integra—especially the Type R—means owning a piece of automotive history.

The Modern Revival (2024-2025 Integra)

The 2025 Acura Integra carries forward a nameplate that has long been associated with sportiness and everyday usability, now wrapped in modern luxury. Acura’s goal with the new Integra lineup is to recapture the engaging driving spirit of the original while adding the premium touches that today’s drivers expect.

Compared to past generations, the new Integra offers a more refined experience. Inside, buyers will find upgraded interiors with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies that elevate safety and convenience. This makes the Integra as appealing for daily commuting as it is for spirited weekend drives.

At the same time, the Integra hasn’t forgotten its performance roots. Turbocharged engines deliver responsive power, while sport-oriented trims—most notably the Integra Type S—offer sharper handling, an upgraded suspension, and a driving experience that stays true to the car’s heritage. The combination of modern luxury and enthusiast-focused engineering ensures the Integra continues to stand out in the compact sport sedan market.

With the 2024 and 2025 models, Acura has successfully modernized the Integra without losing sight of what made it an icon in the first place.

Engine Specs and Performance Trims

Top-view collage of Acura Integra engine, showing mechanical layout
Four-angle collage of Acura Integra engine, highlighting performance details

The 2024–2025 Acura Integra offers powertrains for both daily drivers and performance enthusiasts.

Type S Engine

The Type S engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers over 300 horsepower and strong torque. Paired with sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes, it offers exhilarating acceleration and sharp handling while maintaining comfort for everyday drives. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a thrilling yet refined experience.

Base Model Engine

The standard Integra features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, focused on fuel efficiency and smooth performance. While less aggressive than the Type S, it provides responsive driving experience for city commutes and weekend trips.

Much like the iconic B18C engine in the original Integra Type R, today’s lineup strikes a balance between performance and practicality, offering options for both enthusiasts and first-time luxury buyers.

Comparison to Competitors

The 2025 Acura Integra Type S sets a high bar in the compact performance sedan category. Powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC® turbo engine with 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, it pairs this power with a six-speed manual, sport-tuned suspension, and Brembo brakes. The result is a car that feels equally at home on winding back roads or daily commutes.

Rivals offer plenty of competition. The Mazda 3 Turbo delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive, is it a strong choice for drivers who value traction and everyday usability. The Subaru WRX tS comes in at 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, carrying forward Subaru’s rally-bred all-wheel-drive confidence and sharp handling. For those leaning toward premium refinement, the Audi A3 (and its S3 variant) offers around 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, blending sporty performance with upscale comfort.

Each of these cars brings something unique, but the Integra Type S stands out by delivering the raw engagement enthusiasts crave while still providing Acura’s signature luxury touches.

Follow this link for more on the Audi A3

Interior, Design, and Features

Collage of Acura Integra front seats, speedometer, and driver’s perspective

Interior Design and Materials

The 2024–2025 Acura Integra blends modern luxury with sporty character. Step inside and you’ll find an upscale cabin with soft-touch materials, refined trim, and ergonomic seating designed for long drives. Spaciousness is improved compared to past generations, making it practical for both daily commutes and weekend trips. In the Acura Integra Type S, the atmosphere shifts toward performance, with bolstered sport seats, metallic accents, and design cues that echo the racing-focused DC5 Type R interior, giving drivers a sense of connection to Acura’s performance heritage.

Technology and Comfort Features

Beyond style, the Integra is equipped with advanced technology and comfort. Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, while higher trims add a larger display, wireless connectivity, and a premium sound system. Driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, bringing peace of mind on every drive. Comfort isn’t overlooked either; dual-zone climate control, customizable settings, and optional luxury upgrades that make the Integra feel as premium as it is sporty.

The result is a cabin that blends everyday comfort with performance-inspired details, appealing to both enthusiasts and first-time luxury buyers.

Writer’s Perspective

Summary of Key Strengths

The Acura Integra has always represented the sweet spot between performance and practicality, and the 2024–2025 models carry that legacy forward. With turbocharged engines, sharp handling, and luxury appointments, the lineup offers something for a wide range of drivers. The Type S trim stands out with over 300 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, and racing-inspired features that connect it back to the spirit of the legendary Integra Type R. Add in modern technology, premium materials, and advanced driver-assistance systems, and the Integra delivers a well-rounded package at an accessible price point compared to other luxury sport sedans.

Is It Worth It for You?

If you’re a driving enthusiast, a first-time luxury buyer, or simply want a sporty daily driver with classic performance roots, the 2024–2025 Integra is worth serious consideration. It blends Acura’s reputation for refinement with a spirited personality that ensures every drive feels special. For many, it’s the perfect bridge between everyday comfort and the thrill of performance.

Final Verdict

Final Thoughts

The Acura Integra has a legacy built on sharp handling, everyday usability, and undeniable cult appeal. From the iconic Type R of the 1990s to today’s lineup, the Integra has consistently delivered a driving experience that blends excitement with practicality.

The 2024–2025 models continue that promise by adding modern luxury and technology without jeopardizing the sporty DNA that made the car famous. The Type S Integra, with its turbocharged power and track-inspired features, shows how Acura is honoring its past while pushing performance into a new era.

For drivers seeking a compact sport sedan that offers premium refinement and genuine fun, the Integra stands out. It’s affordable for a luxury performance car, practical enough for daily life, and still connected to its enthusiast roots.

If you’re considering a new sedan, it’s worth scheduling a test drive or digging deeper into the Integra’s trims and features. With its balance of performance, luxury, and heritage, the Integra remains a solid choice for those who want more than just transportation—it’s a piece of automotive history reborn.

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