Can the return of an iconic nameplate herald a new Motor Authority Best Car To Buy winner? It may be in the form of the $31,895 Acura Integra.
The Integra has a history of inexpensive thrills that dates back to the mid-1980s. It peaked with the 1992 GS-R model, which made it into our 100 Cars That Matter series. But Acura dropped the name when it switched to the RSX, leaving much of its history behind.
With the new Integra, Acura dropped the tired ILX from its lineup, though it retained the entry-level formula of beefing up the bones of the Honda Civic.
The Integra starts with a solid platform based on the 2022 Honda Civic Si and fixes most of our issues with the Honda in the upgrade process. According to senior editor Kirk Bell, the package adds up to an Integra that revives the glory of days gone by.
2023 Acura Integr
Each Integra is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4 with 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. While base and A-Spec models send power to the front wheels via a CVT with seven simulated gear ratios, enthusiasts will want the top-of-the-line A-Spec with Technology Package for $36,895 as it unlocks the 6-speed manual transmission option. This guide is a winner, with short, clean, accurate throws and solid engagement. Bell called the broadcast “way too fun” to pass up.
Small improvements to the Integra over its Honda sibling add up to make a big difference: The Integra’s chassis is 5% stiffer and has larger 27mm hollow sway bars at the front and 17.5mm solid sway bars at the rear (18mm on the A -Spec model).
2023 Acura Integr
The biggest single upgrade over the Civic Si, and the one that cures the sporty Civic’s biggest flaw, is the set of adaptive dampers that Acura installs with the tech package. They control the suspension on the Autobahn. While the ride is still soft, body movements are controlled.
With an ultra-fast gear ratio of 11.52:1 (base models are even faster at 11.33:1), the Integra’s steering delivers deft responses. It doesn’t feel too fast and the Integra is never lightning fast on the Autobahn.
2023 Acura Integr
Inside there is seating for five, but really only four can fit in comfortably. The front sport-bucket seats are well padded and supportive, but the rear seating surface is low and the rapid roofline limits rear headroom. The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen feels a bit small, but the tech-packaged A-Spec model gets a 9.0-inch touchscreen that features the Civic’s easy-to-use tile-based interface and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . The hatchback body offers 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space, and the rear seats fold almost flat to expand cargo space.
The Acura Integra isn’t perfect. The manual transmission should be an option across the board. With 200 hp, he also wants power on side roads. Another 50 to 75 hp would be enough. It’s also about as strong as the RSX Type S from 21 years ago, which says something about a lack of progress. A forthcoming 2024 Integra Type S will solve the Integra’s performance issues.
Will the Integra’s charming manual transmission, well-sorted suspension and snappy steering be enough to convince two hot hatches, an outrageous SUV, a luxury EV and a sport sedan? Check back on January 4th when we announce the winner, along with champions from our sister sites The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.