The returning 2023 Acura Integra looks to cash in on a classic name for this next-generation five-door.
When rumors first began circulating that Acura was bringing back the Integra nameplate, enthusiasts conjured a modern redux of the third-gen Integra, complete with its signature spoiler, yellow paint, and red badging. However, that’s not the car that goes on sale this month at Acura dealerships. Instead, the new 2023 Acura Integra slots in where the now defunct Acura ILX was, a tarted-up version of the Honda Civic to serve as an affordable entry point to the Acura brand.
While this might disappoint some, it’s likely Acura will get around to releasing a Type S version of the new Integra sometime in the not-too-distant future to satisfy those looking for greater levels of performance. In the meantime, judge the new 2023 Acura Integra on its own merits and you’ll find impressive value in this entry-level luxury car.
The new 2023 Acura Integra takes its underpinnings from the Civic, and those origins can be seen in things like the steering wheel and center console controls. But Acura went a long way toward differentiating the two when it comes to the body work, of which the new Integra shares almost nothing. Indeed, beyond all-unique paneling, the longer Integra gets a sport back hatch design that nearly doubles cargo space from the prior ILX to 24.3 cu-ft.
The Integra also shares its engine with the Civic Si, a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder making 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The new Integra comes exclusively in front-wheel drive and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) serves as the standard transmission. The A-Spec trim adds access to a limited-slip differential and adaptive suspension, and with the Tech Package upgrade (a $3,000 add-on) you can get the Integra with a six-speed manual as well as features like a 5.3-inch heads-up display, wireless charging, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio premium stereo.
The 2023 Acura Integra (starting at $31,895) comes in just two trim levels: the base and the A-Spec. In the base form, the Integra comes well equipped. A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard. The 7-inch touchscreen can be upgraded to a full 9 inches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard as well (which is nice because the Acura doesn’t offer an option for navigation in the Integra). In the base model you’ll also find heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery along with a host of safety tech features that include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The Integra A-Spec ($33,895) gets several upgrades that include a 5.3-inch heads-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED ambient lighting, a 12-way power memory driver’s seat, and a great 16-speaker ELS Studio premium stereo. You’ll also have access to the Tech Package for an additional $3,000. As we mentioned above, this grants you a limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension, and the optional six-speed manual transmission.
For most car shoppers looking for an affordable entry point into the luxury car market, the new 2023 Acura Integra will serve them admirably. But for those enthusiasts who long for a return of the Integra of old, it might be worth waiting for an inevitable Integra Type S to arrive.