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2023 Acura Integra: Return of an Icon

The new 2023 Acura Integra features a premium feel to go with the snazzy interior. We look at powertrain, trim levels and more. Read our full review here.

What’s New for the 2023 Acura Integra?

All new this year, the 2023 Acura Integra marks the return of an iconic sports sedan nameplate as we previewed here. Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic, this new Integra is considered the fifth generation as the poor selling ILX that it replaced was not viewed as part of this family.

The 2023 Integra shares running gear with the Civic Si, a car we review here, the new Integra features a distinctly Acura face that adds a level of premium feel to go with the snazzy interior. Even better, it can be had with a 6-speed manual to channel that classic Integra sportiness.

2023 Acura Integra - netcarshow.com

2023 Acura Integra – netcarshow.com |  Shop 2023 Acura Integra on Carsforsale.com

Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $31,895

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

FWD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

30 City / 37 Hwy (MPG)

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 5

The Breakdown

Sharp looks

A 6-speed stick

Rocking ELS audio system

The Civic Si

More power please

Missing key luxury appointments

An icon returns

2023 Acura Specs

Trims & Pricing

Integra - $31,895
A-Spec - $33,895
A-Spec Technology - $36,895

2023 Acura Integra Powertrain

2023 Acura Integra 1.5L I4 - Throttle House on Youtube
2023 Acura Integra 1.5L I4 - Throttle House on Youtube

Back in the day, uttering the phrase “VTEC” turned gearheads into gushing goofballs. These days, this variable-valve timing tech is fitted to most every Honda and Acura product, including the 200-horse turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hood of the new Integra. However, it’s still pretty cool to see that much power pulled out of just 1.5 liters of displacement, along with 192 pound-feet of torque. All that juice is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission, which is the standard setup on every model.

Fortunately, Acura has seen fit to offer a 6-speed stick on the 2023 Integra, which is not too hard considering all this powertrain gear is shared with the Honda Civic Si. The manual is only available on top-spec Technology models but it is a zero-cost option over the CVT. Selecting this transmission also brings a helical limited-slip differential to the mix. Along with the four-corner independent suspension, this LSD promises solid handling dynamics.

2023 Acura Integra - acura.com
2023 Acura Integra - acura.com

Of course, the adaptive dampers found on Technology trim promises to dial up that handling even more. Every model comes with selectable drive modes including a Sport mode that punches up the engine noise, speeds up the steering, and adds a snappier throttle response. All of this is good stuff, but inquiring minds are wondering if we’ll see a higher performance Type S, or even a throwback Type R. As we discuss in this article, the incoming Civic Type R is going to be a serious screamer.

2023 Acura Integra Fuel Economy & MPG

Honda products have a reputation for good fuel economy and the 2023 Integra follows suit. CVT-equipped models are rated for 30 mpg in city driving and 37 on the highway. The BMW 228i, which is quite a bit costlier, only achieves 24 and 34 mpg, respectively. Technology trim drops fuel efficiency by one mpg in both categories and as is typical these days, you’ll take an even bigger hit with the 6-speed manual. It is rated for 26/36 mpg in city/highway driving.

Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space

While the 2023 Acura Integra is basically a Civic in fancier duds, those duds are arguably worth the increased cost. Leatherette is the base upholstery with higher-level models sporting suede inserts. Black is standard but you can select from an eye-popping red-and-black scheme or white-and-black setup. The latter has a decided Star Wars stormtrooper vibe but I like it. It flows well with the gloss black fascia bits and mesh grilles covering the HVAC vents.

Thanks to it’s hunchbacked styling, a whopping 24.3 cubic inches of space are on hand for you to fill with cargo. That’s nine more cubes than you’ll find in a BMW 228i Gran Coupe. Premium features like keyless access and walk-away auto locking make getting in and out that much easier. Though the new Integra comes standard with heated front seats, it is missing amenities like seat cooling, a panoramic sunroof, and laminated glass that all tend to be available on luxury vehicles.

Which brings up another point. Acura has historically straddled the line between mainstream and luxury, something they define as premium. Its an accurate description and one that buyers will have to consider when ready to buy. You’re certainly paying less than you would for a German competitor, but you’re also receiving a lighter application of upmarket features.

2023 Acura Integra Entertainment & Tech

2023 Acura Integra - acura.com
2023 Acura Integra - acura.com

In a move that seems obviously designed to encourage spending more, wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is only included on Technology trim. The bottom two Integras have this software, but it requires a hardwired connection. Seems silly, in this segment, to not just fit every model with the more convenient style.

Those base models come with a 7-inch touchscreen to handle infotainment work, while top models receive a 9-inch display. In all cases, redundant physical knobs help when the screen gets fussy. Other high-spec highlights include the bumping ELS Studio stereo that spreads 16 speakers around the cabin, including two in the headliner and a trunk-mounted subwoofer.

Safety Features

AcuraWatch, the automakers’ suite of advanced safety technology adds a raft of standard systems to every 2023 Integra. It includes Forward Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Asist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS have tested the car yet but it comes with 10 airbags – including rear-passenger outboard side airbags – as well as stability and traction control.

2023 Acura Integra Trims & Pricing

2023 Acura Integra LED Lights - netcarshow.com
2023 Acura Integra LED Lights - netcarshow.com

Integra – $31,895

Base Integras are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, and full LED lighting that looks amazing. Acura calls the headlamps “Jewel Eye” and the tails “Chicane”, which sound as cool as these high-end lamps look. You’ll also see INTEGRA stamped into the body beneath the front and rear lights, a nod to past models. Inside, you can choose from black or gray leatherette upholstery for the heated front seats. The frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror adds a premium touch as does the 10.2” digital gauge cluster. Infotainment is handled via a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec - acura.com
2023 Acura Integra A-Spec - acura.com

A-Spec – $33,895

A-Spec models unlock access to the gorgeous Apex Blue Pearl finish and come with a trim-exclusive body kit that tacks on a rear spoiler and black accent bits. 18-inch wheels come standard along with heated side mirrors and LED fog lamps. This model also opens the door to red-colored upholstery that adds a big dose of pizazz.

2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Technology - acura.com
2023 Acura Integra A-Spec Technology - acura.com

A-Spec Technology – $36,895

The only model available with the 6-speed manual, Technology trim is loaded with rain-sensing wipers, microsuede seat inserts, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Befitting its name, tech upgrades include a wireless charging pad, head-up display, Wi-Fi hotspot, AcuraLink Connected Services, and larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. This model also comes with the glorious 16-speaker ELS Studio sound system.

Warranties

Acura’s warranty is above average on the powertrain with six years or 70,000 miles of coverage. The basic vehicle is covered for four years or 50,000 miles, which matches the term for roadside assistance. Two years of complimentary maintenance, or up to 24,000 miles, is also part of the deal, but BMW offers three years.

What we think

2023 Acura Integra - netcarshow.com

2023 Acura Integra – netcarshow.com |  Shop 2023 Acura Integra on Carsforsale.com

There’s a lot to like with the 2023 Acura Integra, from the powertrain to premium features, not to mention the nameplate all by itself. It seems fairly priced and does offer incentives, which you can read up on here.

It’s hard to escape the reality that you can access the powertrain and a reasonably similar level of content with the cheaper Honda Civic Si. That being said, I’d be all over an A-Spec Technology model with the 6-speed stick and that stereo, while dreaming about the possible return of the legendary Integra Type R, a car we discuss here.

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Niel Stender

Niel Stender grew up doing replacement work on his 1990 Cherokee and 1989 Starion, so it’s not surprising that he would put his mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Hampshire to use in the car world as a vehicle dynamics engineer. Now engineering sentence structures, his writing infuses his auto experience with his time in marketing and his sales experience. Writing about cars for close to a decade now, he focuses on some of the more technical mechanical systems that are found under the hood and throughout a vehicle.

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