All-New Turbocharged 2023 Acura Integra Starts Under $31,000
A classic nameplate returns as a more upscale five-door hatchback
By Jeff S. Bartlett
Acura has resurrected the Integra nameplate for its upcoming entry-level hatchback. The upscale brand from Honda unveiled a prototype of the production model online, ahead of the LA Auto Show, with scant details and a promise that more information will be shared next year.
The Acura Integra was positioned as the sportier alternative to the Honda Civic as it was produced across three generations from 1986 through 2001, with the subsequent RSX hatchback being counted as a fourth generation by the automaker. This fifth-generation car takes up the mantle for a new era, presumably with more premium features than its rather businesslike progenitors.
The 2023 Integra will be the first in its lineage to be built in America, alongside the TLX sedan, and it will be the first to boast a turbocharged engine.
The Integra starts at $30,800—a step up from the $26,500 base price for the ILX that it will replace and about $7,500 less than the TLX, the next model up in the Acura line. The base trim and A-Spec come with a continuously variable transmission. To get a manual transmission, the buyer needs to choose an A-Spec with the Technology Package, putting it at $35,800.
Here is what we know so far.
What it competes with: Audi A3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Honda Civic Si, Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Arteon
What it looks like: A freshened Acura ILX
Powertrains: 200-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive
Price: $30,800-$35,800 (estimated)
Destination charge: $1,095
On sale: Spring 2022
CR's Take
The original Acura Integra was a sporty cousin to the Honda Civic, launched in 1986. It had a bit more horsepower from a high-revving engine that gave the Integra hatchback and sedan a rather unique character at the time. Through the years, the Integra gained higher-performance versions, with the lively GS-R and later the track-inspired Type R.
As the brand evolved, the Integra name faded away—like all true names at Acura—to be replaced initially by the RSX two-door hatchback. A generation later the ILX sedan became the entry-level Acura, casting aside the Integra’s spirited nature. The ILX was an even better-dressed Honda Civic—a move that made more sense on paper than from behind the wheel.
The ILX could never escape from feeling like a costly Civic. It routinely disappointed CR members based on our annual owner satisfaction surveys. The current-generation ILX is based on a Honda Civic of two generations ago, whereas the upcoming Integra is based on the redesigned Civic that debuted this past summer.
Still, we approach the Integra with caution. Hopefully, the name signals a new era that evokes a bit of 1980s and 1990s nostalgia, rather than just grabbing a respected nameplate to add luster to Acura’s latest entry-level model.
Outside
There has been a lot of buzz around this new model because of the name. But from a styling standpoint, it looks very much like an iterative progression from the current ILX and TLX, with perhaps a dash of Honda Civic thrown in.
Even Acura, in trying to emphasize the Integra styling cues in its announcement, seemed to stretch: “. . . the fifth-generation model displays trademark cues such as the embossed Integra name under the driver’s side headlight and passenger’s side taillight.” In other words, you would need a sharp eye, a long memory, and some imagination to connect it to the original Integra. It is no wonder that Acura put the name on the side in large letters.
Although it appears to share no body panels with the new Civic Hatchback, the similar proportions and sloping roofline make it clear these two cars are related, particularly when looking at them from the side.
If you study the photos, you will see that it has dual exhaust tips and Brembo brakes behind its 19-inch wheels, suggesting performance. Perhaps there will be a Type S, like other Acura models . . .
The rear view (shown below) is quite tasteful, even evoking more premium models.
Acura says the yellow color (shown above and below), is a nod to the brighter Phoenix Yellow offered on the 2000 and 2001 Integra Type R (shown at bottom), but this restrained hue looks more like mustard than the exciting 20th-century paint shade.
Photo: Acura
Inside
The Integra uses a digital instrument cluster, with an available head-up display. A 9-inch touch screen is available with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Qi-compatible wireless charging, and a 16-speaker premium stereo.
AcuraLink connected services, including automatic collision notification and enhanced roadside assistance, are free for three years.
Photo: Acura
What Drives It
The Integra launches with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine; this is the first time an Integra has come from the factory with a turbo. The high-end Honda Civic EX and Touring both pack a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 180 hp. The Integra goes beyond that to produce 200 hp—same as the sporty Civic Si. A continuously variable transmission is standard equipment on each trim level. The CVT has Sport, Comfort, and Normal driving modes, with available customizable Individual mode on A-Spec versions with the optional Technology Package.
The six-speed manual transmission is available only on that top A-Spec trim with the Technology Package. This is an interesting twist because manuals are commonly associated with the base models.
Maintenance is covered for the first two years, up to 24,000 miles.
Rear view of the 2023 Acura Integra
Photo: Acura
Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
The Integra comes with AcuraWatch, a suite of active driver assistance features that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
2001 Acura Integra Type R in Phoenix Yellow
Photo: Acura
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