A Closer Look at the 2023 Acura Integra
Acura has remodeled its iconic, entry-luxury Integra by bringing together all the epic components of its parts bins. The Acura Integra was the cornerstone of the brand’s identity throughout the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Built on the Global Small car blueprint from Honda, this vehicle is Civic-based and equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and Si 1.5-liter turbocharged unit. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Acura Integra and what it has to offer.
Overview
Honda’s Acura luxury division has reimagined and rereleased the epic Integra as part of its entry-luxury compact line. But why would a luxury automaker like Honda release a sporty 4-door compact with so many other companies focusing on SUVs? To understand the decision, you must remember that Integra was crucial to the success of the Acura brand.
The 2023 Integra is a much-needed replacement for the ILX sedan, which failed to make any waves. It shares many features with the new Honda Civic, featuring the same 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, turbocharged unit as the Civic Si, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Overall, it has a more upscale presence than the Honda Civic and is fun to drive. However, it is not very heavy on luxury elements.
Engine, Performance, and Transmission
As mentioned, the 2023 Acura Integra is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 200-hp turbocharged engine borrowed from the Civic Si. In addition to being a front-wheel drive, it carries 6-speed manual transmission, with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) offered standard.
Drivers can get the A-spec model with an optional limited-slip differential and manual transmission. The vehicle also features an adaptive suspension system with the A-Spec model, allowing you to save customized settings through the Individual drive mode in its drive-mode selector.
In its initial test drive, CarandDriver found the new Integra to be both “lively and spry.” While a little heavy-weighted, the steering is perfectly direct. A major downside in this category is the evident road noise, which Acura should have addressed by supplying the design with more sound-deadening materials. That said, Acura’s adaptive dampers let you select between a firmer performance-oriented setup and a smooth cruising ride. The former is better for cornering.
Cargo, Comfort, and Interior
While the Integra shares several parts with the Honda Civic, the cabin tries to stay true to the Acura brand design. The styling is inspired by the RDX SUC and TLX sedan with familiar features like standard faux leather heated sport seats and 8-way power adjustments for the driver.
For A-Spec trims with the Technology package, the seats contain faux-suede inserts and a 4-way power adjustment set for the front passenger and 12-way power adjustment for the driver. However, while the rear set is large enough to fit two adults comfortably, premium buyers may shy away from this vehicle due to missing creature comforts.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Acura has equipped the new Integra with several safety features. This includes standard adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection. If you get the A-Spec model with the Technology package that comes optional, you can enjoy driver assistance features like front and rear parking sensors.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The 2023 Acura Integra features a standard 7.0-inch infotainment display and an optional 9.0-inch unit. Both these displays are pleasingly missing the touchpad controller featured in other Acura vehicles.
However, the larger screen is only available for A-Spec trims through the Technology package and is accompanied by three USB-C charging ports, a 5.3-inch head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Standard across all Integra trims is a 10.2-inch digital gauge display that supplies the driver with reconfigurable information.
You also get an eight-speaker stereo as standard, although you can upgrade to a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium stereo system. All trims have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but only models with the Technology package come with wireless connectivity for these features.
Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
According to the EPA, the base Integra is the most efficient model from this offering. The vehicle is rated for 37 mpg highway and 30 mpg city. With these ratings, the Integra beats out the Audi A3, a key rival that is only rated for 38 mpg highway and 29 mpg city. However, fuel economy for the A-Spec trim is lower at 36 mpg highway and 26 mpg city.
Price and Availability
According to The Car Connection, the base model of the 2023 Acura Integra is currently selling at $31,895, with a $1,095 destination fee.
Maintenance Coverage and Warranty
Compared to its competitors, Acura’s powertrain warranty is longer and more comprehensive. Its cover goes up to 70,000 miles or 6 years. Other coverages offered with the new Acura Integra include:
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance covered for 24,000 miles or 2 years.
- Powertrain warranty covering 70,000 miles or 6 years
- Limited warranty covering 50,000 miles or 4 years
Conclusion
In the next few years, Acura plans to launch several electric vehicle models. Meanwhile, the 2023 Acura Integra is a great way for the company to maintain its reputation as a luxury automaker. The original Integra made Acura the first and only luxury automaker to focus on entry-luxury performance. It was an excellent and affordable way for budget-conscious buyers to upgrade. Today, the release of this new model cements Acura’s position of influence in the world of entry-luxury.
