2023 Acura Integra: Riding the Wave of Nostalgia

The reborn Acura Integra

Nostalgia is a powerful feeling. It can be the basis that shapes our judgement and sets up our expectations. Mention the name Integra and many people will instantly remember the fun car from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Many may think back to a simpler time when cars weren’t computers on wheels and access to enjoyable cars didn’t have to cost a fortune. You didn’t have to be a car enthusiast to remember this vehicle, as an entire generation grew up around the Integra and its popularity would make most people familiar with the nameplate. Integra’s of the past were reliable and well-loved. The Integra was once an integral part of Acura’s U.S. lineup and was an instant hit with consumers wanting an exciting, well-made and affordable product carrying a premium badge. The Integra of old was available as both a sedan and coupe. It was a vehicle that was easy to customize and gained a reputation by the tuner crowd. This credibility has allowed the Integra to thrive as a vehicle that is still considered desirable, as well as one that is highly sought after in the used car market. The last Integra sold in the U.S. and Canada was 2001 and after a 22-year hiatus the Integra name has finally returned. Sold only as a 4-door liftback, the new version sticks to its roots as a relatively affordable, sporty and premium vehicle that is mechanically related to the Civic. The times have changed and so has the competition. Nostalgia can be both a blessing and a curse as expectations are high for the new Integra. Does this new Integra live up to its processors or is it just an old name being repurposed for the sake of marketing?   

Exterior Design: Anything but Boxy

The Integra was the vehicle that helped launch the Acura brand in 1986. Its youthful style was well received and all generations after continued that trend. Fast-forward to 2023, the reborn Acura Integra continues to look sharp with an aggressive and fresh look. It replaces the poorly received ILX in Acura’s lineup. The new Integra doesn’t feature any retro design cues that connects the current version with the old ones. The only feature that’s been passed on is that the Integra name is stamped into the front and rear bumpers just below the driver’s side headlight and passenger side taillight. It may seem subtle but it helps tie the new version to the very popular 1994-2001 Integra. Other than that, there isn’t really anything else that pays tribute to the old car.

Integra name embossed into the front bumper. A design trait shared with the 1994-2001 version

The 2023 Acura Integra is based on the new Honda Civic. Acura made sure that the Integra is a unique product and looks significantly different from its Honda platform mate. Acura is calling the body style of the Integra a liftback (old coupes were technically liftbacks). Basically, the vehicle has a gently sloping roofline with a more horizontally angled rear cargo door than what would be found in a traditional hatchback. To most people the Integra looks like a compact sedan with a large rear opening.

Liftback design, revealing large opening. Old Integra coupes and the RSX had a similar feature

All Integra’s from the past featured a boxy look, while the new one is anything but square. It has a sleek shape with plenty of smooth surfaces to improve aerodynamics. Sharp character lines define the sides of the car, with a strong line starting from the front fender that gently rises and curves where the small rear window meets the D-pillar. The sloping roofline looks smooth and enhances its sporty aspirations. Up front a chiseled hood is accompanied by Acura’s frameless diamond patterned grille and bold LED jewel eyed headlights. From the rear a pair of stylish LED taillights appear to be floating within the curvaceous tail.

Sleek looking rear end of the 2023 Acura Integra

Many die-hard Integra fans may have wanted more references from previous designs, but I think the vehicle looks really good. Despite sharing the same 107.7-inch wheelbase as the Civic It looks sportier and more premium than that vehicle and it’s also longer in length than both Civic sedan and Hatchback. I think it looks aggressive and I really like the design especially from the rear. Acura did a great job reimaging a modern day Integra and designers should get full credit for that.

 Interior Design: A fancier Civic

The interior design in the Integra is handsome but very similar to what is found in the new Civic. Acura didn’t elevate and change the interior the same way that it did to the exterior. Many of the well-executed switchgear found in the Civic is present. Materials however are step above what is found in the Civic and the dash is a little sportier in appearance from its mainstream cousin. A 9.0-inch Honda-derived touchscreen is perched on the top of the dash and a sporty, yet simple 10.2-inch digital instrument panel displays all vital driver information. Lesser trims make due with a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is rather simplistic and easy to operate. Plenty of buttons and knobs are available to make life even easier in the Integra. The mesh air vents found in the Civic are also found in this vehicle.  

10.2-inch digital instrument gauge cluster

Front seats are comfortable but not as well-padded as other competitors. From the rear, occupants are treated to a surprisingly spacious area, with enough head and legroom to satisfy many. Open the liftback style truck that every two-door Integra and RSX had and you will be greeted by a large cargo space. This added utility is a bonus as it shows the Integra isn’t all just about performance, it has a practical side too.

Surprisingly spacious rear seating area

Basically, the Integra’s interior is a tarted up version of the Honda Civic. Interior layout and quality are suitable for an entry level luxury car. It has excellent fit and finish with soft touch materials. It has technology, sporty design elements and great visibility from the driver’s seat despite the low seating position. While there is a lot to like, the interior doesn’t scream luxury in the same way that others in its class do, despite being attractive. Many of its main competitors like the Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW 2-series Gran Coupe, Audi A3 and Cadillac CT4 have slightly more luxurious interiors. Acura could have done more to differentiate the interior from the Civic but considering that the Civic has a great interior to begin with, I guess using it as a starting point isn’t such a bad thing.

How it drives: A perfect daily driver

The moment the 2023 Acura Integra was revealed, expectations shot up. It was always going to be an improvement over the ILX, but then again Acura never tried to make the ILX anything more than what it was. The new Integra comes in and has big shoes to fill. The previous versions were around when Japanese Sports cars were at their peak in terms of popularity. Many car racing movies and video games of the era had an Integra in it, elevating it to iconic status. Those many fans, truly expect something special out of this version.    

Sporty tires with a sharp looking 5-spoke design rim

The 2023 Integra comes with a 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 200 HP and 192 lb-ft of torque. All of this power is delivered to the front wheels only. The Integra comes available with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a six-speed manual.

Inventories are low so my tester was the A-Spec with the CVT. I keep hearing how great the manual transmission is in this vehicle, so it’s actually nice to see how the one with the CVT performs. I’m pleased to report that its actually pretty well done. The Integra feels light and nimble. It’s easy to toss around and going quickly into turns is a joy. It handles well with very little body roll. These driving dynamics will almost certainly remind drivers of the fond memories of past Intergas. Steering feel is best described as normal but it is precise and accurate. The Integra never feels amazingly quick but it doesn’t feel sluggish either. It does have less power and torque than the base Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz CLA and Cadillac CT4. It’s also worth mentioning that it is the only vehicle in its class that comes with a manual and it weighs less than the competition. The engine grunts when driven with enthusiasm, hinting that some refinement may be required. However, the CVT is one of the smoother ones out there. The CVT also simulates shifts as you press the throttle and get up to speed, creating a more performance minded feel. Driving with the CVT can actually be engaging while in sport mode. The Integra offers a comfortable ride handling bumps relatively well. If you want to unlock all the fun quirks that the Integra has then I’d recommend the manual. If you want an engaging, entry-level luxury car that is a competent daily driver, then opting for the CVT shouldn’t be an issue.  

Integra name stamped into the rear bumper

Final Thoughts: No disappointment here. Also a class leader in value!

When relaunching the Integra, Acura knew what they were up against. They wanted a vehicle in their lineup that had the power to be instantly recognized and bring in interest. The ILX never amounted to much and with a name like Integra, Acura wanted to excite buyers both old and new to the brand. But with a name that has almost legend like status, the newest Integra was always going to be under the microscope. With nostalgia running deep many wondered and hoped that the new Integra was truly a great car. As with anything, there are many fans and critics who are disappointed that there’s no coupe or that it’s not powerful enough. We tend to imagine what an Integra should be based on movies and video games but forget what its main intentions always were. Let’s put it out there, the new Integra may not be the fast and furious street racer that many may have hoped for. But then again, neither were the first three generations of Integra. The mission remains the same in 2023 as it did in 1986 or 1996. That mission is to offer buyers an engaging vehicle that provides an entry point to luxury. For those still wanting more, don’t forget that the super cool Integra Type-S exists now and is just entering the market in limited numbers.

The Integra is a stylish, engaging and fun car that comes available with a manual transmission

The Integra is a value leader amongst its class and is more affordable than any of its competitors. It is better looking than the BMW and Mercedes-Benz, it feels more youthful than the Cadillac and the manual makes it more fun to drive than the Audi A3. In all honesty the Honda Civic Si might very well be the Integra’s closest competitor. It is similar and slightly more affordable, but if it were up to me I’d rather have the Integra. Maybe there is something in the name after all, but I personally find the Integra more attractive on the outside and yes the inside too when compared to the Civic. Also it feels way more unique and special than the Civic Si. Nostalgia can only take it so far, but luckily this is a fine vehicle that in many ways stays faithful to the original.   

Pricing and Specifications:

1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged inline 4-cylinder - 200 HP; 192 lb-ft torque

Canada:

CVT - $34,350

A-Spec CVT - $37,050

Elite A-Spec CVT - $42,550

Elite A-Spec Manual - $42,550

US:

Base - $31,300

A-Spec - $33,300

A-Spec with Technology Package CVT - $36,300

A-Spec with Technology Package Manual - $36,300

Main Competitors:

Audi A3, BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe, Cadillac CT4, Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The Acura badge depicts a caliper, to represent precision and its also an A for Acura