Acura brought the Integra back for the 2023 model year but there were many who felt that it wasn’t as sporty as the original Integra which was replaced by the RSX for the 2006 model year. That changes for 2024 with the addition of the Integra Type S to the line-up. This hot hatch is basically an upscale version of the Honda Civic Type R.
Base Price: $50,800
As Tested: $52,595
Horsepower: 320
Mileage: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway/24 mpg combined
The five-passenger Integra is the smallest and least expensive model made by Honda’s upscale brand. It’s less luxurious and less refined than rivals, which include models from Audi, BMW, Genesis and Mercedes Benz. But it costs less, making it an appealing choice for drivers who want an entry level luxury car. And it’s a hoot to drive! It’s one of a dwindling number of vehicles available with a manual gearbox.
The 2024 Integra comes in four trims: Integra, A-Spec, A-Spec with Technology package and Type S. Starting prices range from $31,500 to $50,800. Every trim has front-wheel drive.
The three lower trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The performance-oriented Type S gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter that produces 320 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission is standard on the three lower trims, while the Type S is only available with a six-speed manual.
My Type S tester has energetic acceleration from a stop with very little turbo lag and merging and passing at freeway speeds is a breeze. The six-speed shifts crisply and easily – where was this manual transmission when I learned how to drive a stick? Steering is responsive – the S-Type loves to carve corners. The ride is fairly firm but the sport-tuned suspension does a good job of making the ride mostly smooth over all but the roughest and bumpiest roads. Overall, handling is dynamic and will put a smile on your face!
EPA ratings for my tester are 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with a combined rating of 24. I got 25 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is pleasant but not as upscale as what you’ll find in many other small luxury vehicles. Rather, it’s a high-end version of what you’d find in a mainstream vehicle. Materials are generally nice. Seats in both rows are comfortable and supportive with good legroom. Taller passengers may wish for more headroom in the second row.
Standard features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, manually adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, infotainment system with seven-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, Siri Eyes Free, ambient LED interior lighting, and a moonroof.
Available features include remote start, head-up display, dual-zone automatic climate control, microsuede upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustments, four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, infotainment system with nine-inch touchscreen, 16-speaker ELS audio system, HD Radio, satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, three additional USB ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a digital key (lets you lock, unlock and start the vehicle with your smartphone).
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, road departure mitigation, traffic-jam assist (controls speed, acceleration, braking and steering in low-speed traffic), traffic-sign recognition,
pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear-seat alert.
Available driver assistance technologies include front and rear parking sensors.
The infotainment system is user-friendly with snappy response times. Graphics look sharp with vibrant colors and menus are logically arranged. Physical controls on the center stack make it easy to adjust audio and climate settings, and there are also volume and tuning controls on the steering wheel.
Cargo space is good for a small luxury car. There are 24.3 cubic feet in the hatch, and the rear seats split-fold 60/40 to provide flexibility in hauling passengers and gear. The opening is large, making it easy to load bulky items.
The good:
Nimble handling
Available with a manual transmission
Comfortable and roomy interior
Many standard and available features and tech
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wired and available wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Good cargo space
The not-so-good:
Not as upscale as some competitors
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $50,800. Apex Blue Pearl paint is $600. Destination fee is $1,195 bringing the grand total to $52,595.
Bottom line:
The 2024 Acura Integra is fun to drive and affordably priced. While it’s not as luxurious as some competitors, it’ll sure put a smile on your face, especially in the Type S trim. It’s worth checking out if you want an upscale and sporty hatchback.
