- 2023 Acura Integra ($30,300 – $35,800)
- Pro: The entry panel is back at the Acura level; It offers an attractive engine, comfortable interior and plenty of luggage space.
- The negatives: The Integra is a bit pricey, and it’s not quite as high-end as some competitors.
As I drove through the streets of my hometown in Northern California, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought that I’d been driving a 1995 Integra on the same streets for over 20 years. But the bout of nostalgia quickly subsided when I realized the car was very different from the one I drove at the time – as it should be.
Gone are the round headlights and the high-revving VTEC engine. This all-new model is equipped with a sharper look, a host of tech gadgets and a turbocharged powertrain. She’s polished and charismatic, and she’ll make you not care because she has little in common with the ones that came before her.
The Integra is back after a 22-year hiatus as a 2023 model. Although its appearance is somewhat dated at the time, it gives entry-level luxury buyers a fair amount of value and performance.
What’s the best trim level for the 2023 Acura Integra?
Choosing the right trim level for the 2023 Acura Integra is easy, as there are only three to choose from.
- Base: $30,800
- Spec A: $32,800
- A-Spec with technology: $35,800
Although we usually recommend the mid-cut model for the best value, with the 2023 Integra, the top-end is our go-to. The Integra A-Spec with Technology Package is not only equipped with everything you could want, but it also comes with the option of a six-speed manual transmission. Otherwise, on every trim level.
My tester for the week was a 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec tech equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Its price, as tested, including destination charges, was $37,395.
How does the 2023 Acura Integra run?
The 2023 Acura Integra delivers an engaging and comfortable driving experience. A-Spec models come with supportive Alcantara and leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport pedals, adding to the sporty feel. If anything, they complement the car’s high-revving, turbocharged engine well. Of course, the variable speed manual transmission also helps.
Under the hood is a four-cylinder engine that is shared with the current Honda Civic Si. That’s not a bad thing, considering the little engine puts out 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty of power for everyday driving.
Paddling the stick through the gears, a slight boost from the turbo can be felt as power builds up across the rev range. It’s not quite as massive a breakthrough as you’ll feel in a Volkswagen GTI, but it’s enough to make you feel like the car has enough power.
Just like the older model from the late ’90s, the 2023 Integra has VTEC, which can be felt and nodded at around 5000 rpm. It’s not as pronounced as on the older Honda VTEC engines, but it adds to the overall enjoyment and drivability.
Aside from offering a good amount of power, the Acura Integra also offers a good amount of comfort. At normal road and highway speeds, the car’s adaptive suspension absorbs bumps and lows well. One feature that sets it apart from the Civic Si is the adaptive suspension that’s soft in Comfort mode and stiff in Sport mode.
To be honest, I didn’t notice much difference between the three available modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport). If anything, the difference in throttle response and steering effort was greater.
Finally, I liked the 18-inch Integra A-Spec wheels wrapped in all-season tires the most. During my week in California, I experienced torrential rain, which put the car to the test. However, it has passed with flying colors by providing exemplary grip and confidence on every road.
Is the Acura Integra comfortable?
Yes, the 2023 Acura Integra offers plenty of comfort for front and rear seat passengers. The A-Spec front seats have 12-way power and lumbar support adjustment. They’re comfortable on long rides, but my only complaint is that the thigh support is shallow, which can be uncomfortable for tall drivers.
There’s plenty of head and legroom for rear seat passengers, too. However, the middle seat occupant may feel cramped with the middle floor hump. Plus, visibility is great from all four corners, and front and rear parking sensors make parallel parking a breeze. There’s a rearview camera, too, but it has the worst quality resolution we’ve seen in a car to date.
Does the 2023 Acura Integra get good gas mileage?
Yeah. During my testing week, the 2023 Acura Integra averaged about 34 mpg through a range of city and highway driving situations. That’s better than the EPA’s 30 mpg city rating and on par with the separate highway ratings of 26 mpg city and 36 mpg city.
Does the 2023 Integra have great tech features?
The 2023 Integra is packed with a host of tech features, even in its base form. Prior to selecting higher trim levels, the Acura Integra comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power sunroof, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and imitation leather upholstery.
There’s also a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wired Apple Carplay/Android Auto, a USB-A port, and a six-speaker audio system.
The A-Spec package adds LED fog lights, exterior appearance enhancements, and 18-inch alloy wheels to the mix. Choosing a Technology package adds puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, the option for a manual transmission, and a head-up display.
It also includes more tech features for LED cabin lighting, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, three USB ports, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless phone charging, 12-way driver and 4-way passenger seat adjustment, and a 16-speaker ELS audio system.
Integra A-Spec with Technology models with CVT also get remote start functionality.
How safe is the 2023 Acura Integra?
2023 Acura. Each model is equipped with the brand’s AcuraWatch suite of driver-assist features. These features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assistance
- Reducing leaving the road.
CVT models are equipped with a low-speed follow feature that acts as cruise control during stop-and-go traffic situations. It is not on manual transmission models because gears must be shifted manually.
In addition to its wealth of safety features, the 2023 Acura Integra has been awarded the prestigious “Top Safety Pick+” award from. It also has an overall 5-star accident safety rating, so you know it’s safe.
MotorBiscuit gives the 2023 Acura Integra a score of 8.7 out of 10
The editors at MotorBiscuit gave the 2023 Acura Integra an overall rating of 8.7 out of 10. The all-new Acura Integra competes with competitors like the Volkswagen GTI, Hyundai Veloster N, and Toyota GR Corolla. Among these competitors, it falls short in the performance department but beats a few when it comes to interior layout and comfort.
We also like that the car is well priced in its class and offers plenty of value for money. While competitors like the GTI may offer a more aggressive driving experience, the Acura Integra offers a nice balance of refinement and driver engagement with the added convenience of renowned reliability.
