If you’re looking for a luxury sedan, this is a great place to start. Unlike many German competitors, Acura has a small lineup of cars with trim levels packed with value. Two popular cars in the Japanese automaker’s stable are the midsize and compact Integra. We had the pleasure of driving both models, and while they are very similar, they are also very different. Check out this realistic comparison between these two brothers.
2023 Acura Integra vs. 2023 Acura TLX: Bigger Engine Makes Regular Driving More Fun
The 2023 Integra is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that can be mated to either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission that delivers 200 horsepower to the front wheels. We had a chance to test the six-speed manual version and couldn’t get over how smooth the shifts were. Plus, the car’s 192 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of thrust when entering the highway, but we felt we had to rev the engine to redline to really get the car moving.
On the other hand, it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which transfers 272 horsepower to the front wheels. However, an all-wheel drive setup is an option for this car. We were able to drive the TLX around the Colorado mountains and were totally impressed with its solid power from idle to redline.
And the 280 lb-ft of torque made the car more lively at lower speeds because we didn’t need to crank the engine out to get going. If you’re shopping between these two cars and don’t want to hold the throttle to get the car up to speed quickly, the Acura TLX is the one to choose.
The interiors of both cars are similar, but the Acura Integra’s controls are easier to use
Moving on to the car’s interior, both are arranged and equipped similarly. They even got red seats thanks to the same A-Spec packages. However, we like the Acura Integra’s 9-inch infotainment screen a little more. Although it’s an inch smaller than the split-screen layout you’ll find on the TLX, it’s a touchscreen, so it’s easier to use. The one in the TLX uses the brand’s True Touchpad in the center console, which works well but is a bit cumbersome.
For the rest of the interior, the TLX uses buttons to control the HVAC, while the TLX uses knobs. Both work well, but we liked the old design on the Integra—the metal grilles above the vents are a nice touch, too. In terms of tech features, both Acuras had heated front seats, an AcuraWatch suite of driver aids, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and USB ports in the first and second rows.
Both are also equipped with the ELS premium audio system, which sounds great no matter which model you choose.
Of course, the TLX’s cabin felt roomier and more comfortable since it’s the larger car, but the Integra doesn’t feel cramped in any way. We loved spending time in both cabins; However, the Integra felt more intuitive during the week we had it.
Which car got better gas mileage?
As you can expect, we were able to get better fuel economy in the Acura Integra. Our real-world driving averaged around 34 mpg, while we managed to get around 30 mpg in the TLX. Having a heavy right foot while driving up a mile may have something to do with it. But either way, we recommend the Integra over the TLX when fuel efficiency is a factor.
2023 Acura Integra vs. Acura TLX: Which Sedan Should You Get?
It’s easy to see that the 2023 Acura TLX has more power and space than the 2023 Acura Integra, so if you need comfort, this is the option for you. However, if you want a nimble compact sedan that can still haul five adults and a lot of stuff, we recommend the Integra.
The plus is that the Integra costs around $31,000 while the TLX starts at around $39,000, so you’ll save money as well as have similar features—provided you don’t mind the lack of extra power.
