2023 Acura Integra

For years, buyers looking for a fun, affordable luxury car could count on the Integra, but after the fourth-generation Integra (called the RSX) was discontinued in 2006, there was a compact-car-sized hole in Acura's lineup. Yes, there was the ILX sedan that filled that void for a few years, but it never lived up to the Integra name. Hopefully, that's where the all-new next-generation 2023 Acura Integra comes in. A compact four-door hatchback that's based on the latest-generation Honda Civic, the new Integra is an entry-level model in the Acura lineup that promises a bit of driving fun, some mild luxury, and some nameplate cachet, all at an affordable price. 

The manual transmission comes with an automatic rev-matching function to make quick downshifts smoother, plus a limited-slip front differential to help put power down as you're exiting corners. Both come on the Civic Si as well.

By contrast, the manual shifter is superb. It has smooth movements but you can feel it slide into gear with plenty of feedback. It provides enough resistance to feel strong in your hand without feeling overly heavy. It feels natural and engaging, moving into each gear like it anticipated your next move. Few manual shifters these days feel this good. Driving the Integra quickly is a joy, and the manual is a big part of that experience.

Steering and handling are engaging, and the limited-slip differential helps apply even power as you exit a high-speed corner. But unlike the Si, the Integra doesn't offer a summer-tire option from the factory. As a result, the Integra's grip and handling precision are a bit muted because of its standard all-season tires.

Since Acura has recently reintroduced several high-performance Type S models to its lineup, we wouldn't be surprised to see a new Acura Integra Type S that solves this problem in the near future, possibly using the same powertrain as the forthcoming Civic Type R. Since the last Type R made in excess of 300 horsepower, a new Integra Type S could be seriously spicy indeed, but if a Type S is in the works, mum's the word from Acura. For now.

Up front, there's plenty of headroom and legroom, and the rear seat has enough legroom for most adults. Since it's a hatchback, the sloping roof naturally gets in the way of tall adults entering the back seat. They'll be a bit cramped once they sit down too, but the back seats should be spacious enough for anyone under 5-foot-9.

The ride quality, while not exactly plush, is relatively smooth over bumpy highways and potholed city streets. The optional adaptive dampers allow for the selection of different comfort levels, including Comfort, Normal and Sport, giving you a progressively stiffer ride with each mode. For the most part, we selected Comfort mode and we were pleased over highway straights and curvy back roads.

One particular drawback we noticed, however, regardless of drive mode, was road noise. The aforementioned all-season tires equipped on our test cars made a considerable bit of noise on the highway, especially at speeds over 60 mph. A-Spec Integras are equipped with larger and wider wheels and tires, so it's possible a base Integra will be a little quieter.

The steering wheel, climate controls and the infotainment screen are all identical to those in the Civic. On its face, that might seem like a disappointment for what's supposed to be a more premium brand, but it might actually prove to be a boon for Acura. The climate controls are elegant and simple to use, and they provide just the temp you're looking for on a hot day. We never really fell in love with Acura's button-heavy interior spaces in recent years, and the simplicity offered by the Civic's blueprint is a step in the right direction.

The A-Spec with Technology package trim level bumps the infotainment screen size to 9 inches, adds a 12-way power-adjustable seat for the driver, and doubles the number of speakers to 16. The 16-speaker system is an addition from ELS audio, and it provides excellent sound quality but not nearly enough power. Crank it all the way up during your favorite song and you'll still be wondering, "Where's the rest of the volume?" A head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, and three USB-C ports are also on deck in this top-level Integra. If you opt for the CVT, you get remote engine start too.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both worked flawlessly during our test, but it should be noted that there's no integrated navigation available — on any trim level. Most drivers will likely rely on smartphone navigation, but if you're driving through an area with spotty cellphone service, you should be sure to plug in your destination before you head out.

The Integra's interior storage space for small items is excellent too. Like the Civic it's based on, there are several small cubbies, sliding cupholders, and spaces you can organize to fit the needs of your small items.