2026 Acura Integra

The Integra can be that first toe into the luxury car waters. It won’t scare off buyers with torrid tales of depreciation and maintenance costs. And the reputation for reliability that Acura has always enjoyed remains intact, even in this compact luxury car built on the same foundation as the (actually quite excellent) Honda Civic hatchback and the Civic Si. The Integra is enjoyable to drive and surprisingly practical, and should stay that way after many miles. More standard features for 2026 enhance its practicality.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact luxury cars, including the Acura Integra.

The 7-inch touchscreen has been replaced by a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen across the three trim lines. It connects with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless device charger is also standard. A color-matched mesh grille comes on Integras with the Performance Red Pearl or Double Apex Blue Pearl coats. A black grille can be optioned, or it comes standard on the four other colors. A-Spec versions wear a new aero kit with gloss black accents on the splitter, rocker panels, and spoiler, and they roll on 18-inch black alloy wheels. Ambient interior lighting completes the A-Spec upgrades.

Although the Type S is great, the price of $54,595 is not so great. We recommend the popular A-Spec with the Technology Package that comes with either the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) standard elsewhere or the 6-speed manual transmission. That would still be competitive in price against base versions of the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Before buying a new Integra luxury car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are exceptional. We gave last year’s model our award for best resale values in its class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Most versions of the Integra have a 200-horsepower engine, with the ability to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in around seven seconds. The Integra’s German rivals are about one second quicker. In an ideal world, we’d prefer an engine with a bit more thrust and a faster response from the turbocharger.

Although the Integra has a lively, sport-tuned suspension as standard, we still find it comfortable enough on the highway, even if the cabin gets a bit noisy for a premium car. The variable-ratio steering keeps things stable, with a slow reaction on center, then becoming faster the more it’s turned. It makes for superb responsiveness for sharp changes of direction on twisting roads. Overall, we think the Integra is an effective and enjoyable package. It comes only with front-wheel drive.

Take that last verdict and turn up the volume for the 320-hp Integra Type S, which will hit 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It has a wider track for greater stability, adaptive dampers in the suspension, and is wonderfully responsive without being twitchy. We also love the thrilling exhaust sound from that triple-pipe system in Sport Plus mode. We consider the Integra Type S to be a more mature version of the Honda Civic Type R hot hatch.

There’s one feature in the Type S that’s particularly appealing: a 6-speed manual transmission. Acura doesn’t even offer the CVT on the Type S. The manual can also be a no-cost option on the A-Spec w/Technology version. It’s a delight to use, quick and precise with short throws and a forgiving clutch pedal. Acura has built in technology to make it difficult to stall, so it’s a great vehicle to learn or teach the endangered 6-speed manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Integra returns decent fuel economy. The base model with the 200-hp engine achieves 32 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s 4 mpg better than the Audi A3 (which, admittedly, has all-wheel drive as standard) and 2 mpg better than the BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe (also with all-wheel drive).

If you choose to row your own gears with the manual, you’ll pay more at the pump, because the EPA estimates the A-Spec with Technology Package at 30 mpg combined. The Type S is 24 mpg combined.

The Integra’s cabin has enough attention to detail to distinguish it from the related Honda Civic, though the mesh pattern on the vents and the climate dials feel familiar. Even so, we’d prefer the physical switches and knobs for climate control instead of burying everything in the newly standard 9-inch touchscreen. Certain two-tone upholstery packages lend it a premium feel, along with the contrast of metallic-looking trim and intuitive switchgear. The Integra’s front seats are both comfortable and supportive.

Thin pillars enhance outward vision, and rear side airbags are standard in the Integra. The rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner, creating a flat load space and bringing flexibility for carrying cargo or passengers. And while rear legroom is more than generous at 37.4 inches, rear headroom of just 36.4 inches won’t be so popular with taller passengers.

One of the most distinctive features, though, is the liftback section. The 5-door liftback design of the Acura Integra blends style with practicality. The cargo area opens up into hatchback space, rather than a more limited trunk, as in standard sedans. It’s more interesting than a regular sedan and another nod to Integra models of the past. With the rear seats up, there’s 24.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold them down and the Integra becomes almost SUV-like — we could fit a mountain bike in the back. However, the rear opening’s high lip may make loading heavy items a bit cumbersome.

The A-Spec package brings red needles for the gauges, stainless steel pedals, plus contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats, and shift cover. The Technology package enlivens the synthetic leather upholstery with inserts of simulated suede.

For an immersive audio experience, two of the 16 speakers in the ELS Studio sound system (part of the Technology package, or standard in the Type S) are located above the front occupants.

Sleek, swept-back headlights complement a similar design for the Integra’s taillights. The bold 5-point Acura grille, meanwhile, looks even more pronounced when fitted to a compact car. In a nod to the OG Integra, the car’s name is molded into the front and rear bumpers.

Styling becomes more assertive with the A-Spec trims, adding a lip spoiler, various exterior details finished in gloss black, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The Type S has its own body kit that includes a bespoke front fascia to improve airflow, a functional hood scoop, and wider wheel arches to accommodate bigger tires than the rest of the Integra lineup.

New colors this year are Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, and Double Apex Blue Pearl. Acura also offers the choice of a color-matched grille for certain colors. We have to be honest here and say that this feature hasn’t gone down so well among our testing team. One observation was: “There’s something Regis Philbin matching shirt and tie about it.” We’re sure some people will like it.

Acura Precision Cockpit

A 10.2-inch digital driver information display is standard in every Integra. We’ve found it to be logical and user-friendly.

Manual transmission

The 6-speed manual transmission (available in A-Spec with Technology Package and the Type S) evokes the glory days of older Integra models and allows drivers to get the most out of either engine. Although we recognize its limited appeal, driving enthusiasts will be intrigued.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration

This becomes standard equipment across the 2026 lineup, along with wireless charging. The Integra also offers Wi-Fi and Amazon Alexa compatibility.

Smart Entry with Walk-Away Lock

No need to search pockets or purses for the car keys — the Integra senses the fob’s proximity to unlock. We also like that the system works the other way, locking the car when the fob retreats past a certain distance.

A-Spec with Technology package

Not everyone will go for the sportiest and priciest Integra Type S, but some may still want a driver’s edge with a touch of luxury. This choice offers an adaptive suspension and all the tech the Integra offers.

ELS audio

We love a good sound system, and the 16-speaker ELS setup in the pricier Integra models qualifies. It was developed by Grammy-winning engineer/producer Elliot Scheiner. Think of virtually any big name in music, and there’s a good chance Scheiner has been behind the mixing desk with them at some point.

The main engine in the 2026 Integra lineup is a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder unit making a just-about-adequate 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. This goes solely to the front wheels through an automatic transmission — or, in the case of the A-Spec w/Technology Package, an optional 6-speed manual gearbox. Either way, there’s no provision for all-wheel drive in any Integra.

That includes the Integra Type S, which employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 320 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. This impressive output makes it one of the most powerful production engines of its kind. The Type S comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. A helical limited-slip front differential keeps torque steer in check.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty on a 2026 Integra compact luxury car lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Powertrain coverage is for six years or 70,000 miles. Complimentary scheduled maintenance over the first two years or 24,000 miles is also included.

Safety Ratings

The Integra has earned the second-highest accolade of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It also earned a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.