An Icon for the Next Generation

By A.Giron | December 16, 2022

“The 2023 Acura Integra is serving the same role in the lineup as the original model that helped launch the brand three decades ago by bringing in the next generation of driving enthusiast,” said Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President, Acura National Sales. “With its engaging driving character, flexible five-door liftback body style and advanced technology and features, the Integra will welcome a host of new buyers to the Acura brand.”

The Acura has always been Honda’s pride and joy, despite it sharing a similar architecture to the Honda Civic. The Acura has always been good and has, over the years, won many ‘Car of the Year’ Awards, but now happens to be positioned in a tricky spot, especially after the Lucid Air was introduced in 2022.  

Not too long ago, the six-speed manual was the talk of the town, the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, is the next big thing…but why? That is what we’ll explore in this review. 

Exterior Design

The 2023 Integra features sporty and compact proportions inspired by previous Integras, specifically the original 5-door model that helped launch the Acura brand in 1986. The new Integra combines a coupe-like profile with surprising flexibility thanks to its liftback design. Thin A-pillars and a low cowl create an expansive greenhouse for excellent outward visibility which is also beneficial during spirited driving.

Integra continues Acura’s alluring contrast design language, first seen on the 2019 RDX. A sophisticated front fascia features a frameless version of Acura’s Diamond Pentagon grille, framed by four JewelEye® LED headlight elements and “Chicane” LED daytime running lights. LED fog lights integrated into the lower fascia are available.  

An aggressive rear fascia with dual exhaust finishers emphasizes the Integra’s wide track and sporty stance. An upswept decklid and wide, single piece LED taillights harken back to previous generation models, and the embossed Integra logos in the front and rear fascia recall the 3rd generation car. Distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels are standard while 18-inch wheels are optional, and accessory 19-inch wheels are available.

An available A-Spec® sport-appearance package pumps up the visual style with a gloss-black window surrounds and front and rear fascia trim. A sporty lip spoiler and A-Spec® badges adorn the front fenders and tailgate. Shark Gray 18-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in larger 235/40R18 all-season performance tires.

Driving Experience 

The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, drives as you would expect. It is a well-turned subcompact, but it is anything but budget. Similar to the manual Integra, this one’s four-cylinder banger puts out a delicious 200 HP with 192 lb/ft of torque. 

The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, comes with all-season tires and managed to hit an impressive 60 mph from a dead stop in just 7.6 seconds. This sounds disappointing compared to the previous models, but trust us when we tell you that unless you’re taking this on the track, this so-called sluggishness can’t be felt on the road. However, engineers told us that this slight compromise in briskness was needed to improve fuel efficiency. 

Driving the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, feels blissful, for lack of a better word; that’s probably down to its legendary chassis that hugs winding roads at high speeds. The steering may probably not feel like anything special, but it is highly accurate, with a ride quality that’s second to none. 

Body control is excellent, thanks to the adaptive independent suspension. We had absolutely no problems working this vehicle through our test route. The braking feels good, too, delivering a soft progressive travel for smooth braking. 

While the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, isn’t billed as a luxury car, it still includes its fair share of nice feeling materials. That ups the already excellent driving experience, especially on long-highway drives. 

Interior Comfort 

As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech shares a great deal with the Civic; a big part of that shared ecosystem is in the cabin. For instance, the Liquid Carbon Metallic paint used in the Acura Integra was similar to the ones we’ve seen in the Civic. However, that’s a good thing in our books because the Civic is a very comfortable vehicle. 

The padded leather seats feel great and offer an extra bit of support compared to the Civic. Speaking of the Civic, there is the switchgear, which is similar. All components are well executed, though we think that there could have taken things a step further. Though we love the brilliantly textured HVAC knobs and other small well thought titbits that enhance the overall driving experience. 

Speaking of entertainment, we have the 9.0-inch touchscreen display that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is part of the A-Spec model. There is also a USB-C port, USB-A port, charging pad, and other little goodies to make you happy. 

Final Word

The 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec w/Tech, is an excellent vehicle that makes a strong value proposition. It’s spacious, built to last with a big trunk. The adaptive dampers are a nice touch to the A-spec version. 

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