What do you expect from a Honda vehicle? Good-enough comfort? Reliability? An average car? Prepare to adjust your expectations, because Honda’s pumped out quite the little stunner with the 2023 Integra.
Released under the Acura moniker, the all-new 2023 Integra proves to be, in all aspects, a great car.
The Integra starts at a price of $30,800 for the base model, a price which Crest Acura of Syracuse (the generous provider of the test vehicle) does honor, sans markups. As for the test vehicle itself, a top tier A-Spec model equipped with the Technology Package and six-speed manual transmission, rings in at only $37,395 – which is as costly as the Integra gets.
Aside from a stellar automobile, you’re also getting two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance from Acura. What’s more, is the four year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty to cover any manufacturer defects, and a six year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty to protect everything under the hood.
The exterior of the vehicle is a rather pleasant sight. The sedan-based hatchback is inherently sleek, appearing to slice through the air rather than push through it. The front end features a large, open grille with diamond shaped slats accompanied by a smaller lower grille, and functional air ducts on the sides that direct air to the brakes in order to keep them cool and effective during long drives. Fortunately, the test vehicle was dressed in the best available color, Apex Blue Pearl – a deep, striking blue with tons of pearly flakes within the paint.
As for the interior, it’s very, very nice – for a Honda. It’s easy to differentiate the Integra’s interior from any conventional Honda, but it’s not quite on-par with its main market competitors, the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class. It’s not so much on the same level as other Acura interiors either, but then again, it is the entry level model in Acura’s lineup. Remove it from the lens of other options, and the interior is rather appealing.
Overall, the interior is great at first sight, but look too closely and you may find yourself befuddled. The center console trim, a rather small piece, is the sole element in the cabin colored piano black. The graphite-colored dashboard trim would’ve been nicer had it matched the color of something else, whether it be the exterior paint or upholstery. Holistically speaking, there’s just too many different shades of black and gray throughout the entire cabin.
Moving onto the positives, the seats were supple; they’ll sufficiently and comfortably hold the driver in place on a winding road. Moreover, they’re great for any given road trip, as after the hour-long test my back felt better than it did when I first got in the car. Thank you, God, for heated seats!
The cargo space is surprisingly large for a compact vehicle. With the rear seats upright, you could easily fit the luggage of a family of four. With the seats folded down, there’s enough space to fit a small air mattress in there with plenty of headroom, and extra space on the sides of the trunk for other belongings. Did someone say overland Integra?
The Integra’s main pitfall is the tech in the cabin. While it does feature niceties such as a customizable digital gauge cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a wireless charging pad, a nine inch infotainment screen, and an outstanding stereo system, that’s about it. When purchasing a car from a luxury brand such as Acura, you shouldn’t have to release a cheap plastic lever to adjust the tilt of your steering wheel. Your passengers also shouldn’t have to sit in the heat of summer or cold of winter, yet there are no a/c vents for the rear row. They’re small things, but things that are expected of a brand with this pedigree. A major oversight for this well established luxury brand, even if the Integra is just a Civic in a beauty pageant.
To sum it up the Integra’s performance in two words: confidence inspiring. The Integra was thrown into very, very sharp turns at speed and it’s only admittance of doubt was a whispered tire squeal from the rear. Mind you, it had rained a few hours prior. The active suspension damping and limited-slip differential up front allowed the Integra to maintain its composure while executing exhilarating maneuvers.
It’s no secret that the Integra isn’t quite a race car though. In Car and Driver’s testing, it managed a seven second sprint to 60, and was able to run the quarter mile in 15.3. Both figures are slightly slower than the Civic Si, however that can be attributed to the Integra’s +100lb. weight penalty.
Despite lackluster numbers, make no mistake – the Integra feels quick. The Integra carries roughly 180 of its 187 ft. lbs. of torque throughout the vast majority of the rev-range, 2000-5500rpm. That translates to the Integra being ready and willing to pick up the pace in any gear, at any speed. The eager engine is further aided by quick gearing in the six-speed, with first and second gear at 3.643:1 and 2.080:1 respectively, and paired with a 4.353:1 final drive.
The L15CA engine under the hood of both the Integra and Si presents only a measly 200 horsepower. However, don’t be dissuaded. If you just want a quick, luxurious sports car, you’ll be more than satisfied. If you’re more enthusiastic about bringing the most out of your vehicle, you’ll be pleased to know that the Integra is turbocharged from the factory, and a sharp increase in power is no more than a bigger turbo away.
To address the question everyone is asking: yes, the new Integra does live up to its legacy. From the factory, it’s cheap, quick, fun, confident, and considerably nicer than the Civic. Where it falls short is being a better performer than the Civic, but by no means is it worse.
In truth, the Integra is the Civic Si in new clothes. It’s a great car, but the only difference between it and the cheaper alternative is the packaging. If you’re in the market for one or the other, the only choice you have to make is how much you value aesthetics and technology. If they’re not that important to you, save yourself the money and get the Civic. If you enjoy your creature comforts and the prestige of owning an Acura, the few extra thousands may be worth it to you. But bear in mind, you’re not getting all too many, or the greatest features out there. Regardless, the Integra is a phenomenal car that does all the things it should, and it does them in great style, while keeping you in great comfort.