The 2024 Acura Integra is quick, precise, and blends pizazz with practicality

It’s 2024, and who’d have thought a luxury marque would put a 6-speed manual transmission on the options list? Thanks, Acura, for making the Integra even more interesting. Although there used to be an Integra in the 1990s, this generation debuted only last year, replacing the ILX. Like the ILX, the Integra is based on the Honda HMC, +1.90% Civic. That’s no bad thing. The latest generation of Civic is similarly fresh, wonderfully capable, and makes a great foundation.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current crop of small luxury cars, including several examples of the Acura Integra.  

What’s new for 2024

This year’s big story is the 320-horsepower Type S version. It has the same engine as the much-coveted Civic Type R but makes another five horsepower. As well as revised looks that are both stylish and functional, the Type S sports performance upgrades that include a helical-type limited-slip differential, Brembo front brakes, plus wider and grippier tires.

2024 Acura Integra pricing

The 2024 Acura Integra starts at $ 31,500. At the top of the Integra range comes the new Type S version, priced at almost $ 51K.

Integra	$ 31,500
Integra A-Spec	$ 33,500
Integra A-Spec w/Technology	$ 36,500
Integra Type S	$ 50,800

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include the $ 1,195 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

Other small premium sedans include the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the BMW BMW, +0.96% 2 Series Gran Coupe, all starting in the high $ 30K range. Among this crowd, the 2024 Integra has attractive pricing.

Alternatively, the Volkswagen VWAGY, +0.75% Golf GTI (hatchback) is almost luxurious and has an enthusiast heritage arguably greater than the Integra (non-Type S versions, at least). It also starts in the low $ 30K range yet is appreciably more powerful.

Before buying a new Integra, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to find out what you should be paying. The Integra only launched last year, but we’re expecting a respectable performance in the resale value tables.

Check out: The cars, trucks, EVs and SUVs with the best resale value in 2024

Driving the 2024 Acura Integra

The regular Integra is propelled by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 200 horsepower. For 2024, Acura has given the Integra a boost in the form of the new Type S version. With 320 horsepower, this model has the muscle to exploit a clearly capable chassis.

Most buyers will be looking at the regular version, though, which is capable of sprinting from standstill to 60 mph in about seven seconds. That makes it about a second slower than its German rivals. If we could change anything about this variant, we’d prefer an engine with a bit more thrust and a quicker response from the turbocharger. The Type S is good for a 5.7-second sprint.

It might matter to the select few who prefer a stick shift, which is offered in the 2024 Integra. Those people are probably feeling vindicated right now for keeping all their vinyl records as well, but we’re not expecting a sudden surge in popularity for the manual transmission. As these things go, though, it’s a delight to use — quick and precise.

Although the 2024 Integra comes with a lively, sport-tuned suspension as standard, we still find it comfortable enough on the highway, even if it can get a bit noisy. The variable-ratio steering keeps things nice and stable with a slow reaction on center, becoming faster the more it’s turned. Great for sharp changes of direction on twisting roads. This compact luxury sedan is simply an effective and enjoyable package.

Take that last statement and turn up the volume for the manual-transmission-only Type S. It has a wider track for greater stability, the suspension has adaptive dampers, and the car is wonderfully responsive without being twitchy. We also love the thrilling exhaust sound in Sport Plus mode from that triple-pipe system.

Also on MarketWatch: 10 cool used coupes you can get for under $ 20,000

Fuel economy

Combined miles-per-gallon figures vary. The base and A-Spec versions return 33 mpg (30 city, 37 highway). The A-Spec with Technology combination results in 32 mpg (29 city, 36 highway) with the automatic transmission or 30 mpg (26 city, 36 highway) with the manual gearbox. The Integra Type S achieves 24 combined mpg (21 city, 28 highway). Premium gasoline is recommended with both engines.

Sporty interior

We like the front seats for their combination of comfort and support, along with the general premium feel of the cabin. Thin pillars enhance outward vision and rear side airbags are standard in the 2024 Integra. One of the most distinctive features, though, is the liftback section. The rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner, creating a flat loadspace, resulting in flexibility for carrying cargo and/or passengers.

The A-Spec package brings red needles for the gauges, stainless steel pedals, and contrast stitching on the steering wheel, seats and shift gaiter. The Technology package livens up the standard simulated leather seating surfaces with inserts of simulated suede.

The basic infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen, the Technology package brings a 9-inch version. For an immersive audio experience, two of the 16 speakers in the ELS Studio sound system (part of the Technology package) are located above the front occupants.

Smart exterior

The 5-door liftback design of the Acura Integra blends a bit of pizazz with practicality. It’s definitely more interesting than a regular sedan and is another nod to past Integra models. We were able to fit a mountain bike in the back.

Cosmetic additions with the A-Spec package include a lip spoiler, various exterior details finished in gloss black, and 18-inch alloy wheels in Shark Gray. The Type S has its own body kit that includes a revised front fascia to improve airflow, functional hood scoop, and wider wheel arches to accommodate bigger tires. It also offers an exclusive paint finish: Tiger Eye Pearl, a kind of bronze.

You might like: The 2024 Toyota GR Supra review: An enthusiast’s machine with plenty of muscle, speed and agility

Our favorite features and tech

Acura Precision Cockpit
A 10.2-inch digital driver information display is standard in every new Integra premium sedan. It can be configured to show various pages of information.

Manual transmission
The 6-speed manual transmission (available in higher trims) evokes the glory days of the older Integra model, as well as allowing drivers to get the most out of either engine.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration
Apple AAPL, +0.57% CarPlay/Android Auto are standard equipment, as it should be. The A-Spec with Technology package goes wireless, while adding Wi-Fi and Amazon AMZN, +1.56% Alexa compatibility.

Smart Entry with Walk-Away Lock
No need to search pockets or purse for the car keys, the Integra senses the fob’s proximity to unlock. Or when that fob retreats past a certain distance, the car will lock itself. This is standard across the 2024 Integra range.

A-Spec with Technology package
Not everyone is going to choose the high-power yet higher-priced new Integra Type S, but some may still want a sporty edge with a touch of luxury. This choice brings an adaptive suspension and all the tech the Integra has to offer.

ELS audio
Elliot Scheiner is the man behind this 16-speaker system fitted to the pricier Integra models. Think of virtually any big name in music, and chances are this Grammy-winning engineer/producer has been behind the mixing desk with them at some point.

Engine and transmission

A turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine drives the regular Integra with 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. A standard automatic transmission sends this to the front wheels. There’s no option for all-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is available, however.

The new-for-2024 Integra Type S packs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque — that’s a lot of muscle to come from such an engine. This is paired solely with a 6-speed manual transmission and, like the rest of the range, front-wheel drive is the sole configuration. A mechanical limited-slip differential keeps torque steer in check.

Plus: The 2024 Nissan Z is a blast from the past and a pure fun machine

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

Acura’s new-vehicle warranty is in line with most other luxury marques — four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. But it’s a little more generous with its powertrain warranty of six years or 70,000 miles. Acura also includes free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles.

Also see: The most and least reliable car brands for 2024, according to Consumer Reports

Safety ratings

Following its launch last year, the Integra now has a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), plus a maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Be sure to read: These are 2023’s safest new cars

KBB’s car review  methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.